Frank Merriwell's Fame — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

TIP TOP WEEKLY. 17 “T was ill in the night,” he said. “I woke up feeling deathly sick. I wonder what ailed me.” Lawrence and Lockwell turned away, pre- Frank saw and understood. He quivered with in- tending to try to hide their smiles. dignation. “Took here,” he said; “I want to under- stand this! But my memory of last night is I do not drink—never drank in my life. hazy. I remember something about the supper, and then—and then I forget every- thing. What happened? Tell me what hap- pened.” “My de-ah fellow!” Frank felt like striking Lockwell. “Don’t call me that!’ he exploded. ‘“An- swer my question! Tell me what hap- pened?!” “You know you never drink.” “Do you mean to say that I No, you It would be a lie! And still I do not remember what happened. wouldii’t dare say it! Lawrence, I appeal to you!” “Don’t!” begged Lawrence, showing a pre- tending eagerness to get away. “Hold on!” commanded Merry. “You must tell me! What was it? What did I do?” “The paper lies—you know it lies!” Lawrence snapped his fingers, took out a gold decorated cigarette case, selected a cigarette, and prepared to light it. Frank caught him by the shoulder. “Speak out, man!” he commanded. “I want to hear it!” Lawrence turned sharply. _ “See Mr. bluntly, “I know what it means to tell you the truth. say I lied. here, Merriwell.” he said, You will be furious—you will I do not fancy being called a liar, even by you. I might be tempted to resent it. about it.” Frank was cool enough now. So I will say nothing more “Mr. Lawrence,” he said, quietly, “you can tell me the truth without the least dan- No matter what you call me, I shall not call you ger of anything like that happening. a liar—now. I know you would not dare deliberately tell me anything I can prove a falsehood. What ailed me last night?’ “You were drunk!” Frank staggered back a step, staring at the actor. For some seconds he was silent. Then he bowed his head. “Tf I was drunk,’ he muttered, “I must have been deranged when I drank the stutf.” He turned away, and Lawrence and Lock- well grinned and winked at each other. es CHAPTER VI. FOLANSBEE ASSERTS HIS AUTHORITY. The company went on its way, and suc- Del- vin Riddle, the advance man, did some clever cess seemed to await it everywhere. work ahead of the show, arousing the curi- osity of the people in the towns along the route, and making them curious to witness the play. and see Frank Merriwell. How Riddle got hold of the stories about Merriwell was a mystery, but he learned a number of the most interesting things that had happened to the young star, and he used them in the papers in such a manner that people fell right away to talking about Mer- riwell. Riddle told of Frank’s career at Yale, and all the youngsters in the various places were eager to get a look at him. They had heard of him before, but they were doubtful if this could be the genuine Frank Merriwell. They were inclined to think him a chap who had stolen the name and fame of the original. But when they saw him in “John Smith WAS IT A LIVING BODY THAT WAS THROWN INTO THE OLD WELL? SEE TRUE BLUE NO. 30. JOO