Frank Merriwell's Athletes Part 11

He looked as if he fully believed it. Indeed, he had the appearance of a prize fighter, and ninety-nine boys out of a hundred would have hesitated about tackling him.

Not so with Frank. He was ready to tackle an army of giants in defense of Inza, and he grappled with the sailor.

But he was given no time to see what he could do.

It seemed that a thunderbolt from the clear sky descended and smote him on the head. There was a flash of light as if something had exploded in his head.

Darkness followed.

CHAPTER VI-FRANK BUYS A YACHT

Frank sat up and looked around. Deep-toned bells seemed to be ringing in his head, which throbbed with a pain that made him weak and faint.

He was on the pier, and a man in yachting dress was approaching him.

There seemed to be something familiar in the appearance of the man.

Frank wondered what had happened, for his wits were so scattered that he could not pull them together readily.

"That was a decidedly rough deal you received, Mr. Merriwell," said the man in the yachting suit. "I saw it all, and you did not have a fair show."

Frank looked at him stupidly.

"You know me," he said, speaking with an effort; "but you have the advantage of me. Somehow, though, your face does seem familiar. I believe I have seen you before."

"Sure you have! Why, have you forgotten last night in Chinatown?"

"No. I have not forgotten. You are Mr. Chandler."

"Yes. Permit me to a.s.sist you to rise. I hope you are not badly hurt. It was a wicked blow, delivered with all the strength the old man could muster."

"Blow?" muttered Frank, as he was aided to his feet, but found that at first he was unable to stand without aid. "Was I struck? It seems that somebody hit me on the head."

"You're dazed. Somebody did hit you. I saw you toss one chap into the water and grapple with the other. Then the old man knocked you down with his cane."

Frank grew excited.

"I was fighting for Inza!" he exclaimed. "I remember it now! So her father knocked me out? Where have they taken her?"

"They took her away in a boat, although she struggled to break away and reach you," answered Chandler. "They are on board that yacht out there now."

He pointed toward Lord Stanford's yacht, where it was seen that sailors were making hasty preparations to get under weigh, but no sign of the Englishman, Inza, or Mr. Burrage could be seen.

Frank Merriwell straightened up with a sudden return of strength that was, to say the least, astonis.h.i.+ng.

"So they have carried her on board?" he said, quickly. "And it is plain they will be away directly. Mr. Chandler, I believe you have a boat?"

"Yes, sir."

"Where is it?"

"There it lays."

The man pointed to a small but handsome single-sticker that lay within a short distance of Lord Stanford's boat.

"It seems to me that you said last night that you wished to sell her."

"I do."

"How much will you take for her as she lays?"

"She cost me fifteen hundred dollars, but I am anxious to sell, and I will take a thousand."

"I'll take her."

John Chandler gasped for breath, and then smiled doubtingly.

"That is easily said, but I must have ready cash for her, and--"

"You shall have ready cash. I will give you a check on the Nevada Bank, where I have an account. My guardian fully expected I would need plenty of money by the time I reached San Francisco, and he arranged it for me, so I am able to secure almost any reasonable sum. There will be no trouble or delay in getting your money."

Chandler still looked doubtful, as it seemed rather improbable that this lad could draw so much money on short notice.

"How many men have you on your yacht?" asked Frank, as if the matter were settled.

"None now. The two friends who were with me last night were the last of my party, save the cook, and even the cook left this morning."

"Is she fitted up for a cruise?"

"I should say so! I expected to spend four more weeks on board, but business changes have knocked me out on that."

"Remember, I have bought her just as she lays."

"Certainly."

"That includes everything on board, save your personal property, Mr.

Chandler."

"Exactly."

"I shall take possession, with a full crew, before noon."

"Great Scott! You do things in a hurry, young man."

"This occasion makes it necessary. I am going to follow that other yacht."