Part 15 (1/2)
CHAPTER XI-A LIVELY EVENING
For a moment none of the boys said a word. Then Chot burst into a laugh, believing the best thing to do was to ”jolly” the men.
”Yes; you've got us all right, but I think some explanations are in order.”
”You're right, young fellow,” said one of the men. ”Explanations are in order, and you're going to make 'em.”
”What is there to explain?”
”Lots o' things.”
”For instance?”
”Never mind for instance. Hank, line this bunch up over yonder, then put some more trash on that fire so it won't go out I think we've got the fellows we want, all right.”
Hank jammed two immense pistols into his belt and did as his companion ordered. Hank was a young man, probably twenty years old, heavy set, with the appearance of having always lived off the fat of the land. The other-Dave, he had been called by Hank-was long and lean with a scraggly mustache, a man of at least forty.
”These are not the men we saw earlier in the evening,” said Chot in a low tone to the other boys.
”No; I don't see the slightest similarity in their appearance,” Tom replied.
”This don't appear to be a hold up, either,” said Bert. ”This man Dave talks like he thinks we're criminals of some sort.”
”Well, we'll find out in a minute, just what he means,” said Chot.
While Hank was heaping brush on the fire, Dave stood with his revolvers leveled at the boys, whom Hank had huddled in a little group, so that all were in easy range.
”Now, you fellers stand still,” said Dave. ”We don't want any monkey business.”
”Do we look like we're trying to run away?” asked Tom. ”Don't worry-we're going to stay right here and find out what all this means.
We've nothing to run for.”
”Oh, is that so? Well, maybe I can convince you different. Here now, Hank. Get out your revolvers and watch these fellers close, while I question 'em.”
Hank did as he was bidden, seeming to take great pleasure in leveling his weapons at the boys.
”Point those things in the air, can't you?” asked Fleet, nervously. ”I know you don't want to shoot us, but one of them might go off by accident, and I'm not ready to give up this canoe trip just yet.”
”Canoe trip?” queried Dave, suspiciously. ”Where's the canoes?”
”Right before your eyes, old man,” said Chot, pointing to where the canoes were lying beneath one of the trees.
”Don't call me 'old man'!” snapped Dave. ”I won't stand for nothin' like that!”
Then he walked over and took a look at the canoes.
”Where'd you pick 'em up?” he asked.
”I don't know that it's any of your business,” Chot replied, ”Isn't it about time you were telling us why you've got us standing here at the point of your revolvers? We haven't done anything to you.”