“It’s all right,” declared Creighton; “and it is my place to beg your pardon for the introduction; but I assure you that I did not dream Hegner was the fellow he has since proved to be. If I had——Well, I scarcely think you would have met him at my home, and I am sure you will not see him here again. You have done considerable to show him up, and——” “I may do more.” “More? How?” “I cannot explain just now, but I am not through with Mr. Hegner. Yesterday I struck him with a boxing glove. The next time I strike it will be a far more severe blow, and I shall not use my hands.” “That sounds queer from you, Merriwell. At college you have been considered altogether too kind to your enemies.” “I am ready to be easy with an enemy who shows any redeeming features, and I am aware that a fellow may dislike me and still be a good fellow at heart. Such things happen. I have my own failings, and I believe in doing by others as I would that they should do by me. But a fellow like this Hegner—well, I doubt if he has a single redeeming trait, and I consider it my duty to expose him as far as possible. That’s all.” Mabel was regarding Frank admiringly, and she was thinking that he could be stern and unrelenting if the occasion demanded, although he was naturally generous and forgiving. After a little, Merriwell told of his street encounter of the previous evening, and his hearers listened with breathless interest. “Great Scott!” cried Charlie. “You must have had a close call! And you think the object was not robbery?” “I am sure it was not.” “Then the gang must have attacked you with the sole object of doing you up.” “That’s right.” “And you think you know one of them?” “Yes.” “Who was it?” “That is something I will tell you later. Shiner Gregg may be induced to squeal. Look out for an explosion, Creighton. It is coming.” Two days later, while walking along one of Philadelphia’s principal streets, Merriwell noticed a fellow who was blocking the path of a girl with his person and speaking to her excitedly, although she was trying to pass to reach a carriage that stood at the curb. “It’s Hegner!” muttered Frank. “And the girl is—Fanny Darling! She is trying to avoid him, and the rascal is—— Confound him!” The exclamation escaped Frank’s lips as he saw Wallace Hegner grasp the girl by the wrist, lean forward and hiss something in her ear. Frank made a spring, and as he came forward, Hegner happened to turn his head slightly and see him. The girl also saw him, and a look of relief came over her face. Hegner scowled blackly and hesitated, then he dropped Fanny’s wrist and hurried away. Merriwell was tempted to follow him, but Fanny called to him, and he stopped. As he did so, lifting his hat with a graceful movement that was natural for him, her face, pale a moment before, grew crimson. But she did not hesitate; immediately she came forward and held out her hand, saying: