ou," smiled Frank; "but I do not fancy I shall have anything in
your line. While we are talking, though, let me give you some advice.
Turn over a new leaf and try to be on the level. You will find it the
best policy in the long run."

"I t'ink ye're right, an' I'm goin' ter try ter do it. I allus did hate
ter work, but if I kin git any kind of a job I'm goin' ter try it once
more. I don't know w'y it is, but jes' bein' wid youse makes me want ter
do der square t'ing."

Frank might well have felt pleased that he exercised such an influence
over a man like Plug Kirby.

The door opened and Rattleton came into the saloon, followed by Old Put
and Dismal Jones.

"Come on, Kirby," said Frank, quietly. "Here is the man we are waiting
for."

Putnam had halted near the bar, a puzzled look on his face, and Frank
heard him say to Harry:

"What in the world did you drag me in here for, old man? You know I am
not drinking anything now, and--"

"As I told you," interrupted Harry, grimly, "I brought you in to see a
man. Here he is."

Frank and the rough had come up behind Putnam, who now turned, and, with
still greater astonishment, cried:

"What--Merriwell? What in the world are you doing in this place?"

"Permit me to introduce you to Mr. Plug Kirby--Mr. Burnham Putnam. Have
you ever met the man before."

Old Put drew back, staring at the ruffian in astonishment.

"What in blazes is this?" he gasped. "Is it a joke?"

"No joke," returned Frank, sternly. "It is a matter of business. Mr.
Kirby, have you ever met Mr. Putnam before?"

"Naw!" cried the man. "Dis ain't der cove wot come ter me ter do der
job. Dis is anodder feller."

"You are sure?" demanded Frank, with an expression of positive relief.
"His name was on the card you gave me."

"I don't care if it was, dis ain't der feller wot give der card ter me,
not by a great big lot."

"Well, I am glad of that!" cried Frank, and he grasped Putnam's hand.
"It is a great relief."

"Didn't I tell you!" almost shouted Harry.

"Well, now, I want to know what all this is about," said Old Put, who
was greatly puzzled. "I am all at sea."

Without hesitation Frank explained how a person had hired Plug Kirby to
break his arm and what the result had been; how the person who made the
bargain had given a card on which Putnam's name was engraved. Frank took
the card from his pocket and Putnam said it was one of his regular
visiting cards.

"Some fellow has been working on