“Nothing of the kind is plain to me, Starbright. I have known Inza Burrage a long time, and I trust her fully.” Dick flung out one hand in a gesture of despair. “There are none so blind as those who will not see,” he said. “Talk about obstinacy! Why, Merriwell, you cannot explain her actions! Everything demanded that she introduce the man, and yet she did not. What have you to say to that?” “Simply that there must have been some good reason why she did not.” “And when she spoke about our calling, and I said we might call, she was more confused than ever. She did not wish us to call, and you know it.” “I think you are right about that.” “Why didn’t she wish it?” “You know as well as I.” “Did she act natural?” “No.” “Aren’t appearances against her?” “They seem to be,” Merry was forced to confess. “And still you have confidence in her?” “I trust her fully, Starbright. That girl has been my friend and I have been hers ever since we first met in Fardale. I have saved her life on more than one occasion. In return she watched beside me when I was raving and delirious with a fever that threatened to end all in this world for me. It was her care that brought me back to life and health. And then, when I—forced to earn my living by daily labor—when I had no work and no money, she got work for me. “When people who regarded a day-laborer as something far beneath them refused to recognize me, she found a way to compel them to do so. Starbright, that girl has been to me the best friend a man could have! Do you think I would doubt her now? I trust her as fully as I would trust my own mother, were she living! She has a reason for anything she has done, and a good reason it will prove to be. I am willing to wait until she explains. If she does not see fit to explain, I shall still believe in her!” Dick Starbright was silenced at last. He wondered at the great faith of Frank Merriwell, and again he told himself: “He loves her! There is no longer a doubt of it. And love is blind! It is useless to make a further attempt to open his eyes.” Then, after a little, he spoke aloud: “You may be right, Merriwell—I hope you are. Nothing could give me greater satisfaction than to know you had made no mistake. That’s all I can say.” “Then we will say no more about her. Do you understand? Do not speak to me again of her, Starbright!” Inza and her mysterious escort had disappeared along the street as Frank and Dick turned to leave the corner. Then Merry stooped and picked up something lying on the sidewalk. It proved to be a peculiar little black stick, about five inches long, having strange characters, like hieroglyphics, upon it. “What is it?” asked Dick. “Hanged if I know!” confessed Merry, gazing at it curiously. “It’s a queer thing, anyhow.” “Those characters look like Chinese writing,” said Starbright. “Something,” nodded Frank. They gazed with increasing curiosity at the little black stick.