“We’ll give them to you when we get good and ready, see? Now come along or we’ll make you,” snapped the largest of the trio, menacingly.
The boys did not intend to be forced into compliance, however, and quickly placing themselves back to back, made it evident they intended to keep the luggage they still retained.
“What’s the use of monkeying with these kids? Why not give it to ’em now?” demanded one of the men.
Ere his companions could reply or even act, however, there came the sound of several people running toward them.
“The cops! Give it to ’em and then beat it!” growled the ringleader.
Instantly his companions made vicious lunges at the boys, but they, frightened yet alert, dodged cleverly, and their antagonists, growling, dashed for the stairway.
“Drop them bundles!” shouted a voice.
But the three men only increased their speed.
“Drop ’em, or we’ll shoot!” snapped the voice again, while another added:
“I know ivery mother’s son of yez an’ if yez iver show yer faces around here ag’in, I’ll run yez in!”