“The rest of us are not invited,” said Diamond, quickly. “It’s only Frank.” “Vale, maype he vould slip a piece of bie his bocket indo uf he knew id vould safe my life.” “Will Mr. Merriwell come ashore?” asked the spokesman of the bicyclists. “Say yes, Frank,” murmured Hodge. “Tell them you will do so as soon as we drop anchor.” Frank did so, and a cheer went up from the wheelmen assembled on the wharf. With this gathering were several girls in riding suits, and other girls and young ladies watching, making it evident that Frank and his friends had been expected. The _White Wings_ swung in near to the other yachts anchored in the harbor, her anchor went over and her sails came down smoothly. Then Frank got into the small boat, and Diamond and Hodge rowed him over to the wharf where the cyclists awaited him. They gathered around him as he came up the step onto the wharf, and the one who had hailed the yacht grasped him by the hand, saying: “You are Mr. Merriwell, I presume?” “That is my name,” smiled Frank. “Mr. Merriwell, I am delighted to know you. We are all delighted. My name is Dustan—Howard Dustan. These gentlemen are members of the Belfast Bicycle Club. We heard you were coming. There was a Camden man on the _City of Bangor_, which passed you on its way here from Searsport, and he reported that you were headed this way. It didn’t take long to get the boys together when they learned that Frank Merriwell was coming in here. Let me introduce them to you.” So Frank was introduced to each of the lads in gray as they came forward. “Gentlemen,” he laughed, in his charming way, “I assure you this is an unexpected pleasure. It will be a long time before I shall forget my reception in Belfast. I am glad to know you all.” “And we are glad you did not slight us by skipping Belfast,” said Mart Woodock. “We heard you were in Camden and Rockland, but, as you left there more than a week ago, we thought you were not coming to Belfast. You will find just as good people here as there are in the State of Maine.” “I haven’t a doubt of it,” bowed Merry; “and I am charmed with the people of Maine. It is my first visit this way, but I am sure it will not be my last.” Then he uttered a sudden exclamation of surprise and sprang toward the door of the freighthouse. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER II MERRIWELL MEETS HIS FOE. All were surprised by Merriwell’s sudden move. Frank had seen a person appear in the open door of the freight house, look at him, and then dodge back. Although he obtained but a glimpse of this person, Merry fancied he knew him. Into the doorway he sprang, and looked around. On every hand were boxes and barrels and piles of freight, but no one was to be seen. The opposite door was standing open. “Must have dodged out that way,” muttered Frank, and he darted toward the door.