Frank knew well enough how many girls say in joking mood that they will never marry, but something had convinced him that Elsie was in sober earnest, having made that resolve when she decided that it was the only course for her to pursue. Such being the case, it was probable that when she found Frank no longer held a fancied claim upon her she would give up to the dictation of her heart and surrender to Hodge, which would bring untold happiness to the dark-eyed lad. Having reached this point, Frank came over and sat down, a sigh of relief escaping him. “Well?” said Starbright inquiringly. “I hope it is well,” said Frank. “I can talk no more about it to-night. Let’s go to bed.” But, somehow, Dick was satisfied. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXI FRANK AND INZA. All night Frank dreamed of Inza. In the morning he received a brief message from her. Her father had been taken ill again and was convinced that he could not withstand the attack. He was pleading to see Fardale again before he died, and Inza and her brother had resolved to take him back there if he could endure the journey. She could not leave him, but would not Frank and Dick come to her that she might thank them for having saved her brother? Walter wanted to see them, also. Dick at once declined to go, but told Frank that he must go. At first, Merry urged Starbright to come along, but the big fellow shook his head, saying: “No, Frank; it would be folly for me to go there—much better for me to stay away. You must understand that. I must keep away from her.” It was useless to urge him to go, so Frank gave it up. They saw Diamond off first, as Jack made an early start. He was in a royal good humor. “You must come across for the occasion when it comes off, Merry,” he smiled, speaking of his marriage to Juliet Reynolds. “You know you are to be the best man.” “I can’t promise absolutely, old fellow,” said Frank; “but I’ll come if I can. We can’t be sure of the future.” “All I know is that I owe everything to you, for I might have blown in my last dollar gambling if you had not pulled me up with a round turn. Had I done so, my conscience would not have permitted me to accept Juliet’s invitation to come back. I should have regarded myself as entirely unworthy. Merriwell, I can never repay you for what you have done!” “You have already.” “How?” “With your smiling face, your happiness, the change that has come over you. It’s enough!” They shook hands like brothers, and then parted. Many things were to happen before they met again. Frank and Starbright had intended returning to New Haven by an early train, but Dick decided to wait, now that Merry was to call on Inza. Merriwell found Inza in a family hotel near the park. She had been waiting for him, and at first she did not seem to notice that Starbright had not accompanied him.