I got out of the window, and placed the sash as I had found it. When I reached the ground, the cold sweat stood on my brow, so violent were my emotions. I entered the front door of the cottage, passing old Jerry on the way, and went to my chamber, the key being on the outside, where Tom had left it. I prayed that God would forgive me if I had done wrong, for I could not determine whether I had or not. [Illustration: ERNEST DEFENDS HIMSELF.--Page 99.] As the will and the money would not be safe in my pocket, I wrapped them up in a piece of newspaper, and concealed them in the closet. By this time it was daylight. I sat for half an hour in a chair, thinking what I should do. At sunrise Tom and his father returned. I suppose old Jerry told them he had seen me, for both came up stairs immediately. "Now, you young villain!" yelled Tom, as he rushed towards me, beside himself with passion. I retreated towards the chimney, and pulled out my bat. "What are you going to do with that?" demanded he. "I am going to defend myself," I replied, as firmly as I could; but I was terribly agitated. "We'll see if you are;" and he sprang towards me. "Gently, Thomas; don't be rash," interposed my uncle. "Keep your distance, or I'll smash your head!" I added, making a few vigorous passes with the bat. He was prudent enough to heed this warning, and left the room, but only to return with the club he had selected before. CHAPTER IX. IN WHICH ERNEST, AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RETREAT, FALLS INTO A TRAP. TOM THORNTON was the maddest man I ever saw when he returned to my chamber armed with the club. His father had followed him down stairs, evidently for the purpose of pacifying him; and when they returned he was still trying to dissuade him from any act of violence. "Don't be rash, Thomas," pleaded my uncle, as they were coming up the stairs. "Don't talk to me, governor. I will bring the young cub to his senses!" roared Tom, violently. "Control your temper, and listen to reason. You will ruin yourself and me by your rashness." "I'll take care of that," replied Tom, as he rushed into the room. Uncle Amos caught him by the shoulder when he reached the door and attempted to detain him; but Tom was in such a fury that nothing could check him. He shook off his father, and advanced towards me, apparently with the intention of making an end of me. I raised the heavy bat, and looked him steadfastly in the eye. I was the cooler of the two, and the experience I had had in a hand-to-hand fight with Mr. Parasyte gave me both courage and skill for such a conflict. He came upon me with reckless vehemence, aiming a blow at my head; but I struck at and hit his club with such force that it was knocked out of his hands, and flew over into one corner of the room. Quick to take advantage of this favorable circumstance, I ran to the spot, and put my foot on the stick, in order to hold the weapon I had captured.