“He’s got into some scrape. I’ll go and see what it’s about,” said the gentleman, and as he started for the door Marion followed him promptly.
The sidewalk was fairly blocked with boys when they finally got out, and there seemed to be scores of them coming from all directions.
“He knocked a gentleman down,” said the officer, as he recognized the superintendent of the lodging-house.
“He wasn’t a gentleman, he was an abductor!” cried Bert Jackson stoutly, and just at that moment he caught sight of Marion.
For a second the stylish garments puzzled him a little, then he threw up his hat and gave a whoop that made even the officer jump in astonishment.
“She’s here! Dollie is here! I just saw her!” he shouted. “She was with that fellow Lawson, and, I tell you, I hit him a good one!”
“Which way did they go?” cried Marion, trying to push her way to his side.
“I couldn’t see!” said Bert bitterly, “for the cops had collared me, but I hit him once, anyway! Some day he’ll get another!”
”What does he mean?” asked the superintendent, who hated to see Bert taken to the station-house. “Perhaps if you can explain it the officer will let him go.”
“Oh, do let him go, sir,” cried Marion instantly. “The poor boy is trying to help me find my sister Dollie, who was abducted three weeks ago from our home in the country!”