k on his breast, and there was
every indication of his having fallen asleep.

"Can you get the gun?" Jet whispered.

Jim nodded his head.

"Then creep up to it. I'll have the revolver ready, and jump in if he
awakens. In case he's still asleep we'll go toward him until he opens
his eyes. Start now," and Jet drew his weapon.

The boys advanced side by side until Jim grasped the gun, and then Jet
motioned for him to rise to his feet, he setting the example.

They stepped forward softly, each with his weapon leveled at the
half-reclining man, who did not so much as move until the boys were
close upon him.

Then he lazily opened his eyes, and turned his head ever so slightly.

"Throw up your hands; but don't make the slightest noise, or I'll shoot
you as I would a dog!" Jet said, sternly.

The fellow obeyed the first order with alacrity as he saw the muzzles
of the weapons within a few inches of his head, and said in a careless
tone:

"I reckon you didn't care about lendin' me your outfit."

"That's just the size of it, and there is other business to be settled."

By this time the prisoner had caught a glimpse of Jim's face, and he
added with a smile:

"Come to collect that two dollars, eh?"

"We mustn't stand here chinning," Jet said, as he pressed the muzzle of
the revolver to the back of the man's head. "Look around for something
to tie him with, Jim, and be quick about it."

"What are you up to now?" the fellow growled.

"It won't take long to find out, and I shall be forced to waste this
cartridge if you make any row."

"I thought I was behavin' myself in proper shape."

"So you are just at present; but I am ready for any change of plans,
and want you to understand fully how little it would take to induce me
to send a bullet into your worthless head."

This was sufficient to silence the prisoner.

"I can't find anything but the boat's painter," Jim cried. "Shall we
use that?"

"Yes, and be quick about it."

The rope was soon detached from the craft, and, as Jim approached with
it, Jet said to the man:

"Now put your hands behind you."

This order was obeyed without a murmur, and the small guide began to
tie them securely.

The painter was of sufficient length to serve as bonds for the fellow's
legs also, and when he was thus trussed up Jet began fashioning a gag
from a piece of pine wood.

Having had this instrument of torture applied to himself on two
occasions, he was well prepa