He was now a man of one idea.
Again was Merton Gill saved from the need of instant speech, though not in a way he would have chosen to be saved.

The three Ransom children ran up, breathless, shouting.
"Oh, Merton, here's your pistol.

I found it right in the road there." "We found your pistol right in the dirt there.

I saw it first." "You did not; I saw it first.

Merton, will you let me shoot it off, Merton?
I found your pistol, didn't I, Merton?
Didn't I find it right in the road there ?" The friendly tots did little step dances while they were thus vocal.
"Be quiet, children," commanded Merton, finding a voice.