“It is the shadower!” muttered the American youth, with a strange, jumping feeling at his heart. “I have not been able to shake him! There is no doubt about it now—I am spotted!”
He returned to the hotel, making no further effort to throw the spy off his track. He found Browning lounging, smoking, and reading. Diamond and Rattleton had gone out. Ten minutes after entering his room, Frank approached the window, and looked out. In the doorway, on the opposite side of the street, was the same figure in black!
“What’s the matter?” asked the big fellow lazily. “I’m in a blamed comfortable position.”
“I want you to come to this window a moment.”
Grumbling somewhat, Bruce dragged himself up, and walked heavily across the room.
In the open window, Frank pointed straight at the man in the doorway. The man looked up, and saw him, but did not stir, or make an effort to conceal himself.
“Do you see that man down there, Bruce—the man in black, who is standing on those steps?”
“He has followed me ever since I left this hotel this morning.”
“He was standing just where he stands now when I looked out this morning.”
“Well, what’s the matter with him? What’s he want?”
“I don’t know what he wants, but I know he has followed me everywhere. After I discovered it, I made an effort to throw him off.”
“No; not even when I dodged round corners, took an omnibus, and then deserted that for a cab.”
“Well, that’s queer!” he said. “Do you fancy he’s some ruffian Mart Brattle has hired to do you up?”
“Of course, I do not know who or what he is, but I do know he is a spy.”
“Well, we haven’t any particular use for spies, have we, Merriwell?”
“Then I’ll just go down and wipe him off the face of the earth!” growled Bruce. “Rattleton said I needed exercise. This will give me what I need.”
“And get yourself into trouble. You will be arrested.”
“Well, are you going to let every sneak that wants to chase you around wherever you go?”
“I do not like it, but you must remember that I have no proof the man has chased me. When I have such proof, I’ll have him arrested for annoying me.”
“Better lead him to some good place where I can get at him. Say, Merry, get him to follow you down to the river, and I’ll throw him off a bridge. That’s what he needs—a good ducking will cool him off properly.”