“Now look here,” began the man who had pleaded for gentler treatment, turning toward Larry, “we’re going to take that gag out of your mouth. But mind you if you holler or make a fuss we’ll put it in again. Will you promise?” Larry would have done almost anything in reason to get rid of the rag that was nearly choking him, so he nodded an assent. “That’s the way to behave,” said the man, evidently pleased. “We’ll be as decent as we can with you, even though the boss did say to give you all you deserved.” He removed the gag, and Larry breathed a long breath of relief. At the same time he wondered what the man meant by saying he was to be given all he deserved. What did he deserve, anyhow? And who would want to harm him? It was too much for Larry. He began to think it was all a bad dream and that he would presently wake up and start for the office. “It won’t do you much good if you do holler,” the man went on. “There’s no one in this old factory and there’s not a house within half a mile. So if you want to use your lungs, why, go ahead.” Larry’s mouth was sore and stiff from the gag. His lips were swollen and he could hardly speak. Yet he wanted to question the men. “Why have you brought me here? What do you want? I never did anything to you,” he said brokenly. “No, I don’t know’s you did,” said the shorter of the two men. “You’re brought here because the boss told us to, and you’re here because you’ve been doing harm to our cause.” “Harm to your cause? What cause?” asked Larry, feeling sure he must have been taken for the wrong person. “You know well enough,” the man answered. “I have orders not to talk to you for fear you’ll find out more than would be good for us, so you’ll have to keep quiet now. “We’re going to lock you in this room. You can try and get out if you want to, only I wouldn’t advise you to try. It’s a good ways from the ground. We’ll be on hand to stop any attempt. You’ll be well taken care of for a while until this matter is all settled. If you’re hungry we’ll get you something to eat.” “I’m not hungry,” said Larry, “but what do you mean by bringing me here? You haven’t any right to do this.” “That’s all right,” said the tall man calmly. “You are here, and here’s where you’re going to stay for a while. The boss will be here, pretty soon, and you can make some arrangements with him, maybe.” “Can I have a drink of water?” asked Larry, whose throat was parched and dry from the gag. “Sure,” said one of the men. “I’ll get you some, and a couple of sandwiches.” He was as good as his word, and presently came back with food and drink. The water made Larry feel better and he thought he had better eat something to keep his strength up. The two men watched him as he munched the bread and meat. Suddenly there sounded from below a sharp noise as if a heavy door had been shut. “Hark!” exclaimed one of the men. “What’s that?” “Someone’s coming,” said the other.