"Yes, they would all turn out and join in the hunt if he asked them," declared Bob.
"But there is no use in our staying in the dark, Bob," said Dick. "You have matches with you?"
"Yes. They did not search us and I have matches, and my pistols and everything."
Bob then lighted a sulphur match, the only kind in use at the time, and looked about him. They were in a room with one door but no windows, and were evidently under guard at the back of the stone house. Dick listened attentively for some minutes, and at last heard the sound of some one coming downstairs.
"Put out the light, Bob," he said, in a low tone. "If they see it under the door they may get suspicious."
Bob blew out the candle, and in a moment all was dark and still in the room.
"When the door opens make a rush at it, Bob, and overturn the fellows. There are two of them."
Bob stood ready to act upon the instant, and the steps of the two men coming on could be heard plainer than ever, rays of light beginning to show under the door. The men said nothing, and came on softly, but Dick's ears were very sharp, and he could hear them with no trouble.
The key was turned in the lock and the bolts shot back, and then, as the door opened slowly, the boys both threw their weight upon it suddenly and sent it flying wide open in an instant. There was a startled cry and a heavy fall, and in a moment the place was thrown into profound darkness.
"Pick them up and lock them in, Bob," said Dick, and the boys hurried into the passage, presently stumbling upon two men who were just getting upon their feet.