The latter did not seem any the worse for his long confinement; indeed, he was grinning as though the scare of his enemies over that flashlight had amused him.
"We're only too willing to go. I told you before that we didn't mean to have any trouble with you, if we could help it; but if you start the ball rolling look out."
"Yes," said Will, on the heels of what Frank had said, "it's a case of millions for defense, not one cent for tribute."
"Good night, fellows, and thank you for the grub you gave me?" laughed
Bluff, as he waved his hand mockingly toward the group.
Jerry had recovered his gun, and, in a bunch, the four chums walked away. The others followed them menacingly for a short distance, but every time one of the two armed lads turned there was a sudden scattering. When Will whirled around and elevated his camera they fell flat to the ground as though really alarmed.
"They've turned back," announced Jerry, presently.
"Say, that was fine of you to come in there and rescue me," declared
Bluff, as he caught hold of Jerry's unwilling hand, and squeezed it.
The other seemed to be unusually modest, for he pulled quickly away.
"Beat it, Bluff. You know you'd have done the same for me. I guess I owed you something for making fun of you so much. Anyhow, it was just bully, that's what. Talk about your earthquakes and cyclones, I don't think anything could beat that scare you gave them with your old flashlight stunt, Will."
"And I reckon it's going to turn out a dandy picture. I just wanted to get that crowd in some outlandish attitude, and if it proves what I think, I've done it."