“It’s Crazy Sam Bartlett,” ejaculated Mr. Martin.
“He is choking the boy to death,” went on Mr. Starleigh. “Here, let him be!”
He caught the lunatic by the shoulder, and hauled him backward.
The man set up a howl, and ceased tormenting Bob. He gave one look at Mr. Martin and his face fell.
“Sam, what does this mean?” demanded the photographer.
“Haven’t time to explain,” returned Bartlett, hurriedly.
“When did they let you out?”
“I ran away—they think I am crazy—but I’m the President of the Sandwich Islands. Here we go!”
Bartlett made a dash for the door. Mr. Martin tried to stop him, but he was too late.
A second later they heard a crash. Bartlett had leaped down the entire flight of stairs. All three went after him, and found him lying at the bottom, his left leg broken.