question, that his courage might have end d
in smoke, there and then, if it weren't f
the little lamp at his breast.

So rosily it burned now, in here, that its
feeding oil seemed the red blood of his
heart!

"Anyhow--anyhow, with it, I'll be
able to see which way the cat jumps!"

Here, Stoutheart more tightly gripped the
club; the last words might prove more
than mere figure of speech.

From ahead came strange, gurgling,
choking sounds, rising from somewhere-growing
weaker.

"Where--where are you, Ruddy?
Answer! R-rap--rap out something, if
you can!" he adjured.

And it was--truly--a rapping reply
that reached him; a queer, hollow knocking
at the door of some throat that semed
shutting.

"My word! What on earth..: what
in thunder's got him?" Stud felt his own
breath blow hot and cold together, but but--
[[150]]

p149 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p150w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p151

v?