"Well, I'll tell yer who it was. It was a feller what goes by the name of Frank Merriwell." "Well, he did a first-class job," commented Harris. "That really looks like some of Merriwell's work." "He done it," nodded Mike. "Nacherlly I ain't got no love to speak of for him. Well, I was in the room next to this just now, and as I was leanin' against the partition I happened to overhear what you chaps was sayin' in here. From what I heard, I judged you didn't love this Merriwell none to brag about, and I says to myself, 'Mike, if you want to get even, them is the boys to hitch fast to.' Then I got right up and came in here without bein' invited. I hope you'll excuse me, gents, but I couldn't help it under the circumstances. I had a sort of feller-feelin' for you chaps, and I thought mebbe we might arrange some sort of a deal together that would do this Merriwell, and do him for keeps. I'm not a chap with much education, but I'll bet anything I can hate just as hard as you fellers, and if there's anybody I hate on the earth, it's Frank Merriwell. "There, now, gents, you have heard what I have ter say, and I hope you'll tumble ter ther fact that I am on the level. This is no case of stringing. I want ter pay back that feller for these two black eyes and this mug. Mebbe you can help me to do it, and I can help you to square yerselves with him at the same time. If that is right, why shouldn't we kinder go into partnerships for a short period? I put the question to yer, and you can do as ye please." The quartet at the table looked at one another inquiringly and doubtingly. They seemed to hesitate. "If this man tells the truth, and I should judge that he does, he may be of service to us and we to him," said Sport Harris. "That's right," nodded Harlow. "If Merriwell gave him that mug and those beautiful eyes, I don't wonder that he wants to get square." Hartwick was silent. He was looking Mike Hogan over, and he was thinking: "Is it possible I have fallen to the point where I have to take such a fellow as a comrade? No! It will not be as a comrade. We can use him as a tool, perhaps, and that is what we will do, if we use him at all." "Sit down," invited Hartwick, suddenly rising and offering Mike his chair. "I'll get another. I want to hear just how you came by those eyes." Hogan sat down at the table and Hartwick brought a chair from a corner. "We are all anxious to hear how you came by those eyes," declared Harlow. "Some gent order drinks, and I will tell ye. Never mind," he cried, as he saw them look at each other knowingly, as if they thought he was trying to work them for liquor, "I'll order, myself! Don't you think for a second that I'm broke!" Then he flung a small roll of bills on the table before them, reached past Harlow, and pressed the button. When the waiter appeared, he said: "Give these gents anything they want, Pete." "Wot if they orders champagne?" grinned Pete, winking at the boys.