Walter wanted to see them, also.
Dick at once declined to go, but told Frank that he must go. At first, Merry urged Starbright to come along, but the big fellow shook his head, saying:
“No, Frank; it would be folly for me to go there—much better for me to stay away. You must understand that. I must keep away from her.”
It was useless to urge him to go, so Frank gave it up. They saw Diamond off first, as Jack made an early start. He was in a royal good humor.
“You must come across for the occasion when it comes off, Merry,” he smiled, speaking of his marriage to Juliet Reynolds. “You know you are to be the best man.”
“I can’t promise absolutely, old fellow,” said Frank; “but I’ll come if I can. We can’t be sure of the future.”
“All I know is that I owe everything to you, for I might have blown in my last dollar gambling if you had not pulled me up with a round turn. Had I done so, my conscience would not have permitted me to accept Juliet’s invitation to come back. I should have regarded myself as entirely unworthy. Merriwell, I can never repay you for what you have done!”
“You have already.”
“How?”
“With your smiling face, your happiness, the change that has come over you. It’s enough!”