“But—but you are!” stammered Bob, taken aback for a moment by Jerry’s words. “Didn’t you admit it—”
“Whatever I am, we haven’t got time to gas about it now. I came to—”
“I don’t care what you came for,” flashed Bob. “Don’t try to sell out the other side now! It’s bad enough as it is without your double-crossing your new friends!”
For a long moment both boys eyed each other without flinching. Then in a flash Bob’s anger fled and he thought clearly. Jerry must not be let out to do more damage. He was too dangerous. He must be caught and put away until the crisis was over. No sooner had the thought flashed through his mind than he acted. Jerry was nearest the door, which was still open, so a leaping tackle was the only thing that would work.
Bob dived at his former chum with all his force. They grappled.
“At him, Ted! We’ve got to keep him!” he panted as he struggled with his adversary.
Ted was so amazed by the sudden happening that he could not make his muscles respond to the call immediately. When he did get started it was too late, for Jerry had got an arm free and had swung his fist to Bob’s jaw. The blow, while it did not knock the Eastern boy out, was sufficient to loosen his grasp and Jerry jerked away and flashed out of the room.
Ted went after him on a run but again he was too late, for when he reached the threshhold of the house, his quarry had disappeared. Dashing back through the hall, he met Bob on his way out, and they went to the door.
“Lost him,” reported Ted. “Clumsy fool I am!”
“Don’t worry,” returned Bob. “I ought to have been able to hold him. I’m only worried about what he might do now. I’m going to wake Mr. Taylor.”