"I want you to open the door."
"What will you give me if I do?"
"I'll tell you what I'll give you if you don't!" cried Nat, angrily.
"What?"
"A good thrashing."
"You can't do it."
"Are you going to open the door?"
"No."
Fred had scarcely spoken when Nat pressed on the door, and the hook flew from its fastening. As the door burst open, Nat leaped from the stairway and caught the other boy by the collar.
"Now, then, that for locking me in," he cried, and boxed Fred's ears soundly.