Through the small window sifted the white moonlight, showing that every man wore a black, pointed cap and hood, which reached to his shoulders. In this hood arrangement great holes were cut for the eyes, and some had slits cut for their mouths.
"The Black Caps!" was the thought that flashed through Frank's mind.
The revolvers pressed against the heads of the boys kept them from defending themselves or making an outcry. They were forced to get up and dress, after which they were passed through the open window, like bundles, their hands having been tied behind them.
Other black-hooded men were outside, and horses were near at hand.
"Great Scott!" thought Frank Merriwell. "We are in for it! We should have been ready for them."
But when he thought how tired they had been, he did not wonder that both had slept soundly while the men slipped into the house by the window, which had been readily and noiselessly removed.
It did not take the men long to get out as they had entered. Then Frank and Barney were placed on horses, being tied there securely, and the party was soon ready to move.
They rode away, and the horses' feet gave out no sound, which explained why they had not aroused anybody within the cabin.
The hoofs of the animals were muffled.
Frank wondered what Kate Kenyon would think when morning came and she found her guests gone.