"We are going to teach you a lesson," said another.
"Ride him on a rail!"
"Duck him in the river!"
These and several other suggestions rang out. Torches were procured, and in a few minutes one man found a long tent pole, which answered very well for a rail. Sag Ruff was hoisted on this and marched through the camp. Then he was taken to a pond filled with dirty water and tumbled in head first.
"Now don't show your face on this trail again!" shouted several.
"If you do you'll be shot!" added several others.
Filled with rage and fear, Sag Ruff dragged himself from the pond and hurried out of sight behind a nearby row of tents. As he went on he had to pass the outfit belonging to our friends. He caught sight of Mark just going into the tent.
"Look here, sonny!" he hissed, in a voice full of hate and bitterness. "I shan't forget you, and some day I'll square up! Don't forget, I'll square up!" And then the darkness of the night swallowed up his form.
"Who is there?" asked Si, rousing up in his sleep.
"It is all right, Si, I'm just getting back."