Frank grasped that hand, and they stood face to face. “Jack,” he said, “I knew something was wrong the moment I saw you in company with those men. As soon as I discovered you were on a spree, I determined to stay with you and learn what was doing. I did not drink with you in the Hoffman House. I took the water, and the barkeeper flung out the gin that I had pretended to taste as a chaser.” Diamond nodded. “Just like you!” he said. “But what made you do it?” “I wished to stay with you, and I had to quiet the suspicions of Herrick. Had I refused to drink, Herrick would not have taken me to Canfield’s. I wanted to make sure of that fellow.” “I begin to think that he is a confounded scoundrel!” “That is mild,” smiled Frank. “He is much worse than that. If I were to express my real opinion of him I should be compelled to use profanity, and I do not swear.” “I have no doubt but you are right,” said Jack, sitting down. “By Jove! I’m feeling bad! I must have a cocktail.” “Jack—no more.” “Oh, what’s the use——” “No more!” declared Frank. “You are going to stop now.” Diamond looked into Merriwell’s eyes, and was conquered. “I suppose I’ll have to do as you say,” he groaned rather resentfully; “but you might let me taper off.” “The only way to taper off at anything is to quit at once,” asserted Merry. “The toper who attempts to taper off never succeeds. The man who has not mind enough to quit a bad habit instantly and at once never can quit. The fellow who confesses that he cannot quit without tapering off confesses that he is weak, wavering, a creature to be pitied—a poor thing who will never make a success at anything he may undertake. Jack, I know you are going to feel bad if you stop short, but the only way to do it is to stop. Brace up, shut your teeth, and take the consequences of your own folly.” The Southerner nodded, his face gloomy, but beginning to show resolution. “Oh, I’ll have an awful head to-morrow!” he muttered. “You must go to bed,” said Frank, “and try to get some sleep.” “Blamed if I believe I can sleep!” “Then fight it out, and never give up. In the morning take a cold shower, and then get some exercise in the open air. Do not take a cab, but go out and walk, walk, walk. Rest, exercise, cold baths, and plenty of fresh air will bring you round to your old self, my boy.” “If you had been with me——” murmured Jack dolefully. “This would not have happened,” nodded Merry. “But you could not have prevented her from throwing me down.” “So she threw you down?” said Merry, who all along had suspected what ailed Diamond. “Yes. She is a heartless, beautiful—angel!” Merriwell knew he was speaking of Juliet Reynolds, the handsome English girl who had captured his heart.