“You’re a big bluff,” Scoop went on, in the same sneering tone of voice. “But you haven’t [[166]]fooled me in the least with this ten-thousand-dollar offer. For why should your father offer to buy the invention when he has hired spies to steal it?”
“I’ll git you for this,” screeched Gennor. And when Tom and I ran into the room, he sneered: “Three against one.”
“Three against one,” scowled Scoop, “is a fair game as compared to what your father is doing.”
“He never intended to steal the invention.”
“We happen to know better,” said Scoop. “But don’t pat yourself on the back when I tell you that the spies succeeded in getting the frog away from us. For your man will have no chance to turn it over to you; and that, of course, is what brought you to town.”
Gennor’s eyes held an expression of cunning satisfaction as he backed to the door. And wheeling suddenly he grabbed the knob.
“I locked the door,” said Scoop, “when you came in.”
The defeated one flew into a rage.
“This is a holdup! But you’ll get no money from my father.”
“We don’t expect or want any of his money. But we do intend to keep you here till we recover the talking frog.” [[167]]