le ascending the stairs, to
see that individual come out of Professor Gunn's room. Frank paused on
the flight that led to the "Cock-loft," and watched the man hurriedly
descend the stairs.

"Great Scott!" muttered the young cadet. "That is remarkable. I
wonder what he was up to in the professor's room? He saw me, but he
hustled away in a hurry."

For a moment Frank hesitated, and then he resolved to find out, if
possible, what could be the meaning of the stranger's visit. With this
object in view, he descended the stairs and approached the professor's
door, on which he rapped.

Of late Professor Gunn had been severely troubled with headaches, and,
this happening to be one of his bad days, he was stopping in his room,
with his head bound up in a cloth saturated with camphor. Frank was
obliged to rap a second time, and then the professor's shuffling step
was heard, and his cloth-bound head appeared as the door opened.

"What's wanted?" he asked, sharply. "Can't I have any peace and rest?
Speak up--what's wanted?"

"I have something to ask you, professor?" said Frank, quietly.

"Ah, is it you, Merriwell? I was going to see you later. Come in."

Not a little surprised, Frank entered the professor's room, standing
cap in hand, while the crusty old fellow seated himself in an easy
chair, and asked:

"What is it you want to see me about, young man?"

"You were lately visited by a stranger, whom I saw leaving this room a
few moments ago."

"Yes, sir--yes."

"That man assaulted me on the highway a few nights ago."

"What's that--what? Assaulted you? This is interesting--decidedly!"

"Yes, he assaulted me; but I managed to give him the worst of it, and
got away without being harmed."

"You should have reported the occurrence--you certainly should. That
was the proper thing to do--the correct thing, young man. Then I would
have known how to receive him."

"I thought he had gone away from this vicinity, but it seems that he
has not. Now, I would like to know his name. What is his name,
professor, please?"

"Eh? Ah? His name? Let me see. Now that is surprising--really
surprising. I do not think he gave me his name."

"Did not give his name? How did he obtain admission to the building?"

"That's so--how did he? I hadn't thought of that. He was the
smoothest talker I ever heard; he didn't give me a chance to ask many
questions."

"He must have had some sort of business with you."

"He