“Let me up!” roared Rudolph, struggling vigorously with the cords that bound him.

Ben was terrified by his demonstration, and had half a mind to comply with his demand.

Don’t you do it, Mr. Hayden!” Tony exclaimed.

What, young jackanapes!” said the tramp, scowling fiercely. “You dare to give him this advice?”

“Yes, I do,” said Tony boldly. “He will be a fool if he releases you.”

“If he don’t I’ll kill him, and you, too.”

“What shall I do?” added Ben helplessly.

Do you know what he’ll do if you untie him?”

“What will I do?” demanded Rudolph.

You will steal this old man’s money. It was what you were about to do when you fell over backward.”

“He threw me over,” said the tramp.

“I’m very sorry,” stammered Ben.

If you’re very sorry untie them cords, and let me up.”

“I didn’t tie you.”

“Who did?”

“The—the boy.”

“You dared to do it!” exclaimed Rudolph.

Yes, I did,” said Tony calmly. “It was the only way to keep you out of mischief.”

“Insolent puppy; if I only had my hands free I would strangle you both.”

“You hear what he says?” said Tony, turning to old Ben. “Are you in favor of untying him now?”

“No, no!” exclaimed Ben, trembling. “He is a dreadful man. Oh, why did he come here?”

“I came for your gold, you fool, and I’ll have it.”

“What shall I do?” asked the old man, wringing his hands in the excess of his terror.

Let me up, and I won’t hurt you.”

“Just now you said you would strangle the both of us, Rudolph.”

“I’ll strangle you, you cub, but I will do no harm to the old man.”

“Don’t you trust him, Mr. Hayden,” said Tony. “He will promise anything to get free, but he will forget all about it when he is unbound.”

“I’d like to choke you!” muttered Rudolph.

I’ll go and call for help to arrest him,” said Tony.

And leave me alone with him?” asked Ben, terrified.

No, we will lock the door, and you shall go and stay outside till I come back.”

Tony’s proposal was distasteful to Rudolph. He had a wholesome dread of the law, and didn’t fancy the prospect of an arrest. He made a fresh and violent struggle which portended danger to his captors.

Come out quick,” said Tony hastily. “It is not safe for you to stay here any longer.”

The old man followed him nothing loath, and Tony locked the door on the outside.

Do you think he will get free?” asked Ben nervously.

He may, and if he does there is no safety for either of us till he is caught again.”

“Oh, my gold! my gold!” groaned Ben. “H............