'Why couldn't you 'a' asked Moonlight ?--he don' mind bein' a sneak.' But Mr.Ham was down on his knees removing the loose board, and for two or three minutes after crouched at the opening like a famished yellow cat at a rat-hole, awaiting his opportunity.

Meanwhile the fight under the school was being prosecuted with unabated fury.

Dick and Jacker gripped like twin bull-terriers, rolling and tumbling about in the confined space, careless of everything but the important business in hand.
Suddenly Mr.Ham made his spring, and a smart haul brought a leg to light.

Another tug, and a second leg shot forth.
'Pull, boys!' he cried.
Moonlight seized the other limb, and a good tug brought the two boys out into the open, still fighting enthusiastically and apparently oblivious of their surroundings.

Two soldier ants never fought with greater determination or with such a whole-souled devotion to the cause.