Suddenly the man flashed a bright beam of light on the ground, and made a quick motion.
“Now!” whispered Ned. “Jump boys!” for it looked as if the intruder was about to open a window, and spring inside.
The chums leaped together, and fairly bore the man to the earth. Down they came upon him, as if they were stopping a halfback, with a football, running around right end on the second down.
“We’ve got him!” yelled Bob.
“Help! Help!” shouted Ned.
“Murder! Thieves! Robbers! Fire! Police! Help!”
These were cries coming from the man who was struggling to get rid of the crushing weight of three healthy, sturdy boys.
“He’s trying to get away!” called Jerry: “Hold him, fellows!”
“Let me go! Help! Help! I haven’t any money!” pleaded the man underneath!” Fire! Police! Help!”
“What is it?” cried Mr. Seabury, opening a window just over where the struggle was going on, and thrusting his head out. “What’s the matter?”