His footsteps died away down the gangway. Jerry and Ned looked at each other.
“I guess we’ll sit up the rest of the night,” said Ned.
They started their vigil. But they were very tired and soon, before either of them knew it, they were nodding. Several times they roused themselves, but nature at length gained the mastery and soon they were both stretched out asleep on the bed.
About three o’clock in the morning there came a cautious trying of the door of the room where Ned and Jerry were sleeping. Soft footsteps sounded outside. If ever the boys needed to be awake it was now, for there was a thief in the night stealing in upon them.
[CHAPTER VI.]
INTO THE WILDERNESS.
Jerry had a curious dream. He thought he was back in Cresville and was playing a game of ball. He had reached second base safely and was standing there when the player on the other side grabbed him by his belt and began to pull him away.
“Here! Stop that! It’s not in the game!” exclaimed Jerry, struggling to get away. So real was the effort that he awakened. He looked up, and there, standing over him in the darkness, was a dim form.
“Silence!” hissed a voice. “One move and I’ll kill you. Remain quiet and you shall not be harmed!”