this to his property," and
he bent down to sever the cord at one vicious blow.

Frank thought it high time to interfere.

These unscrupulous boys would not hesitate to destroy all the results of
Will's hard labor, and, in fact, take the keenest delight in wringing his
heart by so doing.

There was only one way apparently to stop the desecration and save those
precious films from destruction. Although opposed to violence on general
principles, still Frank knew very well that there are times when it
becomes necessary for every one to stand up boldly for his rights.

He gave a nudge to Jerry which that worthy understood as a signal to be
ready. Accordingly, Jerry raised his shotgun until he had covered the
group in front of the cabin, and then waited for the word.

"Step out and hold them," whispered Frank, in his ear; and the four boys
made a sudden appearance from behind the shack.

"Now, look pleasant, please, you fellows!" exclaimed Frank, as he made
sure that he had his gun held on a line to cover the leader of the rebels
in Andy Lasher's camp.

CHAPTER XXIII

MORE SIGNS OF TROUBLE

Pet Peters looked thoroughly frightened when he saw that he had been
caught in the very act of opening another's property.

The truth of the matter was, he had been warned of late by the town
authorities that on the very next occasion when caught taking things that
did not belong to him, they would send him to the reform school.

"Don't you dare cut that string," said Frank, sternly; "or I won't answer
for the consequences, Pet Peters."

The boy, with a scowl, threw the package down alongside the camera.

"There's yer old shebang. I ain't done it a speck o' harm. Was just
kiddin', anyway. Knowed Will was around, an' jest wanted to make him
squeal," he declared.

Of course it was a barefaced falsehood, as every one understood; but it
seemed to be the natural thing for a fellow like Pet to say; he always
squirmed out of a scrape that way, while Andy had at least shown a
certain amount of boldness when caught.

"Will, step up and claim your property. If it has suffered any damage I'm
going to make him pay for it, if I have to take him all the way back to
Centerville," continued Frank.

Eagerly did the one addressed walk forward and pick up both camera and
package of films. He was within three feet of those five boys, yet never
a hand was outstretched to hinder him. They knew better. Those grim guns
that bore upon t