He thought of stopping Bart and having him arrested, but quickly decided that was not the best course to pursue, as he was not yet certain Bart had really committed robbery. It was possible Hodge had given Merriwell his money to keep, knowing it would be concealed in the bottom of the grip. Lester’s heart sank at that, for, if it were true, Hodge was simply skipping the company, which was not such a serious crime. “It’ll be best to let him go,” Vance decided. “That will queer him with everybody, and I shall have no more trouble with him. If he has robbed Merriwell, so much the better. Oh, but it will be my turn to triumph now! Somebody’ll hear from me! Stella shall acknowledge that this slippery chap is not such a fine fellow after all. Merriwell will not stand up so proudly and claim Bart Hodge as his friend. Things have turned my way!” CHAPTER III. BART’S WILD MOVE. It was nearly an hour later that Vance returned to the theater, wearing a bandage over his eye, and having his hat pulled well down to hide the fact. He was decidedly nervous, and still there was something of triumph in his manner. He did not seem to feel the disgrace of his misfortune as keenly as it had been fancied he would. “Hang it all,” said Garland, finding an opportunity to speak with Lester alone. “You actually act as if you thought you had come off best in your encounter with Hodge! What ails you?” “I rather think I’ll come off best in the end,” grinned Lester, in a peculiarly knowing manner. “What do you mean?” “Oh, nothing.” “Yes, you do. I can see a peculiar under-meaning in your manner. What has happened?” “Nothing that I know about.” “You did not see Hodge after leaving the theater?” “Yes.” “Did? Where?” “At the hotel.” “What was he doing?” “Coming out of a room.” “What room?” “Merriwell’s.” “What had he been doing in there?” “How do I know?” Garland looked at Vance steadily for some moments. “You know something you are not telling,” he declared. “On my word, I do not!” protested Lester, in sudden alarm. “What could I know?” “Well, you are acting rather queer. Has Hodge been up to anything?” “Been up to anything?” repeated Bart’s enemy, as if he did not understand. “What do you mean by that?” “Oh, nothing! Let it drop. But I wonder why you think you will come out best in the end.” “Because I think this Hodge is a rascal, and I believe others will find it out. That’s all.” “I don’t understand what there is to warrant such a belief.” “Oh, I fancy I have read him pretty thoroughly. I know just about how he is made up.” “I’m afraid you are off your trolley. Hodge is not popular in the company, but I’m inclined to believe he’s on the level, for otherwise Frank Merriwell would not have anything to do with him.” “Merriwell may be fooled in the fellow, you know.” “Not likely.” “Why not?”