For a few seconds the two combatants fought strenuously in the darkness.
“Now, I’ve got you!” growled the assailant, wrapping his arms around young Captain Halstead.
But that astounded youth only gasped:
“Joe!”
“Tom! Pompey’s ghost! Is this you?”
Joe Dawson rolled swiftly from his point of vantage, and the chums sprang instantly to their feet.
“That was Ted Dunstan who got away,” quivered Halstead.
“I know it,” admitted Joe. “I thought you were one of the other crowd. I had eyes only for him, when I saw him.”
“Quick, then!”
They could hear Master Ted running, somewhat uncertainly, in the woods, with which he seemed to be unfamiliar. Yet he was nearing the opening where the house stood.