It seemed to surprise the fellow, for he burst into a loud laugh.
“Well, you are a plucky chap, and no mistake!” he exclaimed. “However, all this struggling of yours won’t do you any good. I’ve handled too many men to be outdone by a boy.”
I wrenched myself loose, and sprang to my feet. He was after me, and in a trice I was again on my back.
In falling my head struck a rock. The bump stunned me for the instant, and it raised a big lump besides. I essayed to get away again; but my head was in a whirl, and finally I was forced to abandon the struggle.
“Now we’ve got you,” he panted.
I made no reply, and presently Yates and Mr. Norton came up.
“Ha, Reuben, you rascal, you thought you would be smart, did you?” said Mr. Norton, as he grasped me by the shoulder.
“What do you intend to do with me?” I asked, as coolly as I could, though I was both excited and out of breath.
“You’ve been spying on us, haven’t you?” said Yates.