Of course, this encounter had attracted attention, but its sudden termination without police interference seemed to disappoint the crowd, which began to melt away in short order.
Inza had stood aside while Merriwell and Starbright disposed of the three men, but now she came forward and spoke to them, although seeming not a little astonished and distressed.
“I’m so glad you were on hand to help us!” she said. “If I’d been a man, I think I should have enjoyed taking part in that!”
“I think I owe the gentlemen thanks,” said the stranger. “They were too many for me, and it’s lucky somebody happened along to help me out. I must say you disposed of them very finely.”
Starbright was scowling at the stranger, but Frank laughed quietly.
“I assure you,” said Merry, “we enjoyed the pleasure.”
“But Frank, Dick,” said Inza, plainly bewildered, “I thought you both in New Haven.”
“As you see, we are not.”
“But how does it happen?”
“I was detained in the city,” Merry explained, “and Dick ran down to—to see me and to take me back.”