g, though I warn you not to play tricks on us. We may appear easy, but you ought to know we aren't so easy when our good nature has been abused," warned Tad as he tied

ess to do so. There were too many hard-muscled young men about to make resistanc

well secured?" as

. "I will keep an occasional

now and then the lad would awaken and glance out at the man lying there, apparently asleep. But Griffin was not asleep. He lay alternately staring at the fire and at Ta

ception of Butler, who now lay wide awake observing the efforts of the prisoner. Tad did not believe the fellow would be able to free himself and was therefore

moky's feet came free, but the mountaineer did not get up at once. Instead, he lay panti

did not appear to understand what the man was trying to do. About this time, howeve

d sleepily made his way to the campfire, which he prodded listlessly, then piled on more woo

the rifle against the tree. Tad, apparently unconscious of his danger

w it towards him, almost hugging the gun in his delight. At last Smoky Griffin was himse

denly the bully threw the weapon to

th no better result. He uttered a growl of rage. Tad t

've been watching you all the evening. I saw you when you first began trying to get clear of the ropes. I saw you when you started for the rifle. That didn't worry me, for I drew the cartridges b

utler. A few feet only separated them. Tad was now in greater peril than he had been when the despera

, Mister Man!" warned

brought the mountaineer to a quick halt, his eyes blazing with passion. Slowly the

where you found

mp. Tad was still grinning. He had enjoyed the little scene immensely, besides

boy. Don't try to run. You might be stopped s

d Rector came stumbling out

what

I wish you would t

did he g

n't get loose. Secure him to that tree, Ned, and tie him good and tight, but not so tightly that it will hurt. Smoky, you sit down w

rms gripped Rector around the waist, pinioning Ned's arms to his sides, and though Ned struggled to free himself h

ely, while Tad stood grinning. Butler had expected this very result. It was as

lled ove

ne night. Let go and sit down there. You know

, on the boy in his grip. Tad stepped quickly behind the bully. Placing a hand around over Smoky's forehe

d back choking and gasping, whereupon Tad thrust the ruffian f

you down!" commanded th

let me at him!

others. All hands

Professor Zepplin, charging into t

ered Tad, laughing. "Ned, you keep your he

f menace. Tad stood guard over him while Rector with set, angry face gave the rope sev

et away from that hitch, my s

ged to release himself. I don't think he will try it again. H

t you should act like that after we have treated you so kindly. We ought to tu

nt and lay down. He did not wholly trust to the prisoner's bonds, so the lad kept up his

at was all. Still he ate a hearty breakfast, after which he was brought over to the campf

gan the Professor, after clearing his throat, as he always di

your bu

ere. Be warned and keep away from this outfit. You will get into serious difficulties if you harass us further

er d

led ready for him close at hand, Smoky did not even glance at them. With lowered head he