“I know nothing of the paper,” answered Frank truthfully.
“Then you have not turned it over to the courts?”
“Nevertheless, in some manner, that paper has reached the courts. It is said it will clear Dreyfus. Of that I have doubts, for I believe Dreyfus guilty. However, I wished to confirm the story that you were connected with the affair. I understand your life has been threatened?”
“And that is true. I have been told that I must leave France, or the Anti-Dreyfus League would destroy me.”
“Well, there is no reason why you need fear the Anti-Dreyfus League.”
“That order no longer exists. Monsieur Merriwell, you need have no further fear of the league.”
“They are harmless now, for the league is not behind them. There is no reason why they should molest you.”
There was a scream, and a sudden commotion at the adjoining table. Several gendarmes had appeared there, and they were arresting the man and the woman. The man was furious, and made a struggle. He tried to draw a weapon and place it at his head, plainly with the intention of committing suicide, but he was prevented and disarmed. Then irons were placed upon him. A hand fell on Frank Merriwell’s arm. He turned his head, and saw the Man of Mystery at his elbow.
“You have witnessed the arrest of the chief of the Black Brothers!” said Mr. Noname, with great satisfaction. “I have hunted him down! I have placed the officers upon him!”
“Yes! The band is scattered and broken. One has committed suicide to-night, while two others have been arrested. Three have fled from Paris. My hired spies have done their work swiftly and well!”
“Even so. More than that, I have solved the mystery of the bomb-throwing. In a drawer of the very table at which the man sat, drinking coffee and reading a paper, when you rushed into the café to capture the bomb-thrower, I discovered—these!”
He held up a false beard, a long-haired wig, and a slouch hat.
“The disguise worn by the fellow who threw the bomb. He made himself up to look like me. Without doubt, he was the man who was drinking coffee when you entered the room. He was one of the band of Black Brothers.”
Now they again turned their attention to the gendarmes, who were marching their prisoners away. As they departed, the woman turned, and saw Frank standing and staring after her.