left the professor's room.

CHAPTER XXXI.

SNELL TALKS.

Frank was not the only one who had observed the man in black as that
mysterious individual was departing. Bart Hodge saw the sinister
stranger, and instantly recognized him from Frank's description.

"Great Scott!" thought Bart. "What can that imp of Satan be up to
here?"

The man was hurrying from the grounds, and Hodge followed. The man
passed the sentry, but Bart was challenged.

"See that man?" said the lad, hurriedly. "I am satisfied that he has
been up to some mischief. I want to follow him, and see where he goes."

"You cannot leave the grounds without a pass," said the sentinel,
firmly.

"Oh, hang your pass!" cried Bart, warmly, as he saw there was danger
that the man in black would escape. "This is an exceptional case."

"A sentry knows no exceptions. If you leave the grounds, you will have
to obtain a pass from the office."

"But that man is a robber--a highwayman! If you stand on the rules of
the academy now, he will escape, and you may be reprimanded."

"I shall do my duty as sentinel, sir, reprimand or no reprimand."

The man in black was walking swiftly up the road toward the village,
his cape flapping behind him in the wind like the wings of a bat. In a
few moments he would disappear from view.

"Hang the luck!" grated Hodge, as he turned away in disappointment.
"I'd given something to follow him up."

He was inclined to be angry at the sentinel at first, but his
friendship with Merriwell had taught him that he should have
forbearance when in the right, and should never hold a grudge when in
the wrong. Sober reason told him the sentinel had done no more than
his plain duty, so the feeling of anger was swiftly banished from
Bart's breast.

"I will find Frank and tell him what is up," he thought.

As he walked swiftly toward the barracks, he was met by Wat Snell, who
said:

"Hello, Hodge. I want to have a talk with you."

"With me?" asked Bart, in surprise.

Snell had not been friendly for some time, and, of late, he had ceased
to speak to Hodge. This had not troubled Bart at all, but he was
greatly surprised by this advance on the part of his enemy.

"Yes, with you," assured Snell. "There was a time when you were ready
enough to talk with me. I have even known you to follow me up to get a
chance to have a word in private with me."

The face of the dark-haired boy flushed.

"That time is past," he said.