carried out their purpose without having hauled him to his feet.

No more was said as the three tramped through the woods. Though the
Italians did not by any means relax their hold, they used no more force
than seemed necessary for their purpose. Indeed, they acted with that
smooth consideration typical of the Latin races, even in bad moments.

A tramp of a quarter of a mile brought them to a little clearing in the
woods. In the middle of the open space stood a building. As he got
closer young Benson saw that it was a dilapidated-looking structure that
for many years, probably, had not been a home.

The front door stood open, however, and to this the captors marched their
victim.

"Look out you do not trip over broken sill," admonished the late guide,
politely. Then, as all three moved into the dark interior:

"You be good, and lay down on floor for minute. That's all."

Jack felt his feet kicked out from under him. Down he went, one of the
Italians sitting firmly on him. The other went across the room, fumbled,
and presently lighted a lantern in an open cupboard.

"Now, you come along, no fuss and no hurt," advised the late guide, as
they raised the boy. They conducted him through into a rear room, where
one of the pair raised a trap-door in the floor.

"Now, this is easy," smiled one of the pair, pointing to the darkness
under the open trap.