CHAPTER IX 

A DOSE OF TAR AND FEATHERS 

"Make some kind of a light--I can't see a thing," said Dan Baxter, as the little party came to a halt in front of a half tumbled down building. 

Stumpy Nuggs carried matches, and quickly lit a bit of candle which he produced from one of the pockets of his ragged attire. 

They entered the dwelling, forcing Tom to accompany them. This done they tied the young cadet fast to an iron ring set in the huge old fashion fireplace. 

"Now we'll turn out his pockets," said Longback, and this was quickly done. To the tramps' chagrin Tom carried no watch, but had with him two dollars in money. 

"Now we'll take dat ring," said Nuggs, pointing to the article on Tom's little finger. 

"So I have fallen in with a lot of thieves, eh?" said the boy. "Well, if you want the ring you can fight for it." 

"Shut up!" roared Dan Baxter, and struck him across the mouth, causing Tom's under lip to bleed. The boy tried to retaliate, but his bonds held him fast. 

While one tramp held his hand the other possessed himself of the ring. The ring contained an opal of which Tom was very proud, and to part with the article made the young cadet feel pretty bad. 

"You will rue this night's work," he muttered. "I'll see you in prison for it." 

"Don't waste your breath in threatening," cried Baxter. 

"All right, Baxter, wait and see. I'll put you where your father is."  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. What was carried by Stumpy?
2. What was Stumpy carrying?
3. 
Q2:
1. What did Stumpy do with the matches?
2. What did Stumpy use the matches for?
3. 
Q3:
1. Why did Stumpy need to light a candle?
2. For what purpose did Stumpy light a candle?
3. 
Q4:
1. Did the Stumpy steal anything?
2. Was Stumpy considered a thief?
3. 
Q5:
1. What was stolen by Stumpy?
2. What had Stumpy stolen?
3. 
Q6:
1. Who did the ring stolen by Stumpy belong to?
2. Who did the ring Stumpy stole belong to?
3. 
Q7:
1. Was Tom old?
2. Was Tom an old person?
3. 
Q8:
1. How old is Tom?
2. How many years old is Tom?
3. 
Q9:
1. Had Tom been tied up?
2. Was Tom tied up?
3. 
Q10:
1. Was Tom injured?
2. Did Tom suffer from any injuries?
3. 
Q11:
1. What caused Tom’s lip to bleed?
2. Why did Tom’s lip bleed?
3. 
Q12:
1. Did Tom manage to escape?
2. Was Tom set free?
3. 
Q13:
1. Where threats mentioned?
2. Was anybody threatened?
3. 
Q14:
1. What were the threats?
2. What was threatened to happen?
3. 
