“It wasn’t in here,” he murmured. “I wonder if the professor is up?” He was just about to rouse Ned and Bob, and had in mind to call the scientist, when from the latter’s apartment there suddenly came a series of startled yells.
“Ouch! Oh my! Let go! I’m bein’ stabbed! Some beast has holt of me! Let go, consarn ye, or I’ll stomp on ye!”
There was a riot of racket in the adjoining room.
“What’s the matter?” yelled Ned, jumping up.
“Is the place on fire?” asked Bob, pressing the spring of a portable electric light he had with him, and partly illuminating the room.
“Here! Get out! What are you doing? Thieves! Murder! Help, boys, help!”
“It’s the professor!” gasped Jerry. “That rascal is attacking him!”
“We’re coming, Professor!” sung out Ned. He began sliding back the chair that Jerry had placed against the door, while Bob held the light.
“Not that way! This!” shouted Jerry, and, putting his shoulder to the connecting door, he burst it open with a mighty shove.