“We want information now in your possession,” answered the fellow, looking Jack sharply in the eyes.
“What kind of information?”
“We want to know where certain documents are.”
“You’ll have to ask some one else, then.”
“We are certain that you have the information we require.”
“If I had,” Jack answered, “you never would get it from me.”
“You will gain nothing by being obstinate,” the fellow said. “Remember that we have Ned Nestor, the alleged juvenile detective, at our camp. He seems inclined to keep what information he possesses to himself, and, before proceeding to extreme measures with him, we decided to lay the case before you. I am afraid Nestor will receive rough treatment at the hands of my allies unless the information they demand is given them.”
“So that was a lying message you sent Nestor, was it?”
“There’s no use in discussing the matter at length,” the other stated. “I think I’d better take you boys into camp and let the boss talk with you. And let me warn you now, before anything more is said, not to attempt resistance. If you do, there’ll be shooting done, and it won’t be my men who will get hurt! Now, face about to the north and march away to camp, like good little boys. We don’t want to hurt you, but we insist on having our way in the matter of this information. Perhaps Nestor may be able to convince you that you ought not to be so obstinate.”
“I don’t think Nestor will attempt anything of the kind,” replied Jack, “and I think that you are a great big bluff!”