Then Andy gave a shout.
"Hey, you fellers, look at that door go shut! The prisoner must have got loose! How about it, Ben Cooper? What happened to you?"
"They's another feller in there 'sides the prisoner. He knocked me clean silly, and threw me out o' the door," whined the other, rubbing his head dismally.
"Who was it—any of that crowd from over by the hemlocks?" demanded Andy, much excited, and apparently ready to tear up things generally.
"I reckon 'twar that Jerry Wallington—wait till I gets him some day, that's all."
"Hey, fellers, d'ye hear that? Another of that lot bagged in the cabin. Come on, an' we'll do him up!" yelled the brawny leader, rushing forward.
When he reached the door, he tried in vain to break it open. It seemed to be braced in such a manner that he could make no impression on the planks.
"Bring me the ax, somebody!" he howled, after beating his fists vainly against the panel.
One of his followers made haste to obey. When Andy was aroused in this way the bravest of them did not dare brook his anger.
He immediately swung the implement about his head.
