"So we will," answered Furniss; and both started forward to attack Jack.




Chapter IV

Just in Time



Though still somewhat dazed by the blow on his head, Jack realized that
the unprincipled twain in their desperation would stop short of no crime
in order to carry out their purpose.

Thus Furniss had barely laid his hand on him before he was on his feet
ready to fight for his life if necessary.

Flinging aside the second boss, he turned to meet the assault of Fret
Offut, whom he caught by the collar and flung headlong upon a pile of
scrap iron and ashes still warm from the furnace.

Shrieking with pain the big youth scrambled to his feet and began to dance
around as if he had a coal of fire in the heel of his shoe.

Furniss rallied to grapple anew with Jack, but though a strong man he
found his match. Used to hard work all of his life, Jack's sinews seemed
like bands of steel and there was no breaking from his grasp.

"Help, Offut--quick!" cried Furniss, as his head was jabbed into the midst