But now Tom sprang forward, bearing Crabtree to the floor. Over and over rolled the pair, upsetting first a chair and then a small table.
At the sound of the row Dora Stanhope began to scream, fearing one of her friends might be killed, and presently Mrs. Stanhope joined in. But the cottage was situated too far away for any outsiders to hear, so the boys had to fight the battle alone.
At length Josiah Crabtree pulled himself clear of Tom's hold and made for the open window. But now Dick had recovered and he hurled the man backward.
The movement kept Crabtree in the room, but it was disastrous to
Tom, for as the former teacher fell back his heel was planted on
Tom's forehead, and for the time being the younger Rover lay
stunned and unable to continue the contest.
Finding himself unable to escape by the window, Josiah Crabtree felt his way to the door and ran out into the hall. Because of his former visits to the house he knew the ground plan well, and from the hall he darted into the parlor and then into the sitting room.
Dick tried to catch him, and once caught his arm. But Crabtree broke loose and placed a large center table between them.
"Don't dare to stop me, Rover," hissed the man desperately. "If
you do you will be sorry. I am armed."
"So am I armed, Josiah Crabtree. And I call upon you to surrender."
"What, you would shoot me!" cried the former teacher, in terror.
"Why not? Didn't you try to take my life in Africa?"