you're makin' another mistake. We've been put here to find out
sich things."

"There's no use of all this chinning, for I'm not a fool," Jet cried,
angrily. "I shan't come out, nor will you have a chance to rob me."

"I'm sorry you won't listen to reason, for we may have to treat you
mighty rough before this job is finished."

"Do the best you know how, but remember that I'm going to have
something to say first," and Jet swung the cane threateningly.

"Better take him right out; we'll have visitors before long, an' it
won't do to have sich a cub around," the leader of the party said, as
he advanced, after having armed himself with several huge rocks.

Now the battle began in downright earnest.

Almost before Jet understood that the men were ready to make the attack
a shower of stones were hurled against the shanty, and two came
unpleasantly near his head as they were flung through the door.

"If one of them hits me the jig is up," Jet muttered, dodging his head
barely in time to escape a huge fragment which would have crushed his
skull like an eggshell.

"We'll give you one more chance to come out peaceable like," the leader
cried, as he motioned for his companions to cease firing.

If it had not been for the ignominy of backing down from the bold stand
he had taken, Jet would have accepted the invitation.

The small amount of money in his possession did not warrant a risk of
life, and then again he was but delaying the real purpose of his life
by remaining.

His pride prevented him from surrendering, and he made no reply.

Again the men advanced with a shower of stones, and now they were so
near that Jet could only find shelter by hugging the side of the hut
nearest the door.

"Can't some of you hit him?" the leader asked, angrily. "We mustn't
keep the fun up very long, for the boss is bound to come mighty soon,
an' there'll be a row that amounts to something if he finds us foolin'
like this."

These words caused the men to renew their efforts, and twice did Jet
receive a severe blow on the body before he found an opportunity to
return the compliment.

Then one of the fellows, leaning over the barricade in order to take
better aim, presented a fair target.

Jet brought the cane down on his head with full force, and the fellow
fell to the ground like one dead.

A roar of rage went up from the others, but they prudently fell back a
short distance, dragging their companion with them.

"You see i