self
up, and with this he awaited in silence the onset.

CHAPTER VIII

AN ARREST

Jet understood only too well that even if he should come off victorious
in this battle with the dog, and in so doing make sufficient noise to
be heard by the inmates of the house, all his efforts would have been
in vain.

Although the moon had not yet risen, the light of the stars permitted
the boy to see his antagonist, who, on first striking the ground on the
outside of the barricade, stood for an instant as if at a loss to
locate the intruder.

Jet thought it possible he might yet escape, and started toward the
shelter of the trees; but the sound of his footsteps soon told the
brute where to look for his prey.

With a low, angry yelp he turned, standing motionless a few seconds,
during which time Jet continued to back farther away from the house in
order that there might be less chance the noise of the conflict would
be overheard.

Then the dog crouched for a spring, and Jet, every muscle strained to
its utmost tension, stood ready to receive him.

The battle was short.

While the dog was yet in the air Jet struck out with the heavy stick,
and his aim was perfect.

The club fell squarely on the brute's head, crushing the skull as if it
had been an egg-shell, and without so much as a moan the dog dropped
dead.

There was yet another to be met, but so far he had not made his
presence known save by angry barks, and Jet ran for the woods with all
speed.

He gained the shelter of the trees and paused for an instant to look
back.

If he must meet the companion of the animal he had killed it would be
better to do so at the edge of the undergrowth where he could have a
fair view of his antagonist, rather than fight in the darkness where
the branches would obstruct his movements.

No sound came from the inmates of the house to show that they had been
alarmed.

From the window of the room where Jet had heard them moving about a
bright light could be seen, and what seemed very strange, considering
the fact that the night was far from cold, the men had built such a
roaring fire that the sparks were coming from the chimney in wreaths.

Even where he stood Jet could hear those dull, heavy blows at regular
intervals, which, since it proved their work had not been interrupted,
showed that the men had no idea their prisoner was making his escape.

The remaining dog was rushing to and fro barking furiously; but,
contrary t