Part 12 (1/2)
”Be careful what you say, for if we catch you in a lie, we'll string you up to the nearest tree”
”It's as true as preachin', squire I never lie I'ton I dare say you've heard of him”
A further search was made, but no money was found, luckily for Obed, since there is reason to believe that the outlaould have carried out his threat
”The fellow here fooled you, Fletcher,” said the captain sternly ”Take care how you bring us any ested Fletcher, uncomfortable under the rebuke
”Search them also”
This was done, or rather it would have been done, had not Harry and Jack, fully realizing the futility of resistance, produced promptly all the money they had So much, however, had been spent on the outfit, that between them they could only muster about seven pounds
”Hu haul, upon my word!”
”There are the cattle and supplies,” said Fletcher
”They will be of use Here, Peter, do you and Hugh drive the team into the woods, and prepare some dinner for the band We will be there directly”
Two men, unmounted, who seemed to be servants, came forward, and proceeded to obey orders
”Hold on, squire!” exclaioin' to take our teae sum in money, ould have spared you this As it is, we must have them”
”But we shall starve, withoutto ,” said Obed in a despondent tone ”Our prospects aint over bright, but so may turn up”
Meanwhile there was a quiet conference aers
”Hold!” said the captain, as Harry and Jack were about to leave the scene with their older co to Obed, ”but the boys remain with us”
CHAPTER XI
TAKEN CAPTIVE
Harry and Jack exchanged a glance of dismay To be stripped of all they had was a serious misfortune but in addition to beof which they had not dreamed Obed, too, was taken aback He had beco companions, and he was very sorry to part with them He could not forbear a remonstrance
”Look here, squire,” he said familiarly to the captain, ”what do you want to keep the boys for? They won't do you any good, and it'll cost considerable to keep 'em They're pretty hearty”
Harry and Jack could not help laughing at this practical arguers frowned
”I ae of that,” he said ”You are lucky to be let off yourself Don't meddle with matters that don't concern you”
”Take me, if you want to,” said Obed independently ”I shall be lonesoo while there is a chance,” said the captain ive me any more trouble, I will have my men tie you to a tree, and leave you here”