"You cut; and don't you--" He stopped short, holding me tightly, and seemed to hesitate, his eyes glaring round as if in search of some place where he could hide me, not knowing what to do for the best.
"Shut the door, mates," he said quickly; and the two men dragged the door to after them as they stood outside.
"Just you make half a sound, and--" He put his lips close to my ear as he said this, and closed the great clasp-knife with a sharp click which made me start; while his eyes seemed to fascinate me as he bent down and glared at me.
It was only for a moment, though, and then I managed to slip my face aside and shouted aloud: "Ike!" There was a rush and a scuffle outside, and the woman said in an ill-used tone: "I told yer how it would be." "You hold--" He did not finish, for just then one of the men outside growled--plainly heard through the thin door: "Now, then, where are yer shovin' to ?" "In here," roared a voice that sent a thrill of joy through me.
"Now, then, what d'yer want ?" cried the big fellow, thrusting me behind him as Ike kicked open the door and strode into the room.
"What do I want ?" he roared.

"I want him and our cart-rope.

Now, then, where is it ?" There was a fierce muttering among the men, and they drew together while the boy and the woman cowered into one corner of the attic.
"Oh! you're not going to scare me," cried Ike fiercely.

"There's the police just at hand if I wants help.

Now then, where's that rope ?" "What rope ?" growled the ruffian.