"I've got ye at last!" he cried, triumphantly.
CHAPTER XII.
MR. BICKFORD'S DEFEAT.
Aaron Bickford was a strong man. By his work at the forge he had strengthened his muscles till they were like iron. So was Kit a strong boy, but it would be absurd to represent him as a match for the sturdy blacksmith.
"I've got ye at last!" repeated Bickford tightening his grasp of Kit's coat collar.
"Let go my collar!" cried Kit, not struggling, for he knew that it would be useless.
"I'll let go your collar when I've got ye in the wagon," answered the blacksmith, "and not till then. You, Bill, bring along his valise. I'll take ye home in the wagon, though it would be only right if I let ye walk."
"Mr. Bickford," said Kit, "you have no right to touch me. You have no authority over me."
"I ain't, hey? Well, we'll argy that matter when we get home."
And he commenced dragging Kit in the direction of the wagon.
It certainly seemed as if Kit's plans were destined, if not for defeat, to postponement. Unconditional surrender was his only choice against the superior strength of Aaron Bickford. It was certainly very vexatious.