“As I have thought it over this forenoon I have turned hot and cold by turns. First I would be buoyed with hope, and then my heart sank in despair as I realized the impossibility of receiving aid in such a manner. I have feared that you simply gave me the promise in order to keep me from killing myself at the time. I have been in terror lest you would not be here when I called. And now I am shaking with the apprehension that somehow I misunderstood you. Did you offer me the money, Mr. Merriwell? For mercy’s sake say you did, and that you have it ready for me!”
Collins seemed on the point of flinging himself on his knees before Frank.
“Steady, my boy,” said Merry, with a reassuring smile. “I agreed to let you have the money.”
A cry of joy broke from the pale lips of the youth.
“But great heavens! the danger—I have told you of the danger! I must have the money right away—if at all. My mother——”
“I am doing everything I can to get it. Unfortunately, it is far more money than I have of my own. I have sent messages to my father, but he sailed on my steam-yacht yesterday. The moment I can reach him I can make arrangements that will bring the money into my hands in a hurry.”
“And that may be too late!” groaned Collins.
Frank hurried to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Keep up your courage,” said Merry. “I’ll do everything I can. You are not lost till the truth is discovered. Even then, if such a thing should happen, you might fix it by restoring every dollar taken.”
“But the shame—I could not live through it! I could not face those men who have trusted me!”
The youth broke down, covered his face with his hands, and sobbed. Frank longed to possess the money at that moment, but it was not at hand. He talked reassuringly to Collins, who braced up after a little, wiping the tears from his eyes and looking more ashamed than ever.
“I’m a poor, weak thing!” he exclaimed in strong self-contempt. “How you must despise me!”
Merry did not despise him, but was thrilling with sympathy and pity for him. He convinced Collins of this after a time, and then the unfortunate lad told the complete story of how he had obtained the money and kept the knowledge from the other bank officials. He told Frank the name of the bank, holding back nothing.