"Sh," warned Jack, from the window toward which he was glancing at that moment. He sprang forward to see better. "Here comes Mr. Rollins now. And in a tearing hurry, too."
Rollins jumped from his horse and ran along the porch to his room. They heard the door slam, and then sounds of a furious searching being carried on. The boys and Mr. Temple, gathered around the door and window, looked at each other significantly.
"Found he dropped his papers and came back for them," whispered Frank.
A moment later Rollins called for Gabby Pete from the door of his room. The cook hurried to him from the kitchen.
"Pete, did I drop an envelope—a long blue envelope—at breakfast?" asked Rollins, making no attempt to conceal his anxiety.
Before Gabby Pete could reply, Jack stepped impulsively from the doorway.
"Yes, you did," said he. "Pete gave it to me to keep for you."
"Where is it?" Rollins brusquely demanded.
"Step into my room," said Jack.
Rollins complied. When he saw Mr. Temple, Bob and Frank, he recoiled as if to flee. But Jack barred the doorway. Rollins was speechless. Mr. Temple advanced, holding out the document and the letter.