“No!” came in answer, as all sprang up as if by a preconcerted signal.
“You misunderstand me, gentlemen,” said the adventurer quietly, though his heart beat fast with the knowledge that the suspicions which had haunted him were correct. “I am much obliged for your kindness, and I want to save you trouble, that is all.”
“Hear that, lads? We aren’t good enough for the likes of him. All right, then, off he goes.”
“Our company aren’t good enough, eh? Then off you goes.”
“Very well,” said the young man, rising quickly; “but there is no need for a quarrel. I will go at once, and I thank you for what you have done.”
“But we haven’t done yet,” cried the man addressed as Leggy. “Now, boys.”
There was a sudden rush, and in an instant the young fellow was seized and thrown upon his face; then, in spite of his desperate struggles, he was turned over, his weapon seized, and everything of value dragged from his pockets.
“Quiet!” snarled the leader in the attack, “or I’ll soon quiet you.”
“You dogs! You scoundrels! Help! Thieves!”
“Louder, my lad, louder. Call police: there’s some over yonder in Canady. Haul off that fur coat, lads. It’ll just fit me, and I’ll have his cap and gloves. That’s right. Now then, my whippersnapper, off you go!”