"Jack," said Harry Girdwood, when recovered from the first shock, "we
are done for."

"No mistake about that," returned young Jack, gloomily.

"Well, well, it is no fault of ours; that is some consolation."

"A precious poor consolation, since here we are."

"Yes."

Here they were interrupted by their captors.

"Move on!"

The voice was Hunston's, and that sufficed for young Jack to show signs
of opposition.

Vain obstacle.

The ruffians were only glad of the slightest pretext for further
brutality.

"We are quite comfortable where we are," said young Jack.

"Insolent brat!" said Hunston contemptuously. "You shall be birched
well for that."

The colour mounted to the boy's face in spite of himself.