Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/303

Rh "Tell me one thing first," said Dave, pinching Phil's arm. "Why did you rob Senator Morr's home?"

"I was down on my luck and desperate, that's why," was the answer. "I am no regular criminal."

"That's enough!" cried Dave, triumphantly. "Phil, you heard him acknowledge his crime."

"I did, Dave."

"Then you won't let me go!" ejaculated the rascal, in a rage.

"No, sir, not for a million dollars," answered Dave.

"We are not that kind," added Phil.

"I wish I could get at you—I'd show you a thing or two," growled the man, and after that said little more.

Getting some water, Dave washed the face of the sufferer on the floor, and tried to stop the flow of blood. Over a fire in the open chimney place a pot of coffee was boiling and he poured a little of this down the man's throat. There was a groan soon after this, and the man opened his eyes and stared around him.

"How do you feel?" asked Dave, sympathetically.

Instead of replying the man fixed his eyes on the country boy in mingled wonder and amazement.