“It’s gone!” he declared, with forced calmness. “It’s plain I shall not be able to play here to-night.”
“I can let you have some money on your paper, old man,” said Herrick.
“No; I think I’ll not take it. I’ve dropped enough to-night. There was about five thousand dollars in that roll.”
The Southerner was keeping his nerve in an admirable manner.
“How do you suppose you lost it, Jack?” asked Frank, with anxiety expressed on his face.
“I haven’t the least idea,” confessed Diamond.
“Perhaps it was lost in the cab. Do you know the driver?”
“The cab-driver is all right,” said Herrick. “It wasn’t lost in there, unless——”
“Well, it will do no harm to look for it without delay,” said Frank. “Come, Mr. Madison, will you go with us?”
Madison looked surprised, doubtful, hesitating. He did not seem able to make up his mind at once.
“You have your chance to get square to-night, Billy,” said Herrick. “Mr. Merriwell can help Jack look for his money. We’re here; let’s play the game.”
Merriwell touched Madison on the shoulder.
“Get out!” hissed Herrick, scowling. “What are you trying to do, Merriwell? Let him alone, will you!”
“You see, Mr. Madison, that your friend is very anxious for you to play. Perhaps he has a reason. You know there are ‘stools’ for places like these.”
Herrick jumped up and thrust himself between Merry and Madison.
“Look here!” he panted; “if you mean to insinuate that I am a ‘stool,’ you’re a liar!”
Then, quick as a flash, the young Yale athlete grasped him by the collar, lifted him, gave him a whirl and swept the faro-table clean with his body.
As Herrick dropped off at the other end of the table, Merriwell quietly grasped Madison’s arm, speaking calmly:
“Take the advice of one who would be your friend; play no more in this place. Remember the young fellow who tried to blow a hole in his head, a short time ago.”
Men had leaped up as Charley Herrick was flung across the faro-table. Servants rushed forward. Frowning faces surrounded Frank Merriwell. Somebody said:
Herrick jumped up and started for Frank, but three men held him off, speaking to him in a warning way. Other men attempted to take hold of Frank.
“Be kind enough to keep your hands off!” spoke Frank quietly, clearly, distinctly, his eyes flashing and the hot color flaming in his cheeks. “If you want a nasty row, just grab me. If you will have it quiet, keep off!”