But he had the wrong man between his legs, and was pounding away on the back of an unlucky prostrate comrade, like as if he were thumping a big drum.
Shouts, oaths, and groans were now heard on all sides.
Jonas, as nimble as a monkey, climbed on to the sacks of flour piled up right and left.
His own weight toppled them over.
They fell among the combatants, and knocked several of them over.
Old Harmer, surprised at the change in the state of things, and, fearful that Jonas should escape, rushed to a long rope, and pulled the mill bell, which hung in an old tower.
He tugged away, and alarmed the whole village.
In less than five minutes the male portion of the villagers rushed forth from their houses, half dressed.
Dogs barked, men shouted, women screamed, and children cried.
All was now a scene of great excitement and confusion.