Jet could not see the track from where he was standing, but he heard what sounded like a familiar voice ask, sharply:
"Now what kind of deviltry are you fellers into?"
"Trying to drive out a rat we've got cornered in here."
"Same old tricks, eh? Well, some of these days you'll bite off more than can be chewed easily, an' then the jig will be up for all hands. Can't you act decent one day in a month?"
"That depends. When we're left alone three or four weeks on mighty short allowance, it stands us in hand to look out for ourselves," the leader of the party replied, insolently.
"Take care of your tongue, my friend, or there'll be something else needin' care precious soon. Let me see your game."
Jet heard the sound of rapid footsteps, and an instant later the tall man whom he had such good cause to remember was standing at a safe distance trying to peer into the shanty.
"Hello!" he cried, in surprise, as he recognized the boy. "It seems that you've been doin' a lucky stroke of business without knowing it. Don't let him give you the slip, an' bring him over to the house as soon as possible."
"Somebody you know?" one of the fellows asked.
"Yes, a boy who has found out too much for his own good, and he must be kept mighty close."