CHAPTER XXIII.
NOT WHOLLY BLACK "I know this man, Mr.Watson," said Joe.
"Who is he ?" "He is the same man who robbed me of my money one night about three months ago--the one I told you of." For the first time, Rafferty recognized Joe.
"There wasn't enough to make a fuss about," he said.

"There was only two dollars and a half." "It was all I had." "Let me up!" said Rafferty, renewing his struggles.
"Joe, have you got a rope ?" asked Watson.
"Yes." "Bring it here, then.

I can't hold this man all night." "What are you going to do with me ?" demanded Rafferty uneasily.
"Tie you hand and foot till to-morrow morning and then deliver you over to the authorities." "No, you won't!" He made a renewed struggle, but Watson was a man with muscles of iron, and the attempt was unsuccessful.
It was not without considerable difficulty, however, that the midnight intruder was secured.

When, at length, he was bound hand and foot, Watson withdrew to a little distance.

Joe and he looked at Rafferty, and each felt that he had seldom seen a more brutal face.
"Well," growled Rafferty, "I hope you are satisfied ?" "Not yet," returned Watson.