or, The Silver Skates 187

and leaped with all his strength upon the robber’s back, stun-
ning the rascal with the force of the blow. To seize the knife
was but a second’s work. ‘The robber began to struggle; but
Peter sat like a giant astride the prostrate form.

“If you stir,” said the brave boy in as terrible a voice as he
could command, “stir but one inch, I will plunge this knife
into your neck. Boys, boys! Wake up!” he shouted, still
pressing down the black head, and holding the knife at
pricking distance. “Give usa hand! I’ve got him! I’ve
got him!”

The chrysalis rolled over, but made no other sign.

“Up, boys!” cried Peter, never budging. “ Ludwig, Lam-
bert! Thunder! Are you all dead?”

Dead! not they! Van Mounen and Ben were on their feet
in an instant.

“Hey? What now?” they shouted.

“I’ve got a robber here,” said Peter, coolly. “ Lie still,
you scoundrel, or I’ll slice your head off !— Now, boys, cut
out your bed-cord. Plenty of time: he’s a dead man if he
stirs.”

Peter felt that he weighed a thousand pounds. So he did,
with that knife in his hand. The man growled and swore,
but dared not move.

Ludwig was up by this time. He had a great jack-knife,
the pride of his heart, in his breeches’ pocket. It could do
good service now. ‘They bared the bedstead in a moment.
It was laced backward and forward with a rope.

“Tl cut it,’ cried Ludwig, sawing away at the knot.
“Hold him tight, Pete!”

“Never fear! ”’ answered the captain, giving the robber a
warning prick.