“So will I,” added Paxton, humbly.
“I’ll not pick any more,” came from the bully, defiantly.
“Very well, then, I’ll have you sent down to the Cedarville jail. I don’t think Captain Putnam will like that, or your parents, either.”
“It’s a mean thing—to send a fellow to jail for a few nuts.”
“You saw my signs, and when you came in here you did it at your own risk. Men and boys have been hunting, fishing, and nutting in here until I am tired of it, and I shall make an example of you, unless you agree to do as I wish. I make this offer merely out of friendship for Captain Putnam.”
“I’m not going to pick any nuts,” came firmly from Dan Baxter. He had on an extra stubborn streak.
“Very well, then. Mike and John, make him a prisoner.”
Without ceremony two of the workmen leaped forward and caught hold of the bully. He tried to resist, but in a twinkling one of the workmen laid him flat on his back. Then his hands were tied behind him.
“Let me go!” he roared.
“You keep quiet or you’ll get a sound thrashing,” ejaculated the gentleman, whose temper was none of the best.