A few moments later Diamond left the building, accompanied by a single companion, and that companion was not Roland Ditson.

Ditson remained behind, and he was among those who crowded about Frank Merriwell and offered congratulations.

“I was Diamond’s second,” said Roll, “but I am satisfied that the best man won.  He is no match for you, Merriwell.  I shouldn’t have been his second, only he urged me to.  I was glad to see you do him up.”

He got hold of Frank’s hand and held on, but received no friendly pressure in return.  When he said he was glad that Merriwell did Diamond up Frank looked incredulous.

“As for me,” said the victor, “I was sorry to have to do him up.”

Somewhere about the place Rattleton had found an old floral decoration representing a harp.  He brought it forward and presented it to Frank.

“Take it,” he said.  “You’ll need it pretty soon.  Your wings must be sprouting already!”

“What is it?” asked Frank.

“Why, can’t you see?  It’s a harp.”

“It looks to me like a blasted lyre,” said Merriwell.  “You’d better give it to Ditson.”

Then everybody but Ditson laughed.

CHAPTER VI.

A fresh council.

Diamond was in a wretched condition.  Hunk Collins, his roommate, procured two slices of fresh beefsteak, and the Virginian had them bound over his eyes, while his face was bathed with soothing and healing lotions; but nothing could soothe his bruised and battered spirit, and Collins said he was kept awake all night by hearing Diamond grind his teeth at irregular intervals.

Even when he slept near morning the Southerner continued to grind his strong white teeth.

Collins was dropping off to sleep from sheer weariness when he awoke to find his roommate astride him and clutching him by the throat.

“This time I’ll fix you!” mumbled Diamond, thickly.  “I’ll kill you, Merriwell—­I’ll kill you!”

Then he struck feeby at Collins, who rolled over and flung him off.  They grappled, and it was a severe struggle before Diamond was flung down on the bed and held.

“What in thunder is the matter with you?” gasped Collins, whose hair was standing.  “I’m not Merriwell!  Have you gone daft?”

“Where are we?”

“Why, in our room, of course.  Where did you think we were?”

“I didn’t know.  I was dreaming.”

“Well, if you are going to be this way often, I’ll have to take out a life insurance policy or quit you.”

“Don’t mind.  I’ll be all right in the morning.  Oh, hang the luck!”

Then the passionate Southerner turned over with his face toward the wall.  Collins smoked a cigarette to quiet his nerves, after which he got into bed once more.  At intervals he could feel the bed shake, and he knew Diamond was shivering as if he had a chill.