"Because," was the reply, "we can go up stream about as fast as we can go down stream, and the canoes can't. We'll shut everything tight but the loopholes and go through them like a shot through paper. If they board us we'll have to open up and drop them into the river with our automatics."
"Put the big light out in front then," Harry said, "and stand there and tell me which way to steer, and let her go!"
The next moment the Black Bear, closely followed by the Wolf, was nearing the canoes, now drawn up in line of battle in front.
CHAPTER XII
A BRIBE OF HALF A MILLION
"What do you want to talk about?" asked Ned, as Thomas Q. Collins advanced a step, both hands still high above his head, as an indication that he was unarmed.
"I want to reach an understanding with you," was the reply.
"About what?"
"About—well, about your errand here."
"Oh! Well, what about it?"