"This doesn't concern you," he said, quietly.
"Maybe not," retorted Jack, "but we are going to make it our business. Keep back!" and he raised his rifle.
The masked man made an impatient gesture. "I tell you again," he said, coldly, "that this is no affair of yours. You had better take my advice, and hop the twig as fast as you can."
"And suppose we don't choose to profit by your friendly warning," returned Jack, jauntily. "What then?"
One of the masked figures stepped up to the leader, and whispered something in his ear. The chief nodded affirmatively, and turned again to Jack.
"We know well enough where you came from," he said, confidently, "and you can't bluff us with blank cartridges."
There was an involuntary movement of surprised consternation among the boys, which the masked man was quick to perceive and take advantage of.
"This isn't any sham battle," he continued, with a sneer. "I'll give you while I count ten to clear out. One, two—"
Jack turned hurriedly to the boys. "Remember, now, hold your fire, no matter what I do."
"Eight, nine, ten. Come on, you fellows!" and the man in the mask threw down his knife and jumped for Jack. There was a sharp report, and the leader stopped short, staggered, and fell.