The Story of Oswald Page; A Boy from Arizona

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1918. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V A SURPRISE IN TOMPKINS' BARN. W TOW, Pete, grab the little wretch. j We'll tan him well this time!' A sudden scuffle disturbed the quiet of the night, but it was short and almost noiseless. Have you got him? Don't let him slip away; he's an eel! Ouch! say, let go my sore arm! I played baseball yesterday. What do you think you But the five village toughs had by now overpowered their victim, and the first speaker laid a rough hand over his mouth. One word from you, Smarty, and we'll make more'n yer arm sore. You college guys is a fresh bunch, but dis is our turn. What d'ye say, Pete? Shall we string 'imf I've got a rope. None o' that talk, Hi. We can't take no such chances here. Swingin's too good fer 'im, anyhow, mumbled the ferocious chap with the rope. Let's move, cautiously whispered the leader. I'm afraid the alarm will soon be given and we'd better get out of harm's way. Oswald Page smiled to himself at this for William Webb, in his fear of being caught by Tom Palmer, completely forgot for a moment his role of village tough, and spoke in his natural voice. The night was indeed most suitable for the work at hand. No moon had been able to pierce the threatening clouds. It was dark and shadowless. Once or twice a distant rumble seemed to foretell a late thunder-storm, a not uncommon thing in the South, even as late in the autumn as November. Everything seemed to favor the conspirators, and they were in high glee as they gloated over their prisoner, and hinted at all sorts of dire cruelty. Oswald, after his first feeble resistance, lapsed into a passive attitude. He refused to walk or to move, giving the impression that fear had rendered him powerless. The conspirators, however, found him a light burden, and willingly c...