“Because,” said Jones slowly, “you are about to disappear.”
“Disappear?” repeated Jimmy.
“Exactly. I am going to keep you out of sight until after the race.”
Jimmy had surmised what Jones meant at the other’s first words, but he had feigned ignorance, playing for time. He had been edging closer and closer toward the door.
Suddenly he darted toward it and laid his hand on the knob. Jones and his companion were after him with a shout. Unfortunately for Jimmy, the door opened inward, and he was forced to step back to let it swing wide. This caused his undoing.
“You would, would you,” exclaimed the villain, as he drew Jimmy forcibly back into the room. “Take that, and that, then, and see if it will teach you I am not to be trifled with.”
He cuffed Jimmy’s ears soundly. Then he hurled the boy into a chair.
“You sit there until I tell you to get up,” he said angrily, “or I’ll give you a little more.”
Jimmy realized that for the time being escape was impossible, and he sat back in his chair, determined to make the best of a bad situation. He said nothing.
“What are you going to do with him, sir?” asked the youth called Dick.