so is trouble. I'm a
peaceable man, I am. I believe in taking all precautions. But here we go,
walking along as though we were on your uncle's farm. No thought of
danger among any of you. But I've got a hunch--"

"You've always got a hunch," Hal interrupted.

"Well, all right," said Stubbs. "Just remember I've warned you."

They continued on their way in silence.

"To tell the truth, we have been remarkably fortunate," declared Colonel
Edwards. "I had expected to bump into some of Nicolas' friends before
this. It's funny."

"It's not too late yet," said Stubbs.

"Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, with some exasperation, "if you--"

"Hold on," said Stubbs. He pointed ahead and slightly to the left. "Here
comes a gang after us now."

The others glanced in the direction indicated. A body of men afoot,
perhaps a dozen all told, were approaching.

"Yes," said Chester, "here comes a gang, but that's no sign they
are enemies."

"Everybody is an enemy in these parts," said Stubbs sententiously.

"By George, you are the limit, Stubbs!" declared Chester. "Now, I'll
tell you what I'll do. I'll just bet you something pretty you're wrong
in this case."

"Well, I ain't wrong," returned Stubbs, forgetting his grammar. "I'll
take that bet. But in the meantime you fellows have a look at your guns.
I may need protection."

This was good advice and the others realized it. They acted on it and the
chamber of Colonel Anderson's revolver snapped with a click that
emphasized his next remark:

"Can't trust them," he said.

The men were close now, and they appeared to be friendly enough. At sight
of the prisoner in the center, one of them cried:

"Ho, Nicolas! where are you going?"

Quickly Hal stepped behind the prisoner and out of sight of the
strangers, his revolver was pressed into Nicolas' back.

"No foolishness," he said in a low voice.

"Rather risky for you in these parts, isn't it, Nicolas?" said another of
the strangers.

Nicolas heeded Hal's advice.

"I'm with friends," he returned. "There are enough of us here to look out
for ourselves."

"Where are you bound?"

"Not far. I have a little business a couple of miles farther on."

"Want any company?"

Nicolas hesitated a moment and there came a queer gleam into his eye. And
before Hal could say a word, he replied:

"Well, you can come along if you want to."

This reply staggered the others a bit, but it was too late now. Hal saw
that he had not acted promp