Frank found Mr. Burrage sitting bolstered in an easy chair, wrapped about with blankets and made easy with pillows. Walter Burrage was with the invalid. He advanced at once, his hand outstretched, and greeted Merry. “Mr. Merriwell,” he said, “I am glad you have given me this opportunity to thank you for saving my life.” “Don’t speak of that!” urged Frank. “I was glad to be of service, and——” “You came just in time. The fire was gaining rapidly, and those Chinks had left us perfectly helpless, bound hands and feet. I’ve been to the hospital to see the doctor whom they tapped on the head, and they say there is no chance for him to recover. His skull is fractured. The police are looking for the Chinamen, though they are not informed of all that happened. The Chinese secret society has recovered that infernal little black stick, which I brought to this country to sell to Doctor Dennoval, and I shall never lay eyes on it again. But for the fact that I knew the doctor would pay a large sum for it, I should never have ventured into the United States at this time. Even now I’m afraid my concern with this affair may bring about my recognition.” “My boy! my boy!” fluttered the invalid. “They have no right to harm you! I am sure you never did anything wrong, and——” “There, there, father!” came soothingly from the lips of Inza’s bearded brother. “I did not mean to reawaken your fears. It’s all right. I can do better in Australia than in this country, and——” “But I am an old man, and I should have my only son near me. It is hard to be unjustly separated from him.” “Frank has agreed to make the journey to Fardale with us,” said Inza. “I invited him.” “I’m glad he is going along,” murmured the sick man. “And so am I,” nodded Walter. “We’ll have an opportunity to talk over the old days at the academy. It’ll be good to have a boyhood friend to chat with. I’ve often thought of those days and wondered what had become of Frank Merriwell, who was the leader in every honest sport at the academy.” “If I can stand it to travel so far,” came wearily from Mr. Burrage. “It was folly for me to leave the old home and wander over the world in search of health. The search has been vain, and I’m going back to die!” “To get well, you mean,” put in Merry cheerfully. “The atmosphere of the old home will give you new life and courage.” “Do you think so?” eagerly asked Mr. Burrage. “Of course it will! Why shouldn’t it? Your old friends will be glad to see you again.” “That’s true. I believe you are right. The thought of it buoys me up.” Inza gave Frank a grateful look and soon found an opportunity to whisper to him: “I knew you could do him good. You always have a way of putting new life and courage into anyone.” He smiled at her. “You should hear the wonderful things Inza has been telling me about you, Merriwell,” said Walter. “Why, if she has not been romancing, you are the most wonderful fellow in the whole world.” “Not that,” declared Merry.