The fact that he was still a classmate of Merriwell's had led him to decide that he would take no part in the initiation. The students, therefore, were surprised to see him enter.
"I thought you weren't to be here!" exclaimed Baker.
"I wasn't," Browning answered, "but I've got something important to say to you."
He spoke in such a serious tone that Baker at once went over to him, and after a few whispered words they shut themselves into Baker's bedroom, which adjoined the study.
"You mean the tough customer that sells cigars?"
"He's got a grudge against Merriwell. I think Frank at some time or other interfered in some dirty work he was up to, and so he's laying for Frank."
"He's heard that Frank has been elected to the 'Pig,' and he declares that he'll take advantage of the initiation to raise hob with him."
"I thought I ought to let you know about it."
"Well, yes, but I don't see what Miller can do."
"Nor I, either, but it'll be just as well to be on your guard, you know."
"All right, and we'll try and look out for it."
"How's Merriwell getting on?" asked Browning.
"He's standing it like a man," was the reply, "just as we supposed he would, but he'll get black marks enough to sink a ship before the night's over."
"I'll bet he takes those black marks seriously," he said.
"Well, why shouldn't he?" returned Baker. "It's the last time we'll get the chance to roast a good fellow like Merriwell, and we're going to make it hot for him, I tell you."
Having delivered his message of warning, Bruce left the room. Then Baker returned and ordered Frank to begin his essay.
"Speak up loud and clear," he said, "for when you're told to talk, we expect you to talk."
Frank unfolded his manuscript and began to read:
"The problem of the hen is one of the most interesting subjects in ornithology."
"Hi! hi! hi!" yelled the seniors, rapping the floor with their clubs, umbrellas, brooms and so on.
"It seems to me very appropriate," continued Frank, reading from his paper, "that this subject should be discussed by a 'Pig'----"
This word was a signal for the most terrific uproar that the room had yet witnessed. All the seniors made a dash at Frank with their clubs, brooms, umbrellas and so forth, raised in the air.