that. Leave it to
Watson Scott. I saw an item in a morning paper saying that Mr. Scott was
suddenly taken ill at the Waldorf last night; but that he was resting
comfortably this morning, and his physician did not apprehend any
serious result. If anything serious did happen to Old Gripper, it might
retard the railroad project for a time."

"Now that Del Norte is gone, it seems that you should not have any great
trouble, Frank?"

Immediately Merry thought of the man with the snowy hair whom he had
encountered in front of the Waldorf; but he decided to say nothing to
Inza of that meeting. He did not wish to alarm her.

"Yes," he laughed; "I feel like celebrating, and I have a little
scheme."

"What is it?"

"Why can't we make up a party to visit Niagara and St. Louis."

"Oh, splendid!" cried Inza eagerly.

"Then you like the idea, sweetheart?"

"I think it grand!"

"And Elsie----"

"I'm sure she'll be in for it. Although she has not said much, I know
she dislikes to have Bart go away."

"Then we'll carry out my plan. You may accompany us as far as St.
Louis--perhaps farther."

Inza bubbled with pleasure over this plan, beginning at once to talk of
the fine times they would have.

A closed carriage was passing them, going somewhat faster, in the same
direction.

Happening to glance toward the window of this carriage, Inza suddenly
uttered a low cry and grasped Merry's coat sleeve.

"Look look!" she exclaimed.

"What is it?"

"That man!"

"Where?"

"In that carriage. He was looking from the window, but he has leaned
back now. I looked straight into his eyes, and it gave me a fearful
shock, for they seemed to be the eyes of Porfias del Norte!"

"How did the man look?"

"He had a strange face that was deeply lined, and his hair was very
white."

"Alvarez Lazaro!" thought Merry. "The self-styled avenger is seeking his
opportunity."

Having driven in the park for some time, they finally halted at a little
restaurant, a man appearing to take charge of their horses.

Near at hand a man was stretched on the ground beneath an automobile,
engaged in tinkering at it.

Merry was about to enter the building with Inza when another man
appeared, approached the one who was working at the automobile, and
impatiently questioned him in regard to the progress he was making.

"There is Mr. Hatch," said Frank. "I'll speak to him. I'll join you
inside in a few moments, Inza."

He turned back and approached