With the revolver in his hand, Frank turned back, unheeding a weak cry:
"Vat's all der madder apoudt, Vrankie? I peliefed me a slycone hat sdruck der blace, und I got me cofer under to peen oudt der vay uf id."
The head of the Dutch lad popped up from behind a sofa, where he had been hiding.
Frank knew Ephraim Gallup was not there, for the Vermonter would have forced his way into the dressing room to learn what was taking place there.
Merry did not believe Sargent had left the building. He entered the dressing room, and then passed through by connecting door into the adjoining room, taking a light with him.
There he found Sargent, shivering with fear, trying to hide behind some trunks.
"Now is your time to get out of here," said Frank. "Havener believes you have left the building, and he has gone to look for you."
Sargent was so frightened that it was with difficulty he could stand on his feet.
"The man is mad!" he whispered. "I could see it in his eyes."
"Yes. He is crazed by what has happened. You must not be seen by him. You have the money to get away, and you must lose no time in doing so."