"I should say it does," said the officer. "Certainly they were making their way down the river for no good purpose."
"I am afraid I must agree with you. However, I shall not interfere. You may do as you think best with them."
"Very good, sir." The officer motioned the boys to precede him to the stairs at the far end of the room. "Up with you," he commanded.
Frank hung back.
"Prod him up a bit there, men," instructed the officer.
A second man advanced and pushed his revolver against Frank's ribs.
"Move along," he commanded gruffly.
"Now look here——" began the lad, but Jack interrupted him.
"Come, Frank, don't be a fool," he said.
He led the way up the stairs, and Frank, still grumbling, followed. At the top of the steps the boys were marched into a small room. The door closed behind them and a key turned in the lock.