"Well, seeing as how you have the drop on us, I guess we'll have
to do as you say," admitted Happy Harry, alias Jim Burke. "But
you can't prove anything against us. We haven't any of Mr.
Swift's property."
"Well, you know where it is then," retorted Tom quickly.
Under the restraining influence of the gun the men made no
resistance. While Mr. Sharp covered them, Tom towed their boat
toward shore. Then, while the young inventor held the gun, the
balloonist tied the hands and feet of the thieves in a most
scientific manner, for what he did not know about ropes and knots
was not worth putting into a book.
"Now, I guess they'll stay quiet for a while," remarked Mr. Sharp
as he surveyed the crestfallen criminals. "I'll remain on guard
here, Tom, while you go notify the nearest constable and we'll
take them to jail. We bagged the whole lot as neatly as could be
desired."
"No, you didn't get all of us!" exclaimed Happy Harry, and there
was a savage anger in his tones.
"Keep quiet!" urged Morse.
"No, I'll not keep quiet! It's a shame that we have to take our
medicine while that trimmer, Tod Boreck, goes free. He ought to
have been with us, and he would be, only he's trying to get away
with that sparkler!"
"Keep quiet," again urged Morse.
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