The valorous ape leaped forward, and gave his Italian foe such a bolstering as Toro had never before heard of, while the three spectators laughed and applauded loudly.
Crack!
The ticking of the pillow gave way, and a shower of feathers enveloped the unhappy son of Italy, whose oaths and execrations were literally smothered.
"Golly! an't he a downy cove?" said Monday.
At this juncture, Hunston managed to grasp his companions by the hand, and dragged them downstairs and out at the back door.
Only just in time, however, for Jefferson, hearing the noise, rushed out, in scanty costume, it is true, but fully armed with pistol and bowie knife, and eager for the fray.
"What is the matter?" he demanded.
Petrus explained briefly.
Jefferson rushed to the door and fired two shots after the fugitives, who, however, managed to get away.
Then the door was securely bolted, and after the affair had been explained to all the alarmed inmates of the house, they retired to bed, but not before Harkaway and his friends had shaken Petrus warmly by the hand, with a promise that he should see his beloved daughter in the morning.