“So help me——” Sandy began, but the officer cut him short.
“No use in denying it, man. I wouldn’t believe you on a stack of Bibles. A man that’ll run whiskey’ll lie about it till he’s black in the face. Anyhow, we’re going to have a look at what you got, and, mind you, no funny business.”
Bob now thought it was time that they were showing themselves; so, with a low whisper to Jack, he threw off his blanket and got up on the seat, and Jack followed him almost as quickly.
It was very dark and at first they were unable to locate the men they had heard talking. But soon their eyes became accustomed to the darkness and they made out the forms of three men standing near the horse’s heads. At the same time a ray of light from an electric torch struck Bob full in the face.
“Hello, who’s this?” the man who held the light asked, turning to the driver.
“Jest a couple o’ kids ridin’ up ter Jackman,” Sandy replied.
“Hum, well we won’t take any chances just the same,” the officer declared. Then, coming close to the side of the sled, he ordered:
“You boys jump out lively now, and I guess you’d better keep your hands up too till we give you the once over. What’s your names?”
Bob told him, and instantly the man’s attitude changed.
“Bob and Jack Golden, eh,” he repeated, as he flashed his light full upon them again, “Well, well, so it is. I’ve seen you boys in Skowhegan often enough to know you. You can put your hands down. I know you’re all right, but I didn’t expect to see you way off up here and at this time of night.”