Both the Professor and I were lying full length
on the ground. We were quite helpless.
"Get up!" said the tramp in a husky, nasty voice. "I guess
youse thought we wasn't covering our trail? Well, we'll have
to tie you up, I reckon, while we get away with this Crystal
Pallis of yourn."
I scrambled to my feet, but to my surprise the Professor
continued to lie at full length.
"Get up, deacon!" said the tramp again. "Get up on them
graceful limbs, _if_ you please."
I guess he thought himself safe from attack by a woman. At
any rate, he bent over as if to grab Mifflin by the neck. I
saw my chance and jumped on him from behind. I am heavy, as
I have said, and he sprawled on the ground. My doubts as to
the pistol being loaded were promptly dissolved, for it went
off like a cannon. Nobody was in front of it, however, and
Mifflin was on his feet like a flash. He had the ruffian by
the throat and kicked the weapon out of his hand. I ran to
seize it.
"You son of Satan!" said the valiant Redbeard. "Thought you
could bully us, did you? Miss McGill, you were as quick as
Joan of Arc. Hand me the pistol, please."
I gave it to him, and he shoved it under the hobo's nose.
Pages:
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116