"You can well say that," was the surly reply, and during the next five minutes Bob paid strict attention to receiving the food which Jet held to his lips.
"I wonder if it would be any use to try an' buy you off?" the fellow said, half to himself, when the meal was finished.
"Not a bit; Joe tried that, but it wouldn't work."
"Are you the same boy who nabbed him?"
"Yes."
"It's hard, mighty hard, to be pulled by a cub like you," and Bob shook his head mournfully. "A feller expects something of the kind from a reg'lar officer, if it so be that he's put himself in the way of trouble; but it comes tough to be downed by a couple of whiffletts I could break all up with one hand."
"It does seem queer we should be able to do so much," Jet replied, modestly, and then he added: "If you give me your word as a man that not a word shall be spoken, and no noise made, I'll leave this gag out until sunset, otherwise, it must go in again."
"I'll agree, because you've got me foul."
"Very well; but if I hear so much as a whisper it will go in your mouth again, not to be taken out till the officers get here."
"I know when I'm licked," Bob growled, "an' don't need threats after I can't help myself."