He was not compelled to wait long. On the stair there was a flying footfall and Inza appeared, her face showing her pleasure, while she exclaimed: “Oh, Frank, I’m so glad you————” Then, as he rose, she stopped short and stared at him, a look of surprise and consternation on her handsome face. “Mr. Swift!” she cried, in disappointment. “Yes,” he laughed. “Quite a joke on you, wasn’t it? Ha, ha, ha!” She drew herself up proudly, her eyes flashing. “A joke, sir?” “Why, yes; you thought you were coming down to see Merriwell. Ha, ha! That was a joke!” “I must say you have very peculiar ideas of a joke! You gave a false name.” “Perhaps the servant misunderstood me.” “No; you gave your name as Frank Merriwell. You knew I was engaged caring for my father, and might not find time to come down. It was a trick!” “But you could find time to come down for Merriwell?” “He is a friend—he saved my life and the life of my father yesterday.” “Which any one else might have done in his place.” “What did you do?” “Unfortunately, I was separated from you by the accident, and I could not find you.” “What did you do when you knew my father was back there in that burning wreckage—when I appealed to somebody to save him?” “I did not know where to find him.” “Nor did Mr. Merriwell.” “I think he did know, else he would not have succeeded so finely.” “He did not!” “He has told you that to make the act seem all the braver and grander in your eyes. He knows how to play his cards.” Her lips curled. “I’ll not listen to such talk about him! I must return to my father.” “Wait!” “I cannot stop, sir. You must excuse me.” She was going. “Miss Burrage, your brother is in great peril.” That stopped her. “Walter!” she exclaimed. “He is in danger?” “Yes.” “What do you mean?” “Just what I say.” Now she came back a few steps, and he was satisfied. “What is the danger?” she haltingly asked. “The danger is that he will be arrested. You know for what. And in case he is arrested he will be tried and condemned. A term of ten or twenty years must follow.” She had straightened up to hear these words. For a moment she did not speak, and then, in a tone that indicated an effort to self-control, she asked: “Has he been recognized here in Fardale?” “Not yet; but one word from any one who knows him will set the law on his track.” “From any one who knows him? Who is there who would betray him? Is it possible you mean that you——” He stepped toward her quickly. “I mean, Miss Burrage, that I love you!” he declared boldly. “Wait—you must listen! Understanding your brother’s peril, you will not refuse to listen!” She put up a hand to check his advance. “Mr. Swift,” she panted, “is it possible you are threatening me?” “Not that! But I am desperately in love with you, Inza, and I was determined to find a way to make you listen to me.” “Brave man!” Her words and her look cut him deeply, but he would not be checked.