Creighton took them directly to a restaurant that was famous for its chops. They ordered, Charlie and Harry taking ale with their food.
Just as the chops were brought on, a man came in and took a seat at a table nearby. This man was dressed in a new suit of "store clothes," and wore a full beard. He gave his order to the waiter in a low tone, and then began perusing a paper, behind which his face was almost entirely hidden.
Rattleton happened to sit so that he naturally looked toward the man, and, several times, he caught that individual peering over the top of the paper. It did not take Harry long to note that the person with the paper seemed to be watching Frank Merriwell.
Suddenly Frank's roommate arose, and, with two swift steps, he was at the man's side. Without a word,
Harry caught the gentleman by the beard, which he gave a sharp jerk.
The beard came off in Harry's hand!
It was false!
"Look, Frank!" cried Rattleton, pointing at the smooth-shaven face exposed; "it is the mysterious man who has been following you about!"
It was in truth the mysterious unknown, and Frank was on his feet in a twinkling, resolved not to let the man escape till he had given a full explanation of his remarkable conduct.
To Merriwell's surprise, the stranger showed no desire to run away, but sat smiling serenely up at him, calmly observing: