"Do not excite yourself, Mr. Merriwell; there is no reason for it. I have completed my business in a most satisfactory manner, and I am now ready to explain everything to you."
"It is an explanation which I expect and demand," said Frank, coldly. "It is no more than fair that I should have one, as you have shown yourself my persistent enemy, and that without any just cause that I know of."
"You are mistaken," returned the man; "instead of your enemy, I have been your firm friend from the very first."
"I fail to see how you can make that out."
"I will call at your rooms this evening and give you a full explanation."
"No!" cried Frank, promptly, "you will give me an explanation here and immediately."
"I do not think you will press me to that," was the calm assertion. "I might speak of affairs of a personal and family nature."
"You—you speak of such affairs—to me? Now it strikes me that you are attempting a bluff, sir; but it will not work."
The stranger reached into his pocket and took out something, which he held up before Frank's eyes.