“I’m a Diamond, of Virginia,” he said. “My word will go anywhere. When I say Frank Merriwell is all right, that goes.” Herrick smiled. “I have no doubt but you are right in most cases, but this is different. You see, you have had little to do with men like Canfield. You have no standing in his class.” “Well, perhaps I ought to thank God for that,” muttered the Southerner. “But I’ve introduced you to my friend, and I give you my word he’s all right. You have the run of that place, and you can make it right there.” “Yes; but you know I am held responsible if anything unpleasant happens.” Frank had leaned against the rail of the bar. Herrick drew Diamond aside, and at this moment one of the barkeepers touched Merry on the elbow, saying in a low tone: “Are you Frank Merriwell, of Yale, the athlete I’ve read so much about in the papers?” “I presume I am the same,” answered Merry. “Then I want to give you a tip, but don’t ever let out that I did so. Look out for yourself to-night if you chase that gang and keep your money in your pocket. That’s all.” “Thank you,” nodded Merry quietly. “I’ll take your advice.” “Don’t drink too much.” “No danger. You threw out the gin I called for both times; I drank the water.” The barkeeper looked surprised. “Well,” he gasped, “I didn’t tumble to that. I guess you’re all right.” “Oh, all right, all right,” Herrick was saying. “That’s all I ask. I don’t want to put myself in a hole with Dick, you know. He’s a white man.” Then they came over to Merry and he was urged to come along. Frank pretended to hang back a little. “I’m not in the habit of forcing my company onto anybody,” he said. “If I’m in the way, all you have to do is——” “That’s all right,” quickly asserted the man with the black mustache. “I have to be careful, and so I wanted a square assurance from Jack. He says you are on the dead level, and I’m to stand for you at Can’s.” Herrick passed his arm through that of Merriwell and the four proceeded out to the street, where the patient cabman still waited. Frank felt like shaking the black-mustached fellow off, but refrained from doing so. Madison plunged into the cab with a whooping laugh, dragging Diamond after him, robbing Jack for the time of some of his dignity. Herrick politely held the door while Frank got in, coming last himself. The door slammed, and away went the cab. Herrick offered cigars. Madison took one and Diamond followed suit. Merry was on the verge of refusing, but changed his mind and accepted one. Then Herrick struck a match and held it solicitously for Merry to start his cigar. “I think I’ll take a dry smoke,” said Frank. “Anyhow, I’ll not light up now.” “Hold steady!” cried Madison, plunging the end of his weed into the flame and beginning to puff at it. Diamond also lighted his cigar, and Herrick joined them, observing: “You’ll find the smoke rather thick, Mr. Merriwell, if you don’t fire up.”