"Merriwell's show!" cried Harris, forcing a laugh. "I rather think his show business is over. We have put an end to that."
Then he turned on Frank, some of the color getting back into his face.
"We've fixed you this time," the revengeful fellow sneered. "It's the first time I've ever been able to do you up in good shape. You always managed to squirm out of everything before, but all your squirming will do you no good now."
Frank was silent, his eyes fixed on Harris' face, and the fellow felt the contempt of that look as keenly as it was possible for him to feel anything.
"Don't look at me like that!" he snarled.
"How I hate you, Merriwell!" he panted, bending toward Frank, while Mazarin watched him narrowly. "I never dreamed I could hate anyone as I hate you."
Then, quick as a flash, he struck Frank a stinging blow with his open hand, nearly upsetting the youth, chair and all.
"Oh there is some satisfaction in that!" he grated.
"A coward's satisfaction," said the steady voice of the helpless victim. "Only a wretched coward would strike a person bound and unable to resist!"
Mazarin uttered the words, and they filled Harris with unspeakable fury.
"Right!" he snarled. "What's the matter with you? You smashed his stuff when he was tied and unable to prevent it. Was that cowardly?"
"Just that," nodded Mazarin, gloomily. "I have played the coward here, as well as you. I know it now, but it is too late to undo anything I have done."
"Well, you make me sick!" Harris sneered. "You are one of the kind that does a thing and then squeals. I'm glad we are going to quit, for I wouldn't dare trust you after this."
"Nor I you," returned the little man. "You'd be sure to do something to get us both in a mess. Come, are you going to get out of here?"
"I have a few more things to say to Merriwell."
"Well, we must gag him, or he will set up a howling the moment we are gone."
"Let him howl. We'll be outside of the building, and it is dark. We can get away. It's not likely he'll be heard for some time if he does howl, and----"
Somewhere below in the building a door closed.
Harris made a leap and caught Mazarin by the wrist.
There were steps on the stairs leading to the stage.
"Help! help! This way! Look out for trouble! Hurry!"
