Rat-tat-tat!—a knock on the door.
Before Frank could speak the door swung open, and Granville Garland, Douglas Dunton and Lester Vance entered.
“Mr. Merriwell,” cried Vance, “Dunton has heard something about Hodge!”
“Has he?” said Frank, with perfect coolness, as if nothing had happened to disturb him in the least.
“I have,” nodded Dunton, looking serious. “I heard that he was seen purchasing a ticket for St. Joseph.”
“Is it true he has gone?” asked Garland. “I could hardly believe it when Vance told me.”
“I’m afraid he has been foolish enough to leave,” admitted Merry.
“And all because Havener called him down! My, my! How foolish! He oughtn’t to mind a little thing like that.”
“That was not all,” said Vance significantly.
“No?”