CHAPTER XXVI 

THE EVIDENCE AGAINST THEM 

Fortunately a loose brick lay handy and with this Dick smashed out the panes of glass in the cellar window. Another window was opposite, and this he likewise demolished. At once a current of pure air swept through the place. 

"Hold him up to the window," said Dick as he staggered around. And he and Sam raised Tom up as best they could. 

"If we could only get outside," mumbled Sam. His head was aching worse than ever. 

"I'll see what I can do," answered his oldest brother, and stumbled up the narrow stairs. To his joy, the door above leading to the kitchen of the house was unfastened. 

Not without great labor did the two brothers carry Tom to the floor above. Then they went after Stanley, who was conscious, but too weak to walk. As they stumbled around they sent several empty liquor bottles spinning across the floor, and one was smashed into pieces. 

"I wish I knew how to revive him," said Dick as he and Sam placed Tom near the open doorway. "Wonder if there is any water handy?" 

"Oh, my poor head!" came from Stanley. "I feel as if I had been drinking for a month!" 

"Wonder what it was?" murmured Sam. "I--I can't make it out at all." 

"Nor I," added Dick. "But come, we must do what we can for Tom." And he commenced to loosen his unconscious brother's tie and collar. 

Suddenly a form darkened the outer doorway of the kitchen, and to the surprise of the boys Professor Abner Sharp showed himself. He was accompanied by Professor Blackie. 
were they able to get out of the cellar?
t without great labor did the two brothers carry Tom to the floor above.