CHAPTER XXX.
THE END OF PORFIAS DEL NORTE.
Frank's party returned to Buffalo, and, for all of the startling affair at the falls, enjoyed a splendid dinner at the hotel where they were stopping.
Inza had recovered in a remarkable manner, betraying not a trace of nervousness, despite her late terrible experience. She was the life of the party at dinner.
After dinner nearly all of them gathered in Merry's room to chat. Dade Morgan was an exception. He was strangely restless and uneasy, and he improved an opportunity to slip away without attracting attention.
Slipping on his overcoat, he sauntered forth for a stroll along the principal street of the city.
As he was passing the Iroquois Hotel some one struck him a heavy blow on the shoulder, and a voice exclaimed:
"Dade Morgan, as I live! Well, wouldn't this jostle you some!"
A young man who looked something like a swell, yet had a dissipated appearance, grasped Morgan's hand and shook it warmly.
"This is a surprise!" he declared. "Saw you last at the Imperial in little old New York the night after the ponies hit you such a bump. You had accumulated a large load and were in a pretty mushy condition. Lost track of you after that. Couldn't find you, you know. Didn't anybody seem to know what had become of you. Was afraid you'd done something rash. You're looking fine as a daisy. What brought you to this town? Come in and have a drink and tell me about it."