One of the other men came crashing through the underbrush.
"I've caught 'em!" announced their captor. "Two more."
The newcomer emerged from a thicket and pounced on Joe.
"Good work!" he said exultantly.
The Hardy boys were hauled roughly out of the bushes and down into the moonlight, where the two captives were being held.
"Caught 'em hiding right in the bushes," said the man who had discovered them, tightening his grip on Frank's collar.
"Boys, eh?" said the leader, coming forward and peering closely at them. "Since when have you had boys helping you, Jed?"
The prisoner called Jed looked at the Hardy boys suspiciously.
"I never saw 'em in my life before," he growled.
"What are they doing here, then?"