"All the better for you, if he doesn't," said the officer.
"That's enough of your lip, my lad. Keep a quiet tongue in your
head. Remember you're a prisoner, and don't try giving orders to
me."




CHAPTER XIV


THE TRAP


The bullet that sang over their heads effectually broke up the
threatened trouble between Dick Mercer and Jack Young on one side,
and the telephone linemen on the other. With one accord they
obeyed that guttural order, "Hands oop!"

They had been so interested in one another and in the cut wire
that none of them had noticed the practically noiseless approach
of a great grey motor car, with all lights out, that had stolen up
on them. But now, with a groan, Dick and Jack both knew it for
one of the Bray Park cars. So, after all, Dick's flight had been
in vain. He had escaped the guards of Bray Park once, only to
walk straight into this new trap. And, worst of all, there would
be no Jack Young outside to help this time, for Jack was a
captive, too. Only -- he was not!

At the thought Dick had turned, to discover that Jack was not