With that cry, he sprang after Roland, who was vanishing through the door. In a moment there was great excitement in the room.
Hans Dunnerwurst had seen the envelope snatched from Merry’s fingers, and he tried to overtake Roland, shouting:
“Come away back mit dot! Id dit nod belonging to you!”
In his rush for the door he collided with Ephraim Gallup, who likewise had leaped after the thief, and they went down heavily in the doorway, locked fast in each other’s arms.
“Gol ding a fool!” spluttered the youth from Vermont.
Merry was compelled to leap over them both, which he did, dashing out after Packard. Half-way down the stairs Frank clutched Oliver, who was calmly returning to Merry’s room.
“Give it up!” commanded Merry sternly.
Oliver was astounded.
“Give what up?” he asked.
“The message.”