him," cried Ferris. "He's a regular spy, and
he's trying his best to get us all into trouble."

Macklin caught Hal by the arm. The next instant Hal received a terrible
blow behind the right ear that almost stunned him.

"Now I think yer will come in an' mind," howled Macklin. "Take hold o'
him, Ferris."

The tall boy came out, and before Hal could recover he was dragged into
the apartment and the door was closed and locked.

When he came to realize what had happened he found himself confronted by
the angry pair.

"That's what you get for spying on us," said Ferris.

"Tain't no healthy business fer a feller ter be in around here," added
Macklin, with a coarse laugh.

"I want you to open the door," returned Hal, as calmly as he could.

"That's right!" laughed Ferris. "I suppose you think you can command us
to do anything, don't you?"

Hal walked toward the door and shook it. It was strongly built, and to
break it down was out of the question.

"Give me the key," he said.

Another laugh followed this speech.

Hal glanced out of the window. It was tightly closed, and the distance
to the court below was fully twenty feet.

The youth looked at Macklin, who had resumed his smoking.

"What do you propose to do with me?" he asked.

"That is hard ter tell," replied the tough. "It all depends on wot
Ferris is got ter say."

"You have the key of the door?"

"I kinder think it's in my pocket."

"Give it to me."

Macklin chuckled.

"Don't waste yer breath; yer may need it."

He had hardly spoken when Hal sprang upon him. The youth was thoroughly
aroused, and a well directed blow sent Macklin sprawling in one corner,
while his pipe went flying in another.

The tough uttered a howl as he went down, and Ferris gave a cry of
consternation.

"Now will you give me the key?" demanded Hal.

"Git orf of me!" spluttered Macklin.

"Let up there," put in Ferris.

"Stand back, Ferris," cried Hal. "I am not to be trifled with."

"Pull him orf!" roared Macklin.

Ferris advanced, but rather gingerly.

He knew Hal's strength, and he had a great horror of being struck.

Macklin tried to rise, but Hal hit once more and he went down a second
time. Then Hal sat down on his body.

"Hand over the key."

Hal had an idea the key was in Macklin's outer pocket, and into this he
inserted his hand.

It soon came in contact with what he was searching for. He tried to
withdraw the key, but now Macklin began to squirm w