"It was an accident," he whined, humbly. "I ran against you by accident. I'll swear I didn't recognize you, and I didn't mean you any harm." "Call an officer!" cried the little old man. "It was an attempt at murder! Have him taken care of!" With a gasp, Snell plunged through the crowd and took to his heels. Some tried to stop him, but he ran like a deer up Cornhill. There was a short pursuit, but the fellow doubled and dodged, escaping his pursuers. "Let him go," said Frank. "I wouldn't make a charge against him, for it would detain me, and we must get away in the morning, wind and weather permitting." "He ought to be punished," said Diamond. "He tried to kill you." "It isn't the first time he has tried to do something to me. We are old, old foes." "Why, I supposed him in Fardale." "So did I." "It's singular he's here in Boston." "Rather." "What is the meaning of it?" "I can't tell. Don't ask me. He bobs up anywhere. Anyhow, we're not liable to see him again for some time after we leave here to-morrow." They returned to the hotel and told the others of their adventures. All the boys were astonished to learn that Wat Snell was in the city. CHAPTER III. A HOODOOED YACHT. Promptly at six o'clock the following morning the uniforms were delivered at the American House. Without delay the boys put them on, and they proved satisfactory in every way, so Frank paid the bill and the messenger who brought them departed satisfied. The boys ate an early breakfast, and all had good appetites. The American House dining room is rather somber, but they joked and laughed in the best of spirits. After breakfast final arrangements for the care of their baggage were made, then a cab was ordered, and they all piled in and were rattled away toward Atlantic Avenue. Jack had not seen Frank's yacht, and he was curious, concerning her appearance. Not far from the pier of the Bangor boat lay the _White Wings_, guarded by a watchman, who saluted Merriwell as the boys went aboard. The _White Wings_ was a sloop yacht with club and jib topsails. She was not large, and it did not strike Diamond that she would prove to be fast, but she looked comfortable, and comfort was what they sought. They were not thinking of racing. Frank paid the watchman for his services, and gave him something extra, whereupon the man departed greatly satisfied. "Come, fellows," called Merry; "we'll go below and see how she looks down there." They descended into the cabin, which was locked, Merry having the key. Jack was astonished when they entered the cabin, for it was far more roomy than he had supposed possible. A glimpse at the curtained berths showed there was plenty of sleeping room for all of them. There was a folding table, an oil stove, comfortable seats on the lockers, and everything looked inviting. Four handsome repeating shotguns and a magazine rifle hung above the lockers. "How does she look down here, fellows?" asked Frank.