"Of course you can advertise for a partner to invest in a 'sure thing,'

and all that, but those games are too near fraud. Rascals have worked those schemes so much that honest men avoid them."

"I shall not resort to any trickery or deception. If I catch an 'angel'

I shall get one just as I obtained Folansbee, by telling him all the risks and chances of failure."

"Well, you'll not get another that way."

"Darned if I ain't afraid now!" nodded Ephraim. "But Mr. Folansbee's goin' to take keer of this comp'ny, ain't he? He's goin' to take it back to Denver?"

"He has agreed to do so."

At this moment there was another sharp rap on the door, which, happening to be near, Frank opened.

Ca.s.sie Lee walked in, followed by Roscoe Havener, the soubrette and the stage manager of "For Old Eli," Ca.s.sie showed excitement.

"Well, what do you think of him?" she cried.

"Of whom--Havener?" asked Merry,

"No, Folansbee."

"What about him?"

"He's skipped."

"Skipped?"

"Sure thing. Run away."

"Impossible!"

"It's a straight fact," declared the little soubrette.

"There's no doubt of it," corroborated Havener.

"Waal, may I be tickled to death by gra.s.shoppers!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Gallup.

"This caps the whole business!" burst from Hodge.

"I can't believe that," said Merriwell, slowly. "How do you know, Havener?"

"His baggage is gone. Garland and Dunton traced him to the station. They were just in time to see him board an eastbound train as it pulled out.

He has deserted us."

CHAPTER II.

DARKNESS AND DAWN.

Frank could not express his astonishment.

"I can't believe it," he repeated. "Folansbee would not do such a thing."

Hodge laughed shortly, harshly.

"You have altogether too much confidence in human nature, Merry," he said. "I never took much stock in this Folansbee. He is just the sort of person I would expect to do such a trick."

"The company is hot, Merriwell," said Havener. "They're ready to eat you."

"Me?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

"For getting them into this sc.r.a.pe."

"I don't see how they can blame me."

There came a sound of feet outside and a bang on the door, which was flung open before Frank could reach it. Into the room stalked Granville Garland, followed by the remainder of the company. Plainly all were excited.

"Well, Mr. Merriwell," said Garland, a.s.suming an accusing manner and striking a stage pose, "we are here."

"So I see," nodded Frank, calmly. "What's the matter?"

"You engaged us to fill parts in your play."

"I did."

"We hold contracts with you."

"I beg your pardon. I think you are mistaken."

"What?"

"I made no contracts with you; I simply engaged you. You hold contracts with Parker Folansbee."

"Folansbee has deserted us, sir," declared Garland, accusingly. "We have been tricked, fooled, deceived! We hold contracts. You were concerned with Folansbee in putting this company on the road, and you are responsible. We have come to you to find out what you mean to do."

"I am very sorry----" began Frank.

"Being sorry for us doesn't help us a bit," cut in Garland, rudely. "I believe you knew Folansbee was going to skip."

Frank turned his eyes full on the speaker, and he seemed to look his accuser straight through and through.

"Mr. Garland," he said, "you are rude and insulting. I do not fancy the way you speak to me."