"
"If you've got any friends on the island who know you and will
vouch for you, it's all right; otherwise you will give an
account of yourself."
"I reckon it's none of your business what I am doing can the
island. I think you had better give an account of yourself,
coining upon a stranger, after dark, with pistols in your
hands!"
"I can give an account of myself. I am one of a citizens'
committee. Robberies have been frequent on this island of
late, and we compel every stranger to give an account of
himself."
"Oh, that's it, eh?"
"Yes."
"Well, arrest me, and I will give an account of myself to the
proper authorities."
"I am the proper authority."
"I don't recognize your authority."
"You are any prisoner!"
"That's all right," said the detective; and, throwing up his
arms, he walked toward the armed man.
The latter did not know exactly how to act under the
circumstances, the detective was so cool and acted so
strangely.
Our hero, however, knew what he was up to well enough, and,
when within a few feet of the smuggler, he suddenly threw
himself forward and grappled with the ruffian.
A struggle followed. Both were powerful men, but the
detective was the most active and the coolest, and better
prepared to take advantage of all chances.
Exerting himself to almost superhuman efforts, he forced the
ruffian back to a great bowlder, and threw him down with such
force that the man lost consciousness.
Half an hour passed.
Pages:
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116