CHAPTER IX

A DOSE OF TAR AND FEATHERS

"Make some kind of a light--I can't see a thing," said Dan Baxter, as the little party came to a halt in front of a half tumbled down building.

Stumpy Nuggs carried matches, and quickly lit a bit of candle which he produced from one of the pockets of his ragged attire.

They entered the dwelling, forcing Tom to accompany them. This done they tied the young cadet fast to an iron ring set in the huge old fashion fireplace.

"Now we'll turn out his pockets," said Longback, and this was quickly done. To the tramps' chagrin Tom carried no watch, but had with him two dollars in money.

"Now we'll take dat ring," said Nuggs, pointing to the article on Tom's little finger.

"So I have fallen in with a lot of thieves, eh?" said the boy. "Well, if you want the ring you can fight for it."

"Shut up!" roared Dan Baxter, and struck him across the mouth, causing Tom's under lip to bleed. The boy tried to retaliate, but his bonds held him fast.

While one tramp held his hand the other possessed himself of the ring. The ring contained an opal of which Tom was very proud, and to part with the article made the young cadet feel pretty bad.

"You will rue this night's work," he muttered. "I'll see you in prison for it."

"Don't waste your breath in threatening," cried Baxter.

"All right, Baxter, wait and see. I'll put you where your father is."

Answer this series of questions:

1. What did Stumpy carry?
2. What did he do with them?
3. Why he do that?
4. Was he a thief?
5. What did he steal?
6. From who?
7. Was tom an old man?
8. What age is he then?
9. Was he tied up?
10. Did he sustain any injuries?
11. What caused that?
12. Did he escape?
13. Were there any threats?
14. What were they?
1. matches
2. lit a candle
3. Make some light said Dan
4. yes
5. ring
6. Tom
7. No
8. unknown
9. Yes
10. his lip bled
11. Dan struck him across the mouth
12. No
13. yes
14. I'll see you in prison