“How did you know they had me in that old building?” “I knew something was happening. Joe would not tell me what, but I knew they were going to do something. I followed him after he left me to-night. I did not go into the house, though he thought I did. I saw them take you there. Then was when I made my mistake. I should have hurried to your friends and told them what happened, instead of trying to save you myself.” “Well, it has turned out all right. They will think I perished in the burning building.” She shuddered. “Oh, the wretches!” she exclaimed. “To leave you there to be burned to death! I’ll never have anything to do with Joe Hooker again—never as long as I live!” “He is not in your class, Miss Blaney. In the morning both Joe and Sam will be arrested on a warrant I shall swear out. They will not be expecting it. It will be a great surprise for them.” “I don’t care,” said the girl. “I hope you will make them suffer for their dreadful acts. I shall not pity them one bit.” “I shall give them the full benefit of the law.” “But you must go on with your show. I shall not see you again.” “You will be a witness against the Hookers?” “If you want me.” “I do.” “Then you may depend on me. I’d do anything for you, Frank Merriwell!” He pressed her hand in parting, bade her good-night and hurried toward the hotel. At the hotel door, they met Gallup and Hodge, who were coming out. “Hello!” exclaimed Bart. “Where have you been?” “We was jest goin’ to the fire,” said Ephraim. “I have been to it,” said Merry, quietly. “Is it worth going to see?” asked Bart. “I hardly think so. It is an old building on the outskirts of the town. It is not tenanted.” “Not tenanted. Then how did it catch afire?” “I am inclined to think somebody must have set it.” Later, in his room, he told them of the thrilling adventure through which he had passed. “What are you going to do, Frank?” panted Bart, fiercely. “What are you going to do to the Hookers?” “Give them the full benefit of the law,” was the answer. “They ought to be lynched!” “That’s so, by gosh!” spluttered Ephraim. “They’re wuss’n I thought they was! If ever any critters oughter be lynched, them is the ones!” “The sheriff will wait on them in the morning,” said Merry. “He will serve them with a great surprise, for they think I am burning in that old building.” In the morning, however, neither of the Hooker brothers could be found in Carrolton. Whether they had learned of Merriwell’s escape or not, they had taken the alarm and fled from the town. Frank made known the story of their atrocity, and the anger of the honest citizens of the place was great. They assured Merry that neither of the brothers would be tolerated in Carrolton again if they reappeared there.