“Now,” said Madison, “let’s away to the lair of the tiger.”
To the surprise of all, Herrick showed reluctance. He held back and made a show of embarrassment.
“What is the matter, Charley?” asked Diamond, in surprise. “I thought you were in a hurry.”
“But we’ve added another to our party,” said the man with the dark mustache, in a guarded tone, looking slantwise at Merry.
“Well, he’s all right,” declared Jack indignantly, his face flushed and his breath heavy with the fumes of liquor.
“You know Dick is mighty particular.”
“What is it, gentlemen?” demanded Frank, stepping forward. “If I am in anybody’s way——”
“Not at all,” Herrick hastened to say; “but we were going to a certain place where the proprietor is very particular about his guests. Every man who enters there must be vouched for.”
“Well, I can vouch for Merriwell,” asserted the Virginian.
“Yes, but you are not very well known there. You’ve visited the place only once, you know.”