The Happy Hollisters and the Swiss Echo Mystery

The Happy Hollisters and the Swiss Echo Mystery — page 5
as two men and a dog raced out of the mist directly toward the Hollisters Oh my goodness Mrs Hollister exclaimed Stop that man Catch him cried the pursuer who slipped and slid on the snowy path several yards behind the fellow he was trying to catch All the while the dog a beautiful large gray poodle nipped at the fugitive’s heels The man wore a dark topcoat with the collar turned up and his face was half concealed by a plaid cap pulled low over his eyes As he weaved among the startled Hollisters Pete reached for him but the boy’s fingers slipped from the man’s coattails At the same moment the pursuer and his dog crashed headlong into the family Pam seized four-year old Sue and whirled out of the way as Mrs Hollister nimbly stepped aside But Pete and Holly were knocked into the snow The big poodle bowled Ricky over in a double somersault The pursuer too lay sprawled on the ground Is anybody hurt asked Pam We’re all right replied Pete as he and the other children scrambled to their feet The man rose with a sheepish look I’m sorry he said with a Swiss accent but it is so slippery underfoot Pete looked admiringly at the tall stranger who was slender had a long straight nose and brown eyes with laugh crinkles in the corners Pam picked up his hat from the snow brushed it off and handed it to him 8