“I know you think it queer,” he said, swiftly; “but something tells me Frank is in danger. I did not try to hear a word that passed between him and Miss Hazle, but I heard despite myself. I meant to watch her, but she disappeared suddenly, and I could not find her. I thought I would ask her frankly where Merry had gone.” “Well, I think you are putting yourself to a lot of unnecessary trouble. I don’t understand why you are so disturbed over a little thing like this.” “I believe Frank is in danger.” “Why?” “I have not forgotten that he has enemies in Belfast.” “He hasn’t any—now.” “How do you know?” “Who could they be?” “Walter Wallace.” “Oh! he never was very dangerous.” “Mart Woodock.” “And he was simply a sort of tool for Wallace. Frank Merriwell is more than a match for those chaps, and they are nothing more than two fellows who were envious of Merry.” “But they tried to do him up. They aided Parker Flynn in the attack upon you and Merriwell. They were on hand when Flynn struck you down with a stone and nearly split your skull.” “And they were so frightened that they took to their heels and have not been seen in Belfast since. Oh, those chaps are not to be worried over. If Flynn were alive——” “Who knows he is dead?” “Where there is every evidence of his death!” “There is no evidence of his death that amounts to anything.” “Merry pursued him far up into the country.” “Yes.” “And Flynn went through a broken bridge and was drowned.” “What proof is there of that?” “His bicycle was found in the water under the bridge.” “Is that proof?” “His cap was floating in an eddy of the river, which must have carried his body down into a pond below.” “But the body was not recovered, although a search was made for it, and, as yet, there is no absolute proof of his death.” “If he had not been drowned, he must have been found.” “I’m not certain of that. He is a crafty fellow, and he may have resorted to a trick to deceive Frank.” “Why should he?” “He was hunted, and Merriwell had practically run him down. He knew he could not escape unless he did so by strategy. The bicycle at the bottom of the river and the floating cap made it seem that he had plunged into the river. He knew, if he were not found, that the report of his death would go out. That would give him time to escape. He did not know but he was a murderer. It is probable that he believed he had killed you. He had every reason to resort to trickery, and I am inclined to believe that was his game. I do not think Parker Flynn is dead.” “You astonish me,” said Hodge, slowly, “but you may be right. However, even though the wretch is alive, I do not fancy we need worry about him.” “Why not?” “He’ll not trouble us again.” “There is where I think you make a mistake. You have not sized up Flynn correctly. That chap is a thorough desperado, and, at the same time, he is cunning.” “Well, it’s certain he would not venture back into Belfast so soon after what has happened.”