"Hands up there, and keep your mouth shut," was the low but determined command. "I imagine I am master of the situation."
"Who are you?" asked Deck, as calmly as he could, at the same time revolving in his mind the chances of turning the tables in his favor.
"I am only asking questions, not answering them," replied the man in black, and Deck now noted that his cleanly shaven face was a truly intelligent one. "Can you see that other fellow?"
"No."
"Then step into the water."
"Into the water?" queried Deck, in perplexity.
"Yes, and do not make any noise if you value your life, Major."
There was no help for it, and the major stepped from the brushwood into the stream. He was up to his knees.
"Come a little closer, but not too close," went on the man in black. "Can you swim?"
"Why do you ask that question?"