As he sat down the lad was observed to open the sandwich, removing the thin slice of ham and stowing the latter in his coat pocket. Then he sat thoughtfully contemplating the two pieces of buttered bread as if trying to decide whether or not he should eat them.
"Get up, kiddie," said Cummings, grasping the boy by the shoulder. "Get up and take your punishment like a little dear."
Teddy got up, carelessly, indifferently, while the pilot stretched the rope to its full length.
The boy saw that he was in earnest.
Smack!
Quick as a flash Teddy had plastered one half of the sandwich, buttered side in, right over the eyes of Cummings.
Smack!
The second half of the sandwich landed neatly over his mouth, pressed home by a firm fist.
Cummings could not speak, neither could he see. At that moment he was perhaps the most surprised man on the Mississippi River. At least he appeared to be, for he stood still. He stood still just a few seconds too long.
Teddy had seized the rope. With it he made a quick twist about the body of the pilot, taking two turns, then drawing the rope tight and tying it, thus pinioning the hands and arms of the pilot to his sides.