"No, I guess not," said Mr. Antis, only half comprehending the situation.
"Then take hold of this fellow and help me tie him. If you don't lie still, you rascal, I'll put a bullet through you!" said Jeduthun, whose wild blood was up with the excitement.
"Oh, don't! Oh, Mr. Antis, don't let him kill me!"
"Don't I know that voice?" exclaimed Mr. Antis.
"Of course you do," said Jeduthun, "but never mind now. I want to find out what they've done with Eben. I'm afraid they've made way with the boy."
"He got away," said Tom Wilbur, for it was no other. "Oh, Mr. Antis, let me go, and I'll never come near here again!"
"But where is the man that knocked me down?" asked Mr. Antis, still a little confused.
"He ain't far off, I guess!" replied Jeduthun, grimly. "I reckon he's got all he wants, and a little over. Here, Barton, do take hold of this fellow. Boss has got all the sense knocked out of him, I think."
"Not quite, I hope," said Mr. Antis. "I am all right now. Barton, is this you?"
"Yes, sir," said Mr. Barton, who, like Jeduthun, had been aroused by the bell, but who, living farther away, had only just reached the scene of action. "What has happened? Is anybody hurt?"