Part 44 (1/2)
”You can do nothing against me.”
”That remains to be seen.”
”Who will take your word against mine? n.o.body. You are a mere country lad, while I am a well-known New York citizen.”
”Mr. Ardell was also well known in his day.”
Again Alexander Sloc.u.m's face grew pale.
”Nellie Ardell has no doubt urged you to attack me,” he growled. ”I must see her. Why didn't she come with you?”
”She is busy.”
”I will explain matters to her in detail. Really, the claim is not worth anything, but I wish to avoid trouble, and--”
”You might as well stop, Mr. Sloc.u.m, for it's too late to say that now. I am positive our claims are of great value. Since you won't do the right thing, I shall advise my father to bring action in court to compel you to come to terms.”
While speaking, Jerry had walked to the door, and now placed his hand on the k.n.o.b.
”Stop! stop!”
”No, I have had enough for the present.”
”You villain!”
Sloc.u.m ran toward Jerry, who opened the door to step out, but found the way blockaded by Casey, his book-keeper.
”Here, what's up?” cried the man, in wonder.
”Don't let him get away, Casey!” cried Alexander Sloc.u.m. ”He is going to make trouble, sure!”
”Let me go!” burst out our hero as the book-keeper caught hold of him.
”Let go, or I'll----”
Jerry never finished that sentence. Alexander Sloc.u.m had picked up the ruler the youth had dropped, and leaped to the front. Down came the weapon on the young oarsman's head; he felt a sharp stinging pain--and then he knew no more.
When Jerry came to his senses all was dark around him. He was lying on a damp, cement floor, evidently that of a cellar.
His head ached greatly, and for several minutes he could not remember what had happened.
Then came back that scene in Sloc.u.m's office. He staggered to his feet.
Where was he and how long had he been there?
The first question was readily answered. Stepping forward, Jerry stumbled over some loose coal. He was in a coal-cellar. Around and above were brick walls. The door was of sheet-iron, and it was tightly closed and barred.
How had he come to that place? Probably his enemies had carried him hither, although how they could do it without being seen was a question.