When he had received the other’s communication, Elmer Greer became deathly pale.
“Great Heaven!” he cried, “what you tell me cannot be true! How do I know you speak the truth?”
“Give me your hand and I will convince you,” said Tambourine Jack, stretching out his grimy fist.
Greer took the proffered hand, and when he released it his pallor deepened.
“Do you believe me now?”
“I do,” replied the rogue. “You are one of us and dare not lie.”
“Come, Crackers, come; we have finished our business here.”
The dog made a snap at Elmer as he passed him, for which he was rewarded with a kick from his master.
When the door closed upon the strange individual and his four-footed companion, Greer said:
“Prepare for the worst, Louise. I fear we stand on the brink of a volcano!”