"I dond pelief dot boy vos harmed by der men dot hadt idt dis room," declared the crabbed old man. "Dey vos very respectable. Now you pay me for dot door undt den go aboudt your pusiness."
"If you interfere with us we'll call in the police," said Billy.
"Yes, if you want to keep out of trouble, you'll help us," said Ned boldly.
"Is dot so? Undt who iss you?"
"I'm the son of Senator Rivers of Nebraska."
The landlord's jaw dropped. He grew more respectful.
"Vell, vot am I to do?" he asked.
"Don't interfere with us. We'll pay for this door. Hullo, what's that on the floor?" exclaimed Billy. "Why, it's Jack's knife. But where is he?"
"Den dose nice mens, Mr. Jenkins undt Mister Thompson are kidsnabbers," exclaimed the landlord.
"Are those the names they gave?" asked Billy.