Baxter gave a signal to the two tramps and they began to literally rip Tom's clothing from his back. Soon the unfortunate youth was stripped to the waist. Then Baxter caught up, a brush full of tar and advanced upon him.
CHAPTER X
IN THE NICK OF TIME
"Baxter, don't you dare to tar me!" cried Tom, as the bully faced him.
"Ha! ha! I guess you are pretty well scared now," laughed Baxter.
"Your former show of bravery was all put on."
"If you go ahead you shall suffer the full penalty for the outrage, mark my words."
"Bah, Tom Rover, you can't frighten me. When I get through with you I'll warrant that your own mother won't know you."
Tom tried to retreat, but each of the tramps held him by the arm, so that he could not stir. As his legs were still bound, kicking was likewise out of the question.
"Let me put a nice big cross on his breast first," said Baxter.
"Here goes!"
He reached out with the brush, but before he could touch Tom an interruption came as forceful as it was unexpected.