Somehow, Mr. Dobson seemed cowed to an extent his man had never known before. Perhaps it was the sight of the several guns, backed by the looks of the four young campers; or else he had been alarmed by Frank's allusion to the welts upon the bound boy's back.
"This is an outrage that you will suffer for. The law will back me up in claiming my own. I'm not fool enough to try to take the boy under your guns; but wait, and see if you can balk Cal Dobson," he went on, morosely.
"If you're going to the law about it, let me recommend my dad, John Masters," said Bluff smoothly.
At which the farmer started, and looked more uneasy than ever. He had not forgotten the little warfare that existed between himself and John Masters. Doubtless the lawyer would be only too glad of an opportunity to even up the score. More than ever must he try to get Jed back to the farm before those telltale welts on his back were seen of men.
"I'm not going to stay here to be insulted any longer. Remember, I give ye plain warning that for this high-handed outrage every one of ye will pay dear. As for you, Jed——"
He did not finish the sentence, but the ferocious look which he bent upon the bound boy was enough to freeze the blood in his veins.
Then Mr. Dobson and his man wheeled and strode away. The farmer did not look back, even when the obliging Will called out:
"Oh, Mr. Dobson! Please don't forget that you appear in that picture, and if you would like to possess one you can have it at the cost of production."
When the unwelcome intruders had really passed out of sight Jed crept over to Frank and caught his hand.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you for being so kind. He hates me more than ever, and if he ever gets me back to his farm he will nearly kill me, I believe," he said in thrilling tones of gratitude.