This advice was followed promptly. Fortunately heavy sticks were readily to be had, so but little time was lost. Then, as they heard another cry, they darted into a thicket along the roadside.
A moment later they came upon a thrilling scene. George Strong was in the grasp of one man, who held him from the back, while a second man was going through his pockets.
CHAPTER XIX
ANOTHER CHALLENGE
“I know those fellows!” whispered Jack, as he and Andy came to a halt behind convenient trees.
“So do I. They are Mr. Strong’s two crazy relatives, Bart Callax and Paul Shaff.”
The cadets hardly knew what to do.
“I want that million dollars!” cried the man named Callax. “Give it to me!”
“And I want the order for an airship,” put in Paul Shaff.
“Bart! Paul! Let me go!” said George Strong. “You are making a mistake, I tell you!”
“If you don’t give us what we want we’ll tie you to a tree and burn you up!” cried Shaff.