"They shall be hanged," solemnly said the men.
"Good!" cried the leader, as if well satisfied. "Produce ther rope."
In a moment one of the men brought forth a rope. This was long enough to serve for both boys, and it was quickly cut in two pieces, while skillful hands proceeded to form nooses.
"Frankie," said Barney Mulloy, sadly, "we're done for."
"It looks that way," Frank was forced to admit.
"Oi wouldn't moind so much," said the Irish lad, ruefully, "av we could kick th' booket foighting fer our loives; but it is a bit harrud ter go under widout a chance to lift a hand."
"That's right," cried Frank, as he strained fiercely at the cords which held his hands behind his back. "It is the death of a criminal, and I object to it."
The leader of the Black Caps rode close to the boys, leaned forward in his saddle, and hissed in Frank's ear:
"It's my turn now!"
"And you mean to murder us?" demanded Frank, passionately.