“That is a very serious thing,” said the chief. “Can’t you think of something else?”
Old Pluck looked at him reproachfully. “We want something serious,” he said. “What we’ve had so far is nothing but child’s play.”
The chief now saw that if he persisted in his objections he would hurt the feelings of the boys, and so he consented to burn a town. A few miles to the south there was a good-sized town, which the chief thought would burn very well, and thither the boys and robbers repaired, carrying blazing torches and fire-brands.
When they reached the town and had made known their purpose the people were filled with alarm. They crowded into the streets and begged the robbers not to burn their houses, their goods, and perhaps themselves and their children.
The chief now took the boys aside, and consulted with them.
“I wish you would consider this matter a little more before you order me to set this town in flames. I am told that there is a magazine filled with gunpowder in the centre of the place, and there will be a terrible explosion when the fire reaches it.”
“Hurrah!” cried the boys; “that will be splendid.”
“Many of these citizens will lose their lives,” said the chief, “and the rest will be utterly ruined.”
“Now, look here,” cried Old Pluck, “there’s no use of always backing down. I’m tired of it.”
“Very well,” said the chief, “but you yourselves must inform the people of your decision.”