"What, where the last sack came from?"
"Yes."
"Well, then, out with it, and ease your mind—not that I care much, so long as we land the money."
"Why, they have brought the last one in from the hospital fever-ward; I heard the bell tolling at midnight, and I remember now that they said another was all but gone."
"Why, of course," said Barthes; "and see how the lazy beggars haven't even taken the trouble to tie the neck of the sack round."
"That's easily done."
Before the boys could guess what was next to take place, the sack was jerked over, and a rope was twisted around the neck of the sack, thus excluding nearly all the air.
But young Jack had already grown desperate, and he held his knife in his hand ready for an emergency.
The jerk had sent the knife through the sack about two inches, and it prodded Barthes in the hand.
"Hullo!"