"One moment, Miss Marsh, you can't leave until——"
Tod, who had often distinguished himself on the football field, promptly went into action. Bringing his old tactics into play, he rammed the lawyer in the stomach with a bump that nearly doubled him up.
"Oh, yes, she can!" he exclaimed. "What's the matter with you, Cooley? Can't you see the lady is tired and confused?"
"She can't go," said the lawyer, gasping for wind.
"No, she really can't!" piped Jimmy, scandalized at Tod's behavior, "until these gentlemen have signified——"
"Well, she is going, all right," said Tod determinedly. Planting himself before the other men, he effectually blocked the way until Paula was safe back in her room and had shut the door.
"I had still one or two questions I want to ask!" cried Professor Bodley, in an injured tone.
"I'll fetch her back!" said Dr. Zacharie, advancing toward the bedroom.
"Yes, and I!" chimed in Jimmy.
"Come on!" roared the outraged Cooley.