As the pair sat there they did not notice the arrival of two men on foot at the ford. But the new arrivals saw Dixon and the former farm youth, and one quickly pulled the other out of sight behind some trees.
"What is it, Sag?" asked one of the men. "Spotted some of your enemies?"
"Yes," answered Sag Ruff. "That man yonder, Soapy, is Maybe Dixon."
"Shoo! you don't say," returned Soapy Gannon, softly. "I reckon you don't want to meet him."
"I do not."
"Is that the boy who exposed you?"
"No, it's one of his partners. There are three of them. The other two ought to be around somewhere."
"Wouldn't you like to meet that lad who got you into trouble?"
"Would I?" Sag Ruff's brow grew dark. "Try me and see; that's all, Soapy!"
After that the pair walked behind the trees and drew still closer to where Si and Dixon sat. They listened to the talk of our friends and presently learned the truth of the situation. Then they heard Maybe Dixon say he would walk into the forest and see if he could find Bob and Mark.