“Now do as I tell you,” ordered Ned crisply. “Get up on the seat of that car and drive back into Grayport.”
“Into Grayport?”
Gradbarr began to whimper like the coward he was, as he echoed the words. Also he had recognized Ned’s voice and knew the lad was not to be trifled with.
“That’s what I said,” ordered the Dreadnought Boy sharply. “Don’t hesitate, or I’ll give you a lesson in navy tactics.”
“Oh, but I’ll be arrested,” whined the ruffian, still not daring to turn.
“You certainly will,” Ned assured him. “You have been going a long time, Gradbarr, but here is where your career reaches a sudden termination.”
“Come on now.” To emphasize his words, Ned pressed the muzzle of the revolver more closely to Gradbarr’s neck. The fellow moved forward, cringing and whimpering, but before he had taken a step something happened which completely turned the tables.
Ned felt himself suddenly enwrapped from behind by a pair of powerful arms, while at the same moment a harsh voice grated out:
“Just in time it seems.”
Gradbarr whipped round at the sudden interruption and gave a cry of delight. He laughed aloud as he saw Ned struggling desperately, but ineffectually in the arms of his captor.