Benton did not reply, and Tom Cooper resumed: “You thought we kept our gold-dust in that chest.”
“Upon my honor!” protested Benton.
“The less you say about your honor the better,” returned Tom, with contempt. “Grant, what shall we do with him?”
Benton began to be alarmed. Tom Cooper was a young giant. He had been brought up to his father’s business, and his muscles were as firm and strong as steel. Benton knew very well that he would be like a child in his grasp.
“Spare me,” he said, “and I will not trouble you any more.”
“I don’t think you will if you know what is best for yourself. But you deserve to be punished for what you have already done. Grant, open the window.”
“What are you going to do?” asked Benton, in alarm.
“I’ll show you.”
Tom seized the thief, and bore him in his strong arms to the window. He held him outside, making a futile resistance, and then dropped him.
The distance to the ground was only fifteen feet, and Benton landed on all-fours, a little jarred, but not seriously hurt.