Before either Hal or Chester could reply Jean stepped forward.
"Of course they are with us," he said, thrusting his face close to that of the lads' questioner.
Calmly the man extended one hand, placed it squarely over Jean's face and shoved him violently backward.
"This," he said quietly, "is none of your business. So keep out."
The little man uttered a cry of rage and made as if to draw a knife; but, apparently thinking better of it, returned to his chair and subsided.
The man turned to Hal.
"Are you with us?" he asked.
"Yes," replied Hal.
"And you?" turning to Chester.
"Yes."