tely flung roughly aside as though he were
but vermin.

"So, yuh be his boy, ther man as is a-gwine tuh cla'r weuns off his
land if hit takes all ther sojers in Floridy tuh do hit?" gritted McGee
between his strong white teeth.

Then his mood seemed to change like magic, for he laughed hoarsely, and
looked around at the rough spirits by whom they were hemmed in.

"Wot yuh think o' thet, men, this hyah leetle critter is the son o' ole
Doc. Lancing, ther man we's gwine tuh tar an' feather jest as soon as
he dars show his hide down thisaways. He jest kim hyah as trustin' as
a dove, thinkin' weuns'd never dar lift a hand ag'in 'im, case the
sojers they'd foller arter him. Wot we'll jest do tuh this kid ain't
wuth mentionin', air hit, men?"

Then arose loud and tumultuous shouts, that made poor Larry crumple up
as if he wanted to hide in a thimble. He looked around at the dark and
angry faces to the right and to the left; and again wished he had
thought twice before embarking on this wild scheme of Phil's.

"Shut up!" roared McGee; and the tumult was hushed as if by magic.

The leader looked about him, his strong face working with mingled
passion and pleasure. Phil was somehow reminded of a story, heard in
the long ago, a parable about the lord of the vineyard, who sent his
son to treat with those in possession; and what those unruly spirits
did to the young man was so vividly impressed on his mind right now,
that it gave him a very uncomfortable feeling. History might repeat
itself. And he was the son of the rich man who owned the property!

"Listen tuh me, men," called out McGee, when every eye was glued on his
face. "We'll take these critters back tuh hum with us. Ben, let Marty
hev yuh gun. I 'p'int him tuh stay by the boat, and guard thuh same.
An' remember, all o' yuh, if so much as a single thing is stolen,
yuh'll give an account tuh McGee! understan'?"

Evidently they did, for a number of faces assumed a look of
disappointment, as though hopes had been entertained that they were to
loot the motor boat, just as though they were pirates of the Spanish
Main.

"Git ashore, you!" said the giant, as he motioned with his hand after
the manner of one who was accustomed to being obeyed.

Phil did not even attempt to pick up his gun. He knew that weapon
would be of no use to him in his present trouble. Something far
stronger than a repeating shotgun was needed to extricate him from the
difficulty into wh