“That's all right, Jim,” nodded the former leader.
“Jake, ride back a few hundred yards and keep a sharp lookout,” suggested Duff blandly. “The pursuers may come in automobiles. We'll cut the ceremonies here short and leave nothing but lifeless bodies for the rescue parties to find.”
Stakes were driven and the horses picketed.
“Bring along our guests,” suggested Jim Duff, with a touch of humor that the occasion rendered grisly.
Thereupon Tom and Harry were once more jerked to their feet.
“Ye can walk, I reckon, and don't have be toted,” observed one of the scoundrels.
“We're wholly at your service, sir,” rejoined Tom mockingly.
“And equally at your pleasure,” Harry suggested dryly.
Two hundred yards further on the halted close to a pair of stunted trees of about the same size.
“Gentlemen, you may as well remove your masks on this hot evening,” suggested Jim Duff. The face coverings came off. Reade and Hazelton surveyed their captors as the chance offered, being careful not to betray too great curiosity.