So vehement was he, and so much energy did he put in his voice that, for the moment, the man was startled, and drew back.
"What's the idea?" he asked.
"That is government property!" went on Jack, trying to follow up the impression he had made. "You are interfering with the United States' mail. And I don't need to tell you what sort of a crime that is! You won't have to deal with me, you'll have to answer to the government, and the inspectors will be on your trail inside of twenty-four hours! Don't you touch that mail!"
For a moment the men did seem impressed by Jack's sharp warning. Then the man on the horse laughed, and said:
"Oh, quit your talking. Go on, take the sacks and we'll get away. We can't stay here the rest of the night!"
"Say, he has a pretty lively tongue," observed the man who was loosening the sacks from Jack's saddle. "He gave me a start for a second or two."
"Forget it! Yank 'em off and come on."
Jack felt that it would be useless to protest further. Besides, there was a growing feeling of sickness and pain. The man took the express and mail packages and tied them on one of the three horses.
"Now then get off, you pony rider!" ordered the man on the big horse. "Get off, and get off quick! We're in a hurry and we're done fooling!"
"What—what are you going to do?" faltered Jack. He was beginning to be afraid of what was to come.