“Good-evening!” he said. “Isn’t this rather late for a call? I wasn’t expecting you.”
The man was crouching before him, as if to spring toward him, but Frank’s cool words seemed to cause further hesitation. A muttering growl came from behind the mask, but no words did the unknown speak.
“It is possible you dropped into the wrong room,” said Merry. “I trust you will be able to explain yourself, for you are in a rather awkward predicament. Besides that, you have hidden your face, and that does not speak well for your honest intentions.”
Without doubt, the intruder was astonished by Merriwell’s wonderful coolness. Although startled from slumber in such a nerve-shocking manner, Frank now seemed perfectly self-possessed.
Silence.
“You don’t seem to be a very sociable sort of caller,” said Merry, with something like a faint laugh. “Won’t you take off your mask and sit down a while.”
The youth asked the question as if he were inviting the stranger to take off his hat and make himself at home.
The man’s hand slipped into his bosom. Frank fancied it sought a weapon.
Now it happened that Merry had no weapon at hand, and he felt that he would be in a very unpleasant position if that other were to “get the drop” on him.
Frank made a rush at the stranger.