"Do yez obsarve any pipes sticking out of their mouths?"
"One or two are smoking."
"Then boord them if they won't surrender."
"They have headed toward us," remarked Elwood, "and must wish to say something."
A few moments later the two boats came side by side, and before any one else could speak Tim made his request known for tobacco. This was furnished him, and as he relit his pipe he announced that he had no objection to their proceeding with their business.
There were nine men in the larger boat, and all were armed with pistols, rifles and knives. In truth they resembled a war party more than anything else bound upon some desperate expedition.
The boys noticed as they came along, and while Tim O'Rooney was speaking, that several of the men looked very keenly at them, as though they entertained some strong suspicion. Finally one of the men asked:
"Are you youngsters named Lawrence and Brandon?"
"Yes, sir."
Here the questioner produced a paper from his pocket, and seemed to read his questions from that.