Then he saw the intoxicated kidnaper turn from the regular road into a road that led down to a little lake where some ice-cutters had been at work. They had made the road hauling ice to the village, where it was stored. In his delirium, Swift had mistaken this as the main highway. When Merry reached that point, the bay horse was tearing down toward the lake. Frank pursued now with a hope that something might happen to baffle Swift. Out onto the ice-covered lake rode the kidnaper. He did not seem to see the spot where the men had been cutting ice, and dashed straight into it. The thin ice crashed through beneath the feet of the horse, and it plunged into the water. Then Frank Merriwell madly urged his own horse down the hill. When the lake was reached, he flung himself from the animal’s back and dashed to the edge of the opening in the ice. Inza was clinging to the horse, which was keeping its head above the surface. Swift had disappeared. The solid ice ran close to the spot where the horse had plunged through, and Frank soon succeeded in getting hold of Inza and helping her out. That evening Inza received Frank at Alvin Brander’s. The facts of her last thrilling adventure had been carefully kept from her father, who was resting easily. Inza herself had been sorely shaken, but her brave spirit kept her up, and her healthy body had made it possible for her to endure it all without being overcome. Indeed, to Frank it seemed that she looked more charming than ever. She shuddered when she thought of the fate of Roy Swift. Somehow, Frank was uneasy. He could not seem to bring himself to speak of the things which sought utterance. “Inza,” he said, “do you think you dare venture out this evening? It is a beautiful night and not very cold.” “Yes,” she said, “I believe it will make me feel better.” So, a little later, they were walking together, her gloved hand resting on his arm. The white moon looked down at them and smiled, while the knowing little stars winked wisely at each other. Frank’s heart was strangely full. Still, something sealed his lips. “This is our street,” said Inza, as they turned down the old familiar way. “You know we used to live down here a short distance?” How well he knew it! “I wish you were living here now, Inza, and that I was a cadet at the academy.” “Would you like to live the old days over, Frank?” “Would I? They were the happiest days of my life!” “And of mine!” They came to the old home, and paused where they could see it as revealed by the moonlight. “It needs repairing,” she said sadly. “I hear it is for sale. The people who lived here have moved away, and it is empty.” A strange fancy came to him. “I believe I will buy it!” he exclaimed. “Oh, do!” she cried. “That would be just splendid!” “Would you like to live here again, Inza?” “Nothing in this wide world could make me happier!” “Nothing, Inza?” Her head drooped. After a moment she murmured: “Well, I did not mean just that, Frank.”