His disappointment in not seeing either Elsie or Inza was bitter, for somehow he felt that if he could see them they would be willing to help him.
With this feeling, he now began to look for Merriwell and his friends, but they were not to be found.

He went to Merry's room, and then from room to room, even venturing finally to knock on Hodge's door.

Later he learned that Hodge and Merry had called at the home of Fairfax Lee, after he had given over his vigil, and had been cordially admitted, and had accompanied Inza and Elsie to a banquet, which was attended by the whole Merriwell set.
The Westerner was more successful in his search for Merriwell the next day, though he did not get a chance to speak to Frank until the afternoon.
Badger was looking haggard and distressed as he came up to Merry.

They were in the campus, and Yale's famous "slapping" ceremony was soon to begin.

The campus was filling with men, and the members of the junior class were out in full force, for out of that junior class, by the "slapping" process, forty-five men were to be selected as members of "Bones," "Keys," and Wolf's Head.
"I looked everywhere for you last night," said Badger; and Frank told him of the banquet.
"Let's go somewhere where we can talk," the Westerner invited, not relishing the throngs.