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I nearly fell headlong down as I reached the stairs, for h a hole in the boards, but I recovered an to run

down as fast as I dared, on account of the rickety state of the steps,

while Ike ca

ruffian's voice saying soht

There were knots of wos and at the botto excitedly; but only to cease and

look curiously at us as ent by

There was quite a crowd, too, of men, women, and children in the court

beloe left the doorway; but Ike's bold manner and the decided way

in which he strode out withsharply from one to the other,

put a stop to all opposition, even if it had been intended

There were plenty of scowling,froave way, and in another minute ere

out of the court and in the dirty street, with a troop of children

following us and the people on either side looking on

"But, Ike," I said in a despairing tone, "we haven't got the rope after

all"

"No," he said; "but I've got you out o' that place safe, and I haven't

got es and

wild beasts abroad! why, they're nothing"