Frank heard the irons rattle, and then a gaunt-looking, wild-eyed creature rose up before them, shown by the yellow light of the lanterns.
Frank Merriwell had steady nerves, but, despite himself, he started.
The appearance of the fellow had changed in a most remarkable manner.
Harris looked as if he was overcome with terror.
"There he is," said one of the men, holding up his lantern so the light fell more plainly on the wretched prisoner.
"Have you come to take me out of here ?" cried Harris, in a tone of voice that gave Frank a chill.

"For God's sake, take me out of this place! I'll go mad if I stay here much longer! It is full of rats! I could not sleep last night--I dare not close my eyes for a minute! Please--please take me out of here!" Then he saw and recognized Frank.
"You ?" he screamed.

"Have you come here to gloat over me, Frank Merriwell ?" "No," said Frank; "I have come to see if I can do anything for you." "Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Harris, in a manner that made Frank believe madness could not be far away.

"You wouldn't do that! I know why you are here! You have triumphed over me! You wish to see me in all my misery! Well, look at me! Here I have been thrown into this hellish hole, amid rats and vermin, ironed like a nigger! Look till you are satisfied! It will fill your heart with satisfaction! Mock me! Sneer at me! Deride me!" "I have no desire to do anything of the sort," declared Frank.

"I am sorry for you, Harris." "Sorry! Bah! You lie! Why do you tell me that ?" "It is the truth.