Jack paled, and his lips were pressed together. “Well, I’m out five thousand dollars if that is true,” he said. “I’m paying well for my foolishness.” “Get back as soon as you can,” urged Frank, “and we’ll take lunch together. We can talk the matter over. It’s a shame to lose so much money—to be robbed of it! For you are being robbed, Jack!” “Haven’t a doubt of that now; but what can I do?” “You can knock Herrick down; but perhaps you had better wait till you are sure the game is lost.” Diamond left, and Frank, not a little perplexed and troubled, waited for Collins to appear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER V FRANK’S SURPRISING PROPOSAL. Promptly at the time set Harry Collins was on hand. Frank had him brought up to the room and received him there. Collins was pale and downcast, his whole appearance being one of extreme anxiety. Merriwell took the lad’s hand, studying him closely. “Naturally honest, but young and susceptible,” Frank mentally decided. “If he escapes from this pitfall, he may make an upright man and a good citizen.” He had feared that by daylight Collins might prove a disappointment to him. He had feared that on their second meeting he might feel that the chance of risking so much money to save the fellow was too desperate. Now he was satisfied, and he did not regret what had passed his lips the previous night. “But the money—how was he to get it?” Collins looked at him anxiously. “Sit down,” invited Frank, “and let’s talk this matter over.” The youth showed signs of apprehension, but accepted a chair. “How much money must you have? What is the very smallest amount?” asked Frank. The unfortunate boy blushed with shame. “I need fully ten thousand dollars,” he said. “You must hold a position of great trust?” “I do. When my father died I was given a place in the bank of which he had been president for many years. I advanced rapidly, till now I am paying-teller.” Merry had fancied the youth must be employed in a bank. “And you have misappropriated funds?” Collins’ face became crimson. “That is a mild way of stating it,” he said huskily. “You are right. I have squandered the money trying to make more. It is gone, and I know I am on the very verge of ruin. I know discovery is certain within a day or two, at most. It is liable to come any time, and I feel that I am living over a deadly mine. It is terrible!” The lad’s face had turned white as death as he thought of his peril, and Merry’s sympathy was again awakened to the fullest. “I took desperate chances last night,” Collins went on, “hoping to make a strike in that cursed place and win back enough to set myself right at the bank. I failed, and but for you I should have blown my brains out there. I have clung to your promise to help me, but it seems too good to be true. I cannot understand how a stranger can do such a thing.