Ed and Walter had his arms secure before he had a chance to sit upright. Jack whipped out a strap, and while the fellow vigorously protested and exerted a desperate effort to free himself, the young men made him their prisoner.
"You stay here, and I will go for the officer," said Jack, having tied fast the man's hands and noting that the sore foot would not permit of any running away.
"What do you want?" shouted the man. "If you don't let me go, I'll——"
"Oh, no, you won't," interrupted Ed.
"A nice chap to break in on a couple of girls! Even robbers should have some honor," and Ed pushed the man back into the grass just to relieve his feelings.
"I didn't do no breaking in," said the fellow, turning in pain. "I got kicked with a horse."
"A little iron broncho," remarked Walter, with a smile. "Well, that sort of kick stays a while. I guess you won't feel like running after that horse. Did he run away?"
The man looked as if he would like to strangle Walter, but he was forced to lie there helpless.
Jack had gone. The officer, after hearing the story, decided to ask Cora to go to the swamp to identify the man. With this intention the two stopped at the cottage, and Cora promised to hurry along after them down to the abandoned camp.
"I can't go this very minute," she said, "but I know the way. I will follow directly."