The boy did as requested, and Ned moved up the slope. Bradley sat
watching the dim figures disappear and wondered what sort of company
he had fallen into.
When the call of the pack came from the spot indicated by Ned, there
was a rush of footsteps. The guard evidently, was advancing toward
the suspicious sound.
The next event was so sudden, so unexpected, so startling, that
Bradley almost held his breath for an instant. There was a choking
gurgle, a blow, and a noise of falling bodies. Then Ned and the guard
rolled into the little dip where the others were hiding.
Frank, back by this time, threw himself on the struggling mass and
the guard was soon handcuffed and gagged. Then Frank sat back and
laughed until Dode tried to gag him with a handkerchief.
"Come!" Ned whispered, giving the boy a poke in the ribs. "We're
going into the cave now! Are you going, Bradley?" he added, turning
to the blonde fellow.
"If you forget what took place at the club-room in New York, I'll--"
"You're on!" whispered Ned. "Now--quick and cautious!"
The old lady, sitting dejectedly with her grandson in her arms, in a
rough cave-room, saw the boys creeping forward. Ned held up a warning
hand and waited. The old lady, evidently knowing what was wanted,
pointed to a small opening to the south.
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