“Well, this is what I call being in the nick of time!” observed the Virginian, with satisfaction. “I hope you’ve not left anybody behind?”
“Not unless there were families in the place.”
“There are none,” assured Jack. “Man told me outside. Upper part is used by some kind of a medicine company.”
When they reached the street they found a fire-engine had just arrived on the scene.
Inza was discovered bending over the stranger, who seemed pretty well used up. As they drew near they saw Starbright standing a few feet away, staring at Inza, a strange look of shame on his face. And they heard Inza sobbing:
“Oh, Walter, my brother! I thought you could not escape!”
“Her brother!” gasped Frank, astounded. “Why, it’s Walter Burrage, who disappeared years ago and was supposed dead. I knew the fellow at Fardale!”
In a moment everything was explained, save the strange manner in which Inza had declined to introduce Walter to Frank and Starbright, and the man’s own reticence in regard to his name.
Starbright came over to Frank.
“He’s her brother!” he said. “Merriwell, I’m going to shoot myself! There will be one fool less in the world!”