Frank and Harry exchanged glances.
“Search him,” advised Rattleton.
“That’s right,” nodded Pierson. “Search him.”
Gooch paled again.
“You shall not!” he cried. “I will not stand it! I protest against the outrage!”
“Protest and be hanged!” exploded Rattleton. “We are going to search you! Come on, fellows.”
“I shall shout for help! I shall scream!”
“If you do, we’ll tell whoever comes how we caught you in Merry’s room.”
Then they fastened on Gooch, and, despite his struggles, set about searching him.
“Ha! what are these?” cried Pierson, as he brought forth a great bunch of keys. “Door keys! What do you want of all these, Gooch?”