Merry lifted him to his feet.
“Now, go,” he said. “Get out of this place, and keep away from all places like it. Come to me at the time set, and I’ll be waiting for you. Steer clear of those two men over there. Quit them at once, and never have anything to do with their like again.”
“I will! I will! But do not fail me, Frank Merriwell! My life depends on it! My mother’s life——”
“There, there! Say no more, but come to me to-morrow. Don’t doubt for an instant that I’ll meet you. I surely will. Good night.”
Merry had walked across that noiseless carpet, his arm about the unfortunate youth. The two men started toward the door, as if to join the lad, but Frank gave them a look that stopped them in their tracks.
At the door Frank gave the misguided lad his hand.
“I know,” breathed Collins—“I know by the grip of your hand that you are true! I know you will save me! Thank God!”
Then he left Dick Canfield’s to return no more.
Frank turned to his companions, quietly saying:
“Come, gentlemen, let’s take a look at the tiger.”