“We cannot be sure. I should be left alone in the world.”
“Hush! He must go away again—must leave the country. If he were recognized and apprehended, the blow would be sure to completely undo father.”
Her trouble and distress affected Frank and compelled him to say:
“You know, Inza, that you may ever depend on me. If anything happens, I shall be ready to help and befriend you.”
“I have no doubt of that, Frank. Somehow, I’ve been wishing you were going back to Fardale with us, if only for a single day.”
His heart leaped at the thought. To be in Fardale with Inza once more! To visit the dear old spots with her! She was watching his face, and she suddenly exclaimed:
“Why don’t you come, Frank? Can’t you? You can go along with us. Please come!”
Her hand was on his arm, and they were alone again. He secured that hand and looked deep into her eyes.
“Of course I do! It would be splendid! And I’m sure you could give father strength and courage to bear up and withstand the journey.”
A struggle was taking place within his heart, for he knew that already he had remained away from college far longer than he should. He had obtained permission to leave for a time, but surely it had been anticipated that he would return before this.
“Do come with us, Frank!” she urged. “If you wish, you may leave us as soon as we arrive there.”
“I’ll do it, Inza!” he exclaimed. “I’ll go back to Fardale with you!”
Frank found Mr. Burrage sitting bolstered in an easy chair, wrapped about with blankets and made easy with pillows. Walter Burrage was with the invalid. He advanced at once, his hand outstretched, and greeted Merry.
“Mr. Merriwell,” he said, “I am glad you have given me this opportunity to thank you for saving my life.”
“Don’t speak of that!” urged Frank. “I was glad to be of service, and——”
“You came just in time. The fire was gaining rapidly, and those Chinks had left us perfectly helpless, bound hands and feet. I’ve been to the hospital to see the doctor whom they tapped on the head, and they say there is no chance for him to recover. His skull is fractured. The police are looking for the Chinamen, though they are not informed of all that happened. The Chinese secret society has recovered that infernal little black stick, which I brought to this country to sell to Doctor Dennoval, and I shall never lay eyes on it again. But for the fact that I knew the doctor would pay a large sum for it, I should never have ventured into the United States at this time. Even now I’m afraid my concern with this affair may bring about my recognition.”