“Oh, I don’t know! I may make it decidedly uncomfortable for you.”
“Don’t fool yourself with that idea, Mr. Dyke Conrad!”
The leader started and caught his breath. Then he forced a harsh laugh.
“That will be all right,” he said, with attempted flippancy. “You are welcome to think me Dyke Conrad.”
“By your voice, your manner, your gestures--everything about you.”
“That won’t do. You are welcome to think what you like. I am not Dyke Conrad, but I’m willing you should think so.”
“Dyke Conrad is the only person in Bloomfield, with the exception of his estimable father, who could wish me harm. Whatever happens to me to-night, Dyke Conrad shall suffer for, and that is no bluff. You will find that I can strike when I am aroused.”
The leader of the ruffians ground his teeth together.
“When I am done with you, you will not be in condition to bother anybody for some time to come!” he hissed.
“Oh, but I do not forget easily. I have a splendid memory. If you wish to escape my vengeance for this night’s work, I advise you to kill me outright--then you will hang for it.”
“Oh, I’ll take chances! I am satisfied as long as you believe me Dyke Conrad. I don’t care what you do to him.”
The fellow looked toward the fire, which was beginning to blaze brightly. He nodded his head, with a gesture of satisfaction.
“Are you going to fry me, or broil me?” asked Frank.
“You will be well warmed,” was the answer. “Somebody sit on his legs and keep him still while his shoes are removed.”
This order was obeyed, and Frank’s feet were stripped till they were bare. Then Merry realized the dastardly purpose of his captor, and, despite himself, he turned faint.
“Ha! ha! ha!” laughed the leader. “Now you are guessing it, and you’re getting pale. I knew you would lose your nerve. I’ll have the satisfaction of hearing you whimper and whine.”
“You cowardly cur!” came contemptuously from Frank’s lips. “You are not a human being! You are a brute! You should associate with cowardly savages. They would make fit companions for such a beast as you!”
“Be careful!” snarled the fellow. “Every word will be charged up against you, and you’ll not get off any the easier for them.”
“It is not possible for me to express my contempt for you by words!” said Frank, his voice clear and distinct.