As I jumped from the desk another idea struck me, and without any hesitation I scattered the papers on the floor and upset the ink-well.
Then I squeezed myself into the closet, crouching down into one corner, behind several canes and umbrellas.
I was not an instant too soon, for hardly had I settled myself than the door opened, and Chris Holtzmann reentered, followed by Mr. Aaron Woodward.
Both men were highly excited, and both uttered an exclamation when they saw the room was empty.
"He's gone!" cried Holtzmann.
"Gone?" repeated the merchant. "Get out, Holtzmann! He was never here."
"I say he was, less than two minutes ago."
"Well, where is he now?"
"I don't know. Ha! I see it! He has jumped through the windows. See how he has upset the ink and scattered the papers. It's as clear as day."
"Can you see anything of him outside?"