some one
who had evidently intended to clutch him by the throat, but, failing,
grasped his shirt-collar.

Even now, Joe believed it was with Dan he had to deal, and wrenching
himself free, which was not difficult, since the cloth tore in the hand
of the intruder, he struck out right and left, with the hope of dealing
an effective blow.

Before many seconds had passed, however, he understood that he was
battling with a man, and not a boy.

Once he received a blow on the cheek which sent him staggering back
several paces, and, when he would have renewed the battle, was met by a
thrust in the face which almost dazed him.

The intruder made no outcry, probably hoping the other inmates of the
house might not be aroused, and Joe remained silent, lest aunt Dorcas
should learn of the burglar's presence.

After receiving a third blow, and not having been able to deliver one in
return, Joe understood that the battle would speedily be brought to an
end by his discomfiture, unless there was a change of tactics, and he
closed with the man at once, seizing him around the waist in such a
manner that the fellow could not do him much injury.

The boy had but little hope he would come off victor in this unequal
battle; but yet he clung to his adversary, striving to overthrow him,
until, in their struggles, the two were at the open door through which
Joe had entered.

Leading from the kitchen by this way was a short hall, ending in three
steps which led to the shed beyond, and Joe believed the time had come
when he might gain an advantage.

At that instant, the burglar was standing with his back towards the
passageway, and putting all his strength into the effort, Joe flung his
whole weight upon the enemy.

The man, taken for the instant at a disadvantage, yielded a single step,
and this was sufficient for his discomfiture.

Joe forced him back, until the fellow toppled down the stairs, striking
his head against the threshold of the shed door with sufficient force to
render him unconscious.

The crash which followed the burglar's fall literally shook the little
cottage, and before Joe fully realised he had vanquished the foe, aunt
Dorcas was calling him loudly by name.

"It's all right; don't you come down, but send Plums here if you can,"
he shouted, in reply, and then stood irresolutely wondering what could
be done.

He had an ill-defined idea that the burglar should be made a prisoner;
but how that might be accomplish