“An old aunt—a dear old soul—died and left me half her fortune. There were no restrictions. I was at liberty to do as I liked with it, and I have made a hole in it.” Frank was glad he had stumbled on Jack Diamond that night, and he had resolved to stick by the Virginian till certain the misguided fellow was straightened out and again his old self. The hand that had been outstretched to succor falling strangers should hold tight to this youth who was wavering on the brink of a frightful abyss. “Jack,” said Merry, “you shall not ruin your life for a woman. You may have been too hasty in quarreling with her——” “I was—I know it now! I knew it an hour after the quarrel. But she would not see me, and all my letters to her came back unopened. I could not put myself right in her eyes.” “She is very proud.” “So am I! There are no prouder people in all Virginia than the Diamonds; but I was willing to humble myself before that girl, to confess that I was wrong, and to ask her forgiveness.” “Having failed, your pride should keep you from going to the dogs. It is the weak man who gives up and goes to the dogs because a girl refuses him or casts him over.” After a while Jack said: “I believe you are right, Merriwell; yes, I know you are right. You’re always right.” Merry was well satisfied with the turn of affairs. “Then you promise me now and here that you will straighten out and be a man?” “I promise.” “And you will have nothing more to do with Herrick?” A sudden cloud came to Diamond’s face. “As soon as the McGilvay bout is over I will shake Herrick,” he promised. “The McGilvay bout—what’s that?” “A prize-fight. It is called a sparring exhibition, but it is to be a fight to the finish.” “Well, how does that connect you with Herrick?” “Herrick’s friends have an unknown who is to meet Pete McGilvay.” “Well?” “The unknown is said to be a middle-weight wonder, but is not a professional.” “Go on.” “Odds of two to one have been offered on McGilvay.” “Yes?” “Herrick was confident that the Unknown would have an easy thing with Pete.” “And you bet on the Unknown?” “Exactly.” Frank took a breath. “How much?” “Five thousand dollars,” answered Jack quietly. Frank looked grim and worried, shaking his head a bit. Diamond observed this, and asked: “You think—just what?” “I am afraid you are in a trap, old man, to be frank about it.” “I may be,” nodded the Virginian, “for I have trusted to Herrick’s word. I see now that I was a fool to trust the fellow in anything.”