“Because we won’t trust you with them,” put in Fred, bluntly.
This did not please Hiram Skeetles nor the bully, but the young hunters were firm, and were backed up by Joel Runnell, and in the end the pair in the lodge came forth unarmed.
“Ye ain’t going to play no trick on us, are ye?” questioned the real estate dealer, suspiciously.
“No, we’ll treat you fair and square,” said Joe.
They led the way to the shelter under the pines, and allowed those from Snow Lodge to come in over the snow wall to the side of the camp fire. Then all hands looked over the stores still remaining, and Runnell announced the articles which he thought might be spared.
“’Tain’t very much,” sniffed Hiram Skeetles.
“It’s the best we can do,” came from Joe. “Take it or leave it.”
“Oh, we’ll take it,” put in Dan Marcy, quickly, and gathered up some of the articles as he spoke.
“Hold on!” cried Harry. “Before you touch a thing you must promise us faithfully to leave the lodge by this time to-morrow.”
“We will leave—unless another heavy storm comes up,” answered Hiram Skeetles.