over his nose and mouth he became quiet. His limbs relaxed, and his eyes
closed. He lay like a corpse.

With a grunt of satisfaction Sparwick rose to his feet and stretched
himself. Then he walked over to the sleds, which were piled at one side
of the bed.

"I was justified in that thar," he said, turning to the boys. "The mean
cur hed it all fixed ter treat me the same way. You needn't be afeared
he's dead. It's only chloroform."

Brick and Hamp watched Sparwick place the vial and the saturated
handkerchief carefully on the floor at the foot of the bed. Then he
took a knife from his pocket, and cut two pieces of rope from one of the
sleds. This done, he negligently dropped the knife and returned to his
victim.

He tightly bound Bogle's legs together. Then he set to work on his arms.
His back was turned toward the boys, who were sitting up watching him.

Suddenly Brick gave a start. He had discovered that the cords on his
wrists were coming loose. He fumbled for an instant, and managed to pull
one hand through. His arms were now free.

He held them up in front of Hamp, and at the same time made a warning
gesture of silence. Then he leaned softly over, and reached the knife.

Two noiseless strokes, and Hamp's arms were free. Sparwick was still
absorbed in his task. Brick now removed his shoes, and motioned to Hamp
to do the same. He pointed to the handkerchief, and the vial.

"Are you with me?" he whispered in his companion's ear. "It's a great
chance. We can sneak up from behind. It will only take a few seconds.
We can hold him that long."

Hamp nodded. Just then Sparwick rose to his feet.

"You lads better go to sleep," he growled. "You've got a long tramp
ahead of you ter-morrow."

Then he returned to Bogle, and knelt over him in his old position. He
had him securely bound, and now he was going to put a gag in his mouth.

Brick instantly leaned over, and captured the vial and the handkerchief.
He resaturated the latter with what chloroform was left. Then he and
Hamp exchanged meaning glances. They had a splendid chance, for
Sparwick's back was turned toward them.

Then, in their stocking feet, they went swiftly and silently forward,
side by side. Now they were right over their intended victim. Brick
encircled Sparwick's head with both hands, and pressed the handkerchief
against his nostrils.

Taken forcibly and unawares, Sparwick toppled over on his side. He
struggled hard for a few seconds, then the