“Nothing much so far,” said Joe, stepping out from the adjoining room. “But you’re going to get a good deal more before I’m through with you!”
CHAPTER XXX
A MERITED THRASHING
The effect of Baseball Joe’s sudden entrance was electric. If a thunderbolt had torn its way through the room, the consternation of the conspirators could not have been greater.
Their terror deepened as McRae, O’Brien, Robbie, Lonergan, Reggie, Jim, and Haworth, the lawyer, filed in from the next room.
Then in panic the rascals made a break for the door. But O’Brien was already standing there placidly, his broad back against it.
“Just a minute! Just a minute,” he drawled.
They took just one look at him and dropped back.
“Now, gentlemen,” said Joe, “you’re going to learn that Matson’s arm is not yet ruined nor Mr. Barclay’s either. But first there are some little formalities to be gone through with. I suppose,” he added, as he turned to his companions, “that you all heard Mr. Harrish’s confession?”
They nodded their assent.