k here," he
went on. "I command you all to assist me in the capture of a fugitive
from justice named Warren W. Wagner, as escaped convict who is wanted in
Chicago for the crime of murder!"

"Do you think this Wagner person is here?" asked Seth.

"I haven't a doubt of it," was the angry reply.

"Then, like a good little boy, you chase out and find him."

"I'll find him quick enough," retorted Katz, advancing toward the spot
where Wagner lay. "I'll find him too quick to please most of you
fellows! Perhaps you can tell me who this man is."

The Boy Scouts gathered about the detective and Chester even sprang
forward as if to defend his father from the officer's touch. It was
Sheriff Pete, however, who prevented the actual arrest of the escaped
convict at that time.

As the two detectives moved forward, attempting to brush the boys rudely
aside, the sheriff seized Katz by the shoulder and swung him over to
Sheriff Gilmore. Then he grabbed Cullen by the scruff of the neck and
sent him spinning into the arms of Seth.

"What do you fellows mean by coming here and taking possession of our
camp?" he thundered. "I'll teach you to get fresh around here! Put the
handcuffs on the fellows, boys!"

One of the wounded outlaws raised himself from the floor and chuckled
viciously as the two men were adorned with the manacles.

"Say," Katz exclaimed, trying to move toward the outlaws, "how did you
get here? I've a great mind to put you both under arrest for your
treatment of me a few hours ago."

"You're under arrest yourself!" laughed the outlaw pointing to the
handcuffs. "You're a pretty skate to talk about arresting me."

"I protest against this, sir," exclaimed Katz, turning to Sheriff Pete.
"I am Joseph J. Katz, detective of Chicago, and this is Edward E.
Cullen, my associate. We are here under protection of the laws of your
state, in quest of a fugitive from justice and I protest against this
outrage."

"Where are your extradition papers?" demanded the sheriff.

"We don't usually get extradition papers until we get the man," scoffed
Katz. "You ought to know that, if you're an officer."

"I mean your authority from the Governor of Illinois," said Sheriff Pete
angrily.

"You can wire to the Chief of Police at Chicago, and see if what we say
is not true," Katz answered.

"But your papers," insisted the Sheriff.

"They were to be forwarded to us," replied Katz.

"I don't believe they're detectives at all!" Tommy cu