“These are not the men we saw earlier in the evening,” said Chot in a low tone to the other boys.
“No; I don’t see the slightest similarity in their appearance,” Tom replied.
“This don’t appear to be a hold up, either,” said Bert. “This man Dave talks like he thinks we’re criminals of some sort.”
“Well, we’ll find out in a minute, just what he means,” said Chot.
While Hank was heaping brush on the fire, Dave stood with his revolvers leveled at the boys, whom Hank had huddled in a little group, so that all were in easy range.
“Now, you fellers stand still,” said Dave. “We don’t want any monkey business.”
“Do we look like we’re trying to run away?” asked Tom. “Don’t worry—we’re going to stay right here and find out what all this means. We’ve nothing to run for.”
“Oh, is that so? Well, maybe I can convince you different. Here now, Hank. Get out your revolvers and watch these fellers close, while I question ’em.”
Hank did as he was bidden, seeming to take great pleasure in leveling his weapons at the boys.
“Point those things in the air, can’t you?” asked Fleet, nervously. “I know you don’t want to shoot us, but one of them might go off by accident, and I’m not ready to give up this canoe trip just yet.”