"Comin', Boss," quavered the still frightened negro.
"Doright, did these fellers set fire to my cabin?"
"Yaas, sir, Boss. Dey sure done hit," replied that worthy.
"We might as well arrest 'em now as any other time, then," declared Lopez. "Take this gun, Doright, and if they try to run, shoot."
"Yaas, sir, Boss," grinned the darky. "Ah sure will shoot."
"Now, boys, get going," commanded their captor. "Walk right up, too, for we're a long ways from home and I'm tired."
"How did you happen back so soon?" queried Harry. "I thought you had gone to town to talk with Wyckoff about hanging us."
"I done change my mind," answered Lopez. "I forgot something at the cabin and now hit's done burned. I have an idee I'd better shoot youall right now for that trick. Yes, sir, I just believe so."
Knowing his quick and hasty temper as they now did, the boys were not unprepared for anything that might happen. Gritting their teeth they marched bravely on even though they felt that at any moment the erratic man behind them might send a bullet into their backs. They resolved, however, to show no fear.
Not far along the path they were halted by Lopez, who whispered a short consultation with Doright. In a moment he ordered the boys to one side of the road for some distance where he compelled them to lie flat on their faces and commanded them to absolute silence on pain of instant death. He kept his rifle at their ears.