"You're right, Frank," he said. "We both know, him—we all know him."
An instant later Merry sprang down the steps, rushed forward and seized the flute player.
"If you need any assistance," called Gallup, as he descended to the lawn, "I'll help you kill him, Merry."
"Hans Dunnerwurst!" cried Frank, as he grasped the hand of the German and shook it delightedly. "I thought I knew you!"
The stranger seemed nearly pumped out of breath. As soon as he could speak he retorted:
"Uh-ha! I pelieft you vould knew me uf you recognitioned me. How you vos alretty, Vrankie? It peen a long dime since ve med up py each udder, ain'd it? I knew der lufly musig vot I vos discouragin' to you vould pring de houze oudt uf you bretty quick. Yah! I knew you coot not stand der delightfulness uf id forefer. Ach Himmel! How der flute does luf to blay me! Id peen der grandest instrument dot efer found me der vorld in."
Several of the party had followed Frank down the steps and surrounded Dunnerwurst. They greeted him warmly, seizing his hand and shaking it.
But suddenly the Dutchman caught sight of Gallup. With a whoop of joy, he grabbed up his carpetbag and started for the Vermonter.
"Oh, Ephie, Ephie!" he squawked, rushing forward and embracing Gallup, who was nearly upset by this impetuosity. "You vos so glad to see me dot I coot almost cry right avay alretty quick now!"
"Waal, gol dern my punkins!" exploded Ephraim. "It sartinly is old Hans!"