[CHAPTER XV]
AT THE MINING CAMP
“What’s the matter? What’s the trouble?” cried the hotel clerk, running up.
“Aw, dere’s a guy in dere what’s got bats in his belfrey, boss,” explained the bell boy, in his choicest slang. “He’s a bug-house.”
“Is he a friend of yours?” asked the clerk of Jerry.
“If it’s Professor Snodgrass, he is,” replied the lad, “but I can’t imagine what makes him act so,” for the pounding on the walls continued.
“Well, we’ll soon see!” exclaimed the clerk. “Here, Jim, you and Jack break down that door, and stand ready to grab the lunatic. He’ll smash the hotel.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to see if the door is locked, before smashing it in?” suggested Mr. Duncan. “You may alarm the unfortunate man unnecessarily if you break it down.”
“I’ll open it,” said Jerry, eagerly, and he tried the knob. It turned readily and Jerry stepped into the room. The others followed timidly but they need have had no fears. For, no sooner had Jerry stepped over the threshold than the professor, for it was the scientist in the room, cried out: