“So it may,” declared Merry.

Browning gave a grunt.

“Huah!” he said. “Don’t talk in riddles. What do you mean, anyhow?”

“That’s right,” urged Rattleton; “what do you mean?”

“That the turn affairs have taken may save my life.”

“Your life?” mumbled the big fellow.

“Your life?” gurgled Harry.

“That’s what I said.”

“And it is gospel truth!” nodded Diamond solemnly.

“Oh, say!” came from Harry; “get down onto the earth, and give it to us straight! Merry might be stringing us; but when did you start in backing him up in his practical jokes, Diamond?”