"Why, it's Ben Cooper!" said Will, partly relieved.
"And he's met up with Jerry!" added Frank, grimly, as he watched eagerly to see what else took place in the little opening where the camp had been pitched.
The boys were all on their feet. They seemed to be staring at their half-dazed comrade as though hardly able to grasp the real meaning of the conditions.
Then Andy gave a shout.
"Hey, you fellers, look at that door go shut! The prisoner must have got loose! How about it, Ben Cooper? What happened to you?"
"They's another feller in there 'sides the prisoner. He knocked me clean silly, and threw me out o' the door," whined the other, rubbing his head dismally.
"Who was it—any of that crowd from over by the hemlocks?" demanded Andy, much excited, and apparently ready to tear up things generally.
"I reckon 'twar that Jerry Wallington—wait till I gets him some day, that's all."
"Hey, fellers, d'ye hear that? Another of that lot bagged in the cabin.
Come on, an' we'll do him up!" yelled the brawny leader, rushing forward.
When he reached the door, he tried in vain to break it open. It seemed to be braced in such a manner that he could make no impression on the planks.