when the actors themselves finished the fun by giving
the manager away in the last act."

Frank smiled, but did not explain his connection with the crowning event
of the evening.

"Jove! I'm hungry," Charlie declared. "Come on, Merriwell and
Rattleton, we'll go down to Bob's, and have a chop."

He would not take no for an answer, and so, a few minutes later, the
trio crossed the campus, Creighton in the middle, his arms locked with
those of the other lads. All were laughing and joking in a light-hearted
manner.

Creighton took them directly to a restaurant that was famous for its
chops. They ordered, Charlie and Harry taking ale with their food.

Just as the chops were brought on, a man came in and took a seat at a
table nearby. This man was dressed in a new suit of "store clothes," and
wore a full beard. He gave his order to the waiter in a low tone, and
then began perusing a paper, behind which his face was almost entirely
hidden.

Rattleton happened to sit so that he naturally looked toward the man,
and, several times, he caught that individual peering over the top of
the paper. It did not take Harry long to note that the person with the
paper seemed to be watching Frank Merriwell.

Suddenly Frank's roommate arose, and, with two swift steps, he was at
the man's side. Without a word, Harry caught the gentleman by the
beard, which he gave a sharp jerk.

The beard came off in Harry's hand!

It was false!

"Look, Frank!" cried Rattleton, pointing at the smooth-shaven face
exposed; "it is the mysterious man who has been following you about!"

It was in truth the mysterious unknown, and Frank was on his feet in a
twinkling, resolved not to let the man escape till he had given a full
explanation of his remarkable conduct.

To Merriwell's surprise, the stranger showed no desire to run away, but
sat smiling serenely up at him, calmly observing:

"Do not excite yourself, Mr. Merriwell; there is no reason for it. I
have completed my business in a most satisfactory manner, and I am now
ready to explain everything to you."

"It is an explanation which I expect and demand," said Frank, coldly.
"It is no more than fair that I should have one, as you have shown
yourself my persistent enemy, and that without any just cause that I
know of."

"You are mistaken," returned the man; "instead of your enemy, I have
been your firm friend from the very first."

"I fail to see how you can make that out."

"I will call at