"You wouldn't do that, would you?" said the leader.
"Yes, sure; the idea of him puttin' on airs, eh! yes, let's duck him."
"All right, comrade, it's as you say."
"Why, hear the horrid men," said Oscar. "Maybe they think it is a great joke to try and scare us, but we don't scare; do we, my dear?"
Cad did look as though she was almost scared out of her wits, and we desire to call our readers' attention to the courage and nerve of both the detectives in daring for one moment to think of meeting those three great burly men.
"Say, young fellow, just hand over the swag you've stolen so we can return it to the owner and we'll let you off. I've a list of the articles: a watch, some diamonds and money. We don't want to be hard on you. Peel out the stuff and we'll let you off; won't we, comrades?"
"I don't know about that. I think we should do our duty," said one of the men.
"Well, yes, but seein' they're having such a good time I haven't the heart to put them in jail."
"Just as you say, captain, just as you say."
"Say, young fellow, will you hand over the swag?"