“Come on!” cried Ned, seizing a heavy billet of wood.
“I’ll call the police on the telephone!” exclaimed Bob, springing for the instrument. “We’ll need help!”
“I’ll not wait for the police!” fairly shouted the keeper. “I’ll tackle ’em single handed if need be!”
Bob rang up central, and, not waiting to be connected with the distant police station, told the operator what the trouble was, imploring that aid be sent promptly. Then he ran to join his companions. Jess was crying in one corner of the room.
Mr. Hardack led the way to the stairs which extended up inside the tower to the lantern. He fairly ran up the stone steps, followed by the boys. He was shouting challenges to the men as he ran.
“Let me get at you!” he yelled. “I’ll show you how an old man can fight!”
Suddenly from above them a door slammed shut. There was the clicking of a lock. Then, as they came to the heavy portal, which gave access to the room where the lantern was, a voice cried:
“You’re too late this time, old man!”
Too late! The men had shut themselves up in the top of the tower, and could control the working of the light to suit their evil purposes. The keeper could not get in.
Mr. Hardack beat upon the door with the poker. Ned hammered it with the block of wood.