He strode toward the surprised Pratt, who obeyed the order with becoming promptness.
“Don’t you make no move, neither, Miss,” growled the man, darting a glance in Frances’ direction.
“Why–why— What do you mean?” demanded Pratt, recovering his breath at last. “Do you dare hold this young lady a prisoner?”
“Yep. That’s what I dare,” sneered Pete. “And it looks like I’d got you, too. What d’ye think you’re going to do about it?”
“Isn’t this the fellow who robbed us at the river that time, Frances?” cried Pratt.
The girl nodded. Just then she could not speak.
“And that fellow Ratty was with him this time?”
Again the girl nodded.
“Then they shall both be arrested and punished,” declared Pratt. “I never heard of such effrontery. Do you know who this young lady is, man?” he demanded of Pete.
“Jest as well as you do. And her pa’s going to put up big for to see her again–unharmed,” snarled the man.