"I no leta you go justa yet. I tinka you here steala da tings," cried the man in a loud voice.
The talk inside Judson's room broke off suddenly.
"Hullo, what's up outside?" exclaimed Donald. "Somebody's collared a thief. Let's see what it's all about."
He flung the door open and the lamplight streamed out full on Jack's face.
Donald fell back a pace with astonishment.
"Great Scott! It's Jack Ready," he exclaimed. "What in the world are you doing here?"
"You knowa desa boy?" asked the Italian, still holding Jack fast.
"Yes, I do. He's no good," replied Donald.
"Dena I throwa him out or calla da police."
"Yes—no, for goodness' sake, not the police," exclaimed Donald. "Dad, Jarrow, here's that Ready kid spying on us. He was caught in the hall by that Italian next door, who thought he was a sneak thief."