Frank understood the full extent of the peril through which he had passed, and a prayer welled from his lips.
“Thank God!”
He was grateful in his heart, and he felt that he had been spared through the kindness of an all-wise Providence.
It was some moments before he could stir. He lay on the floor, panting, and regaining his strength.
He heard no sound in the room, for all the noise he had made in coming in, and more than ever he became convinced that the room had been occupied by his desperate enemy who had sought to destroy him that night.
There was now no longer a doubt concerning the purpose of the man who had gained admission to Frank’s room. The fellow had not come there for plunder, but for the purpose of harming Merriwell.
Frank rose and sought the gas jet, which he lighted. Then he looked around.
Somehow, it seemed that the room had been occupied that night, although the bed was undisturbed, showing that no person had slept in it.
Frank fancied that his enemy had sat by the window, waiting, waiting till he felt sure Merry was sound asleep.
And Frank had been sleeping soundly. He realized that, and he knew something had caused him to awaken, just in time.