Before Gabby Pete could reply, Jack stepped impulsively from the
doorway.
"Yes, you did," said he. "Pete gave it to me to keep for you."
"Where is it?" Rollins brusquely demanded.
"Step into my room," said Jack.
Rollins complied. When he saw Mr. Temple, Bob and Frank, he recoiled
as if to flee. But Jack barred the doorway. Rollins was speechless.
Mr. Temple advanced, holding out the document and the letter.
"Your duplicity is discovered, Rollins," he said. "I make no apology
for having opened your sealed envelope, because last night Jack
Hampton discovered you at the radio station with Remedios, and we knew
you were faithless to your trust. Come, make a clean breast of it."
Rollins's face went white.
"You, you read the letter?" he gasped.
Mr. Temple merely nodded.
Rollins seemed to shrink and grow older before their eyes. Suddenly he
sank into a chair. His shoulders sagged. Pressing his hands to his
eyes, he bent forward and began to cry. Not the noisy crying of a
child but great, dry, wrenching sobs.
"Come on, fellows," said Jack in a low voice. "Let's leave him to Mr.
Temple."
The older man nodded approval and the three boys filed out, closing
the door behind them. Simultaneously each drew a long breath of
relief.
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