In this manner the cab rattled up to the corner of College and Chapel Streets, where it stopped. The freshman wrenched open the door, jumped out, bade the discomfited and disgusted sophomores good night, and ran into Osborn Hall.
The events of that night completely mystified Ready, Bingham, and Carker. They were certain that one of the “Boltwoods” was Merriwell, but which one was the question that troubled them. After a while Jack Ready figured it out.
“They were both Merriwells!” he declared.
“How could that be?” asked Bingham.
“Merriwell somehow found out where we had taken Boltwood. He left the fellow there, while he made up and led the freshmen. When the fight for the fence was over, he hastened to set Boltwood free and take his place, again in disguise. So it was Merriwell we encountered both times.”
It seemed marvelous, but it was the real explanation, Jack felt confident. However, when they accused Frank, Merry lifted his eyebrows, seemed greatly astonished, and told them they must be going daffy. Nor could they get him to admit that he had taken any part in the rush or had been in the cab with them.
“But to my dying day I shall believe it was Merriwell!” said Jack.