The newcomer grinned broadly, then shot forward. Ere Jaggers could
change his mind he felt himself clasped from behind, a pair of strong
hands joined over his windpipe, his body thus bound securely to the
tree.

"He--help!" sputtered the victim of this attack.

"We're bringing it to you," laughed Jack, leaping forward. In a
twinkling, now, the three boys had Dan Jaggers down, and held so closely
that he could not stir. Benson produced another length of cord, and Dan
had to submit to having his wrists lashed, this time in most workmanlike
manner.

"Thank you, ever so much," acknowledged Jack, looking up at the new boy.

"Oh, you're welcome," laughed the young stranger. "I know Dan Jaggers,
and I'm willing to believe anything against him."

"I'll live to get square with ye for this, one o' these days, Eph
Somers!" growled the captive.

"Oh, take your time about it, Dan," laughed Eph, unconcernedly. "I'm
patient, you know, about such things. In fact, I come of a patient
family."




CHAPTER IX