“Let us approach with caution,” came from Captain Putnam. “There is no telling how those strange men will act if they are there.”
“Better cut a few sticks,” suggested Jack, and got out his jackknife. They soon had sticks, and the blacksmith cut a good-sized club.
“If they be des’prit characters they’d better give me a wide berth,” said he.
Slowly they drew closer to the shanty. Just to the rear of the building was an open shed, and here they saw the cutter, with the horse tied in a corner and blanketed.
“What a shame to leave a horse out in such weather as this!” cried Pepper.
“Those men must be in the shanty,” said Captain Putnam. “I sincerely trust that we find Mr. Strong unharmed.”
“Let us slip up behind the trees,” said Andy. “We ought to try to capture them, or something, on the sly.”
With caution they crept up behind the trees, and then walked slowly toward the shanty. Some bushes helped to screen them, and soon they stood at the very door to the place.
“Somebody is talking!” whispered Jack. “Listen!”
At first they heard only a murmur, but presently they made out what was being said.