"Then it seems there is considerable after all. But never mind. Take them, and take better care of them hereafter."
Ben advanced with as much alacrity as he could summon in his weakness, and stooped to pick up the bags. He had got hold of them when the tramp, whose feet were unconfined, aimed a kick at him which completely upset him.
Even though he fell, however, he did not lose his grip of the bags, but clung to them while crying with pain.
"Take that, you old fool!" muttered the tramp. "It's the first instalment of the debt I owe you."
"Take him away, take him away! He will murder me!" exclaimed old Ben, in terror.
"Come along. You've done mischief enough," said his captors, sternly, forcing the tramp along.
"I'll do more yet," muttered Rudolph.
He turned to Tony, who stood at a little distance watching the fate of his quondam companion.
"I've got a score to settle with you, young traitor. The day will come for that yet."