“Of course,” they cried.
Then he tore it open and read it. They saw his face grow pale and his hand tremble, while his breast heaved. He read to the end, and then he lifted his eyes to his friends.
“What is it?” cried Bart Hodge, in apprehension. “Bad news, Merry?”
“Fellows,” said Frank, hoarsely, “my career at Yale is ended! I am ruined!”
They leaped to their feet.
“Ruined?” gasped Diamond. “What do you mean?”
“My fortune is lost! Prof. Scotch, my guardian, has speculated with my money, and lost every dollar! I am a beggar!”
CHAPTER II.
FAREWELL TO YALE.
Like wildfire spread the report that Frank Merriwell was going to leave college. In an hour it seemed that all Yale knew it. There was consternation in the dormitories and on the campus. Students gathered in groups to talk of it. Everyone seemed to regard it as a great calamity.