CHAPTER IX.
IN THE MESHES.
Frank Merriwell fancied he had hit upon a scheme to stop the card games from which he could not remain away.

Being a skilled ventriloquist, he was the author of the dismal groans and the mysterious voice that had so alarmed the boys.
Bart was not in the secret, and so he wondered, when he heard Frank chuckling to himself, after they had safely reached their room and were getting into bed.
For several days the "gang" was disconsolate, having no place in which they could play a game of cards without fear of detection at any instant.
Frank Merriwell seemed restored to his usual jolly self.

He laughed and joked, and did not seem worried over anything.
But the "gang" would not remain long without a place in which to play cards.
One day Frank received an invitation to "sit into a little game" that evening.
Snell tendered the invitation.
Merriwell's face clouded instantly.
"Why, there is no place to play, is there ?" "Sure!" was the reply.

"You didn't suppose we'd be knocked out so easy, did you?
"Where do you play ?" "Come along with Hodge to-night, and he will show you.

You have been there before." But Frank did not come along.
Three nights he knew of Bart rising and stealing out of the room.