"We haven't any; you are the only one hereabouts that's armed," said the Captain, observing that the man had drawn a revolver.
"In here with you! I've no time to fool!"
The lads resented his peremptory manner. Chester asked:
"Why should we get into your auto? We prefer to choose our own company; we don't like your looks."
"I know mighty well you don't, nor do I like your looks, but that makes no difference. In with you, I say, or I'll blow your heads off!"
The alarming words and action of the officer left no doubt of his earnestness. Alvin replied:
"We have a right to know why you arrest us; we have done nothing unlawful."
"I don't mind reminding you that the Rockledge post office was robbed last night. Banet Raymond the postmaster said it was done by three scoundrels—all wearing masks and dressed in yachting clothes. They came this way; where's the other fellow?"
"We had a companion with us when we came up the Sheepscot, but he's gone in search of our boat that some one stole from us a little while ago."
"You're the skeezicks I'm after; we'll soon have the third burglar."