sult that he was himself shot over Frank's head, and went to the
bottom of the stairs at a flying leap, bowling over his pals, who were
trying to get on their feet and pull themselves together. Merriwell
caught the stairway rail, down which he slid almost as quickly. His hand
closed on the revolver which had fallen to the floor; and, with it
cocked and leveled, he wheeled, facing the men, who, swearing horribly,
were again trying to gain their feet.

"Surrender!" he sharply called.

The answer was an oath.

"Surrender, or by the gods of war I'll drop you one and all right where
you are! Up with your paws!"

They knew he meant it, and there was no escape. The next moment the
three burglars at the foot of the stairs put up their hands in token of
submission.

* * * * *

Badger sat in his room. His bandaged head ached painfully, but in his
heart there was a glow of pleasure. The surgeon had told him that he
would be all right in a day or two, and he had just received a note from
Winnie Lee.

"Dear Buck," it read, "I have had a long talk with father. He says that
both you and Merriwell fought like heroes, and that your prompt
appearance on the scene no doubt saved his life. In spite of this,
though, he is not willing that I shall receive calls from you. But I can
see that his opposition is not nearly so strong as it was, and I have
hopes that it will soon disappear altogether. Father says that the
burglars which Merriwell captured will no doubt be sent to State's
prison. Thank Frank for me for his great favor in speaking to father for
you, as he did--for I can see that father's change toward you is due
more to Frank's talk than to your fight, brave as that was. I will meet
you as often as I can, Buck, and I will send you a note every day. And
we will be true to each other always, in spite of father's opposition.
Your sweetheart, WINNIE."

"There never was any girl truer!" muttered the Kansan, as he read and
reread the note. "That's whatever! She is true as steel! But," he
continued, "how can I thank Merriwell for his part in the affair? He
pulled me through, all right, and there's no mistaking that fact."

Hardly had he uttered these words, than a knock came at the door. "Come
in," said Buck--and in walked Frank himself!

"Well, I'm glad to see you," said Buck, "and that's whatever! I want to
know how I can thank you for what you've done for me in this affair, in
going to Winnie's