“I was too thunderstruck to do anything. When they left the station arm in arm, I followed slowly, and saw them get into the cab. As the cab started off I sprang forward, but it was too late.” “Well, you may depend on it,” said Frank, “that Inza can explain everything.” “You do not doubt her now?” “Not the least, for I know her.” “You must know where she is stopping. It will be easy to find out if she can explain.” “But I do not know where she is stopping. I cannot spend the time just now to tell you everything that happened after you left for New Haven, but it became necessary for her and her father to leave the hotel in Brooklyn and go out on Long Island. They did so, but returned very soon. Day before yesterday I went over to see them, but found they had left Brooklyn once more, and I did not learn whither they had gone. So, you see, I do not know where to find Inza.” “Nor do I.” “Then it is plain that we will have to let the matter rest a while. You will say nothing about it to any one, Starbright?” “Little danger of that.” “You will let liquor alone?” “I will.” “I am certain that everything will be cleared up in time, and Inza must never know how you doubted her. I would not have her know it for worlds, for she likes you, Dick, and it would hurt her more than you can dream.” Starbright felt rebuked, but Merriwell’s words did not alter his conviction that Inza was fickle, and had deceived them both. Only a short time before Dick had been played with and thrown over by Rosalind Thornton. Before that time he was a big-hearted, trusting boy; but his treatment in that case had awakened his suspicions and shattered his absolute and unswerving faith in all girls. Now he fancied he knew them very well, and his knowledge was not of the kind to lead him to trust them. Despite his physical perfections, despite his wonderful feats of strength and skill, Starbright was still a very callow youth, greatly given to sudden impressions, and there was much for him to learn before he could develop into a steady, level-headed man. He was to be taught by experience that it is always very foolish, and sometimes decidedly dangerous, to jump at conclusions without clue and careful investigation of all cases. There was a step at the door, which swung open to admit Jack Diamond, who sauntered in, dressed in the swellest possible manner and carrying a cane. “Hello!” exclaimed the Virginian, pausing. “Didn’t know you had a caller, Merriwell. Am I intruding?” “Of course not,” said Frank. “You know Starbright, Jack.” “Starbright—of course! Why, how are you, Starbright? Glad to see you, my boy.” Jack shook hands heartily with Dick. “I thought you were on the other side,” said the freshman, trying to appear cool and composed. “That’s where I would be if I were not a fool,” declared Jack, forcing a short laugh. Frank gave the Southerner a quick look, observing that Jack’s face was flushed and his eyes filled with a light of joy.