"I am on my guard now," assured Merriwell.
"I want to tell you something, Frank," said Cassie, glancing around to make sure no one was near enough to hear.
"I am listening."
"I'm playing to-night without using the needle."
"No?"
"Yes. First time I've ever been able to quit it entirely, though I have been tapering down on it. How am I doing?"
"First rate, Cassie. Never could tell any difference from your usual work."
"Well, it's hard, hard! I have to brace up fearfully to keep keyed to the right pitch, and I'll be all broke up when the show is over. But I am winning out."
"Brave little girl!"
"I ain't doing it all alone, Frank. Some one is helping me."