Words failed him, his face grew white as a sheet, and his eyes seemed actually to bulge out of their sockets.
“What is it?” demanded Jack, anxiously. “Are you sick? Speak. Tell me what’s the matter.”
Frank could only wave his hands feebly and shake his head.
Then he seemed to change into new life under Jack’s gaze. Color returned to his cheeks, his eyes grew bright and joyful, and, leaning forward, he drew the telephone transmitter toward him and began to speak. In Jack’s mind, stupefaction succeeded bewilderment as he listened.
CHAPTER XX.
AN OLD FRIEND APPEARS.
“Mr. Hampton isn’t here, but this is one of his men speaking,” Jack heard Frank say.
As in a daze, Jack stood open-mouthed while Frank continued:
“What’s that? Roy Stone?”
Frank’s voice was joyful, unbelieving.
“I can’t believe it’s you, Stone. I just can’t,” Frank continued. “This is Frank Merrick speaking. But how in the world? Where did you come from? Wait a minute, wait a minute.”