"Come in, fellows!" called Frank, cheerfully.
He was examining some of his clothes. They were the clothes he had worn that evening, and a glance showed they were torn and ruined.
"Just looking over this suit, to see how much it was damaged," Merriwell laughed. "It strikes me it is knocked out. Won't ever be able to wear it again."
Then he saw them standing and staring at him in astonishment, and he asked:
"What's the matter?"
"Rattleton must have been stringing us!" exclaimed Puss Parker.
"Lot on your nife—I mean not on your life!" spluttered Harry. "I gave it to you straight."
"But Merriwell is here—all right."
"How long have you been here, Merry?" asked Browning.
"Came in about ten minutes ago," answered Frank. "Just had time to change my clothes before you chaps drifted in."