"It is not the time for setting snares," said Arthur. "We know what you are up to. Get ahead, Ken. We'll keep these fellows from following you. They are a bad lot, but we will take care of them."
The two boys had picked up stout sticks, and they now advanced upon the men so as to give Blaisdell a chance to get away.
The men fell back, being natural cowards, and one of them now said to the boys in sullen tones:
"What you makin' such a fuss about, anyhow? We was only foolin' with the boy. We wasn't goin' to hurt him none."
"Well, I don't think you will," replied Harry as Blaisdell set off toward the camp of the Hilltop boys, knowing that the two would be able to take care of the men.
"How did you men get the idea that your farms were going to be injured?" asked Arthur. "Who gave you that notion?"
"Bill said so," replied one.
"Who is Bill? Is he the big man that did the most of the talking just now? He does not look as if he knew very much."
"Yes, Bill's a big feller."
"Well, Bill had better study up a bit before he goes to making trouble for people. Where is his farm, anyhow? Has he got one?"