Part 38 (1/2)

”Give me the key,” he said.

Another laugh followed this speech.

Hal glanced out of the window. It was tightly closed, and the distance to the court below was fully twenty feet.

The youth looked at Macklin, who had resumed his smoking.

”What do you propose to do with me?” he asked.

”That is hard ter tell,” replied the tough. ”It all depends on wot Ferris is got ter say.”

”You have the key of the door?”

”I kinder think it's in my pocket.”

”Give it to me.”

Macklin chuckled.

”Don't waste yer breath; yer may need it.”

He had hardly spoken when Hal sprang upon him. The youth was thoroughly aroused, and a well directed blow sent Macklin sprawling in one corner, while his pipe went flying in another.

The tough uttered a howl as he went down, and Ferris gave a cry of consternation.

”Now will you give me the key?” demanded Hal.

”Git orf of me!” spluttered Macklin.

”Let up there,” put in Ferris.

”Stand back, Ferris,” cried Hal. ”I am not to be trifled with.”

”Pull him orf!” roared Macklin.

Ferris advanced, but rather gingerly.

He knew Hal's strength, and he had a great horror of being struck.

Macklin tried to rise, but Hal hit once more and he went down a second time. Then Hal sat down on his body.

”Hand over the key.”

Hal had an idea the key was in Macklin's outer pocket, and into this he inserted his hand.

It soon came in contact with what he was searching for. He tried to withdraw the key, but now Macklin began to squirm worse than ever, and he had hard work to master the fellow.

”Help me, Ferris!” howled the tough.

”Don't you dare come near,” said Hal.