He could not
extract the letter he supposed it contained with one hand very well,
and so lowered the pistol for a moment.
This was my chance. Unarmed I was evidently in his power. If I could
only escape from the tool house!
The door still stood partly open, and the darkness of night-- for the
moon had gone down-- was beyond. A dash and I would be outside. Still
the tramp stood between me and liberty. Should I attack him or
endeavor to slip to one side?
I had but an instant to think; another, and it would be too late. John
Stumpy was fumbling in the envelope. His eyes were searching for the
precious document.
With a single bound I sprang against him, knocking him completely off
his feet. Then I made another jump for the door.
But he was too quick for me. Dropping the envelope and the pistol, he
caught me by the foot, and in an instant both of us were rolling on
the floor.
It was an unequal struggle. Strong as I was for a boy of my age, I was
no match for this burly man. Turn and twist all I could, he held me in
his grip while he heaped loud imprecations upon my head.
In our movements on the floor we came in contact with the lantern and
upset it, smashing the frame as well as the glass.
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