The four men, with Ned, holding the cords, in the lead, hung back.
“Don’t be afraid of him!” yelled Noddy. “You can get the better of him!”
Mr. Newton swung the poker menacingly.
“Try it yourself, if you’re so anxious to get a cracked cocoanut!” muttered one of the men to Noddy.
Noddy made a motion as if to grapple with the reporter. But Mr. Newton, with a sudden motion, advanced, and stood in front of his enemy. Noddy reached his hand back toward his pocket, as if to draw a weapon. With a quickness that could not be guarded against, Mr. Newton swung the poker around, and brought it down on Noddy’s arm, making the fellow howl with pain.
“You’ll pay for this!” the man yelled.
Mr. Newton took advantage of the confusion which his attack had caused. He sprang to the door, and, with three blows from his weapon had shattered the lock. He threw the portal open, and dashed out into the hall.
“Stop him!” yelled Noddy.
“You’re too late!” called back the reporter.
“You’ll be sorry for this!” Noddy’s voice sounded through the passageway, as Mr. Newton sped away. “We’ve only just begun our campaign against your friends. Our next move will not be so easy on you!”