“That Merriwell got us to kidnap Boltwood so that he might disguise himself as that freak and take part in the fun. He did it, while Boltwood languished in the dark hole where we have stowed him. You both know Merriwell’s ability to make up. He is a great actor. He fooled everybody into thinking he was Knight at the regatta. This Boltwood is about Merriwell’s height, and----”
“Merciful heavens!” gasped Carker. “I believe you are right!”
“I believe so, too!” admitted Bingham reluctantly. “Now that I think of it, it seems to me that Boltwood to-night was too well built for the poet. And it also seems that I observed in his movements some of Merriwell’s ways.”
“He did it to get even with me,” said Ready.
“And you must confess that he has about made the score even,” said Carker.
“Well, I’m glad I wasn’t tossed round like that by that freak of a freshman poet!” he exclaimed.
“Tell you what,” said Bingham, “let’s go see if Boltwood is still in the basement of the old storage-house. If that was Merriwell, he must be there.”
“I’m with you!” cried Jack. “Come on, Carker!”
Away they went. They found a cab and piled into it in a hurry, having given the driver directions.
“He’ll be there,” said Bingham confidently. “I haven’t a doubt of it now.”
“I hope he is,” said Ready. “I feel like slamming him round a few, just to relieve my feelings.”
They stopped at last near the old warehouse. Leaving the cab to wait, they jumped out and approached the dark and gloomy building. A watchman stopped them.
“It’s all right, Bill,” assured Jack. “Here’s your pay for watching. We’ve come for the captive. Is he safe?”
“Sure thing,” said the man, taking the money from Jack. “You’ll find him right there.”
“Had to drive anybody away from the building?”
“That settles it!” growled Bingham. “Now we know who did the trick! Ready, Merriwell is more than even with you!”
“Don’t say a word!” muttered Jack. “I believe I shall have to slam Boltwood round a little, just to ease the strain on my nervous system.”
They entered the old building and descended into the basement. It was dark down there, but they found a candle and lighted it. Then they proceeded to a heavy door, on which there was a padlock, and against which was a heavy bar.