rsy, and more especially when he could better employ his breath.

He continued on as rapidly as his companions would permit, stopping to
rest only when they insisted upon it, and succeeded in making such good
headway that the sun had not yet shown himself when they arrived at a
point near the house.

"Here we are," Jet said, as he halted and listened for some sound which
would give him an inkling of the position of affairs.

"Where is the building?"

"About a hundred yards in that direction," and Jet pointed toward the
east.

"Are you certain Harvey and his men are there?"

"I know the men are inside, if they obeyed orders; but I'm afraid the
villains have got Mr. Harvey. Say, we must have walked mighty quick,
if it was past three o'clock when you wakened me, for it isn't daylight
yet."

"I said you was rushing too fast. Now, how are we to get inside?"

"Go over the wood-pile on this side."

"They'll shoot, not knowing who we are."

"Whistle twice while you are in the woods, and wait for an answer
before coming out of cover. That was the signal agreed upon."

"Then, you young cub, I reckon we are through with you," and as the man
spoke, he clasped Jet tightly around the waist, while his companion
clapped his hand over the boy's mouth.

Jet was taken so completely by surprise that he did not struggle for an
instant, and then the humiliating truth began to dawn upon him.

"Where is the rope you brought to tie him with?" the man who was
holding Jet asked, and after a moment's pause the other said with a
curse:

"It has slipped out of my pocket while we were coming through the
woods. Now, what shall we do?"

"You can manage to spoil a good thing quicker than any fellow I ever
knew. Why didn't you look out for it?"

"Because I didn't," was the surly reply. "If I'd had my way, these
fools would have been left to take care of themselves."

"Don't turn rusty now when our work is about done. Use a stick of wood
for a gag, and tie it in with your handkerchief."

When this had been done, and it required several moments, owing to the
shortness of the impromptu rope, Jet's hands were secured with another
handkerchief, and his body lashed to a tree with a pair of suspenders.
In this position he was unable to make any outcry; but he felt positive
he could release himself from the bonds after two or three attempts.

"Now, listen to me," one of the men said, in a low tone, as he shook
his fist unpleasantly