Frank followed. The front door had been closed, but Cunningham thrust it open and entered. When that door closed with a bang behind Frank, a sudden presentiment of danger seized upon him.
Up to that time there had been nothing to arouse his suspicions, and, knowing Elsie was in Charlottesville, it is not at all strange that he had failed to penetrate the deception. Had there seemed to be any reason why any one should wish to do him harm, Merriwell would have been on his guard before, and it is certain he must have penetrated Cunningham’s trickery.
Now, having proceeded thus far, Frank quickly resolved to see the matter through. He would not retreat until he knew what was “doing,” but he would be on his guard.
“She’s up-stairs,” said Cunningham.
Up-stairs Frank followed the ruffian, striding along in advance in a careless manner.
“She’s right in this room,” declared the man, flinging open a door. “Walk in.”
But Frank did not walk. In that room he had caught a glimpse of two men who were playing cards at a rough table.
Instantly Cunningham turned round and grasped Merry’s collar.
“Walk in!” he repeated commandingly. “Here, Ben, I’ve got a visitor to see yo’.”
“Remove your hand!” said Frank, in a low, cold tone. “Remove it instantly!”