At first our hero could not understand this action, but in a moment he comprehended it.
The villain had actually been frightened by his own shadow, which was strongly outlined on the wall opposite. It might have been mistaken even by a sober man for an intruder; and in his excited condition Farley was certain that some one had come to the rescue of his intended victim.
Of course, he quickly discovered his mistake, but Al had now time to rush to the door, fling it open, and make his escape from the room.
Outside the door stood one of the hotel clerks, who had evidently just arrived upon the scene, and who demanded:
"What's going on in there?"
Before Al could reply Farley rushed out of the room and started for the staircase. In a moment he had disappeared.
Al started to follow him, but the clerk seized him by the collar, shouting:
"You won't get away quite as easily as all that, my fine fellow! Now, what's your little game?"
"Don't keep me standing here," cried the boy, trying to shake off the man's detaining grasp.
"That's all right," was the response of the zealous employee, who was under the impression that he had captured a hotel thief. "You just keep quiet. I've got you all right, and your pal won't get out of the house as easily as he thinks."