The three riders reined in their horses and looked at Peccary with frank curiosity.
"Here's one that didn't hide," one of them remarked, in a tone that Dr. Peccary decided was disrespectful. He stepped forward boldly.
"May I ask what you intend to do with that boy?" he demanded.
"He wants to know what we intend to do with the boy," said the same man.
"Yes, I heard what he said," the bearded man remarked quietly. He hadn't ceased to study Peccary with his piercing blue eyes. Now he urged his horse closer. "You must be a stranger here, son?"
"Not exactly," said Peccary. "As a matter of fact, I was born here. That was some time ago and it's true I haven't been here recently." The way the bearded man stared at him made him extremely nervous. "But I'm sure that kidnaping is against the law. If you don't release that boy I'll have to—to make a citizen's arrest!" Peccary knew that his words sounded ridiculous. From the way the three riders exchanged glances it was evident that they thought the same thing.
"He's going to make a citizen's arrest," commented the one who liked to repeat whatever Peccary said.
"Hush," said the bearded leader. And then to Peccary, "What's your name, son?"
"Clarence Peccary. If you don't do as I say I'll—" He stopped short, his heart leaping as the force of his indiscretion struck him.
The three men had been struck also.