far away but what I kin
hear you. It won't do to yell or kick, for the door is too strong to
break, and there ain't another living creature within a mile."

He tramped heavily across the floor and left the mill.

The loss of their valuables had made the boys so angry and indignant
that they were little inclined to regard the warning. They soon came to
the conclusion, however, that escape was really impossible.

The door was stoutly built, and rendered still stronger by heavy cross
bars. The hinges and the bolts were massive. The combined efforts of all
four failed to make any impression, and they soon abandoned the attempt.

"Great Caesar! I see it all now," exclaimed Ned suddenly. "That
scoundrel is going to carry off our canoes, and leave us to get out the
best way we can!"

No one doubted that Ned was right. The boys stared at each other in
speechless consternation.

It was bad enough to lose their watches and money, but now they were
about to be deprived of everything--clothes, canoes, and tent. It meant
the sudden termination of the cruise, and an ignominious return home.

"Let's pound and kick with all our might," suggested Clay. "The door
can't hold out forever."

Before any one could reply a heavy tread was heard, and looking through
the crevice Ned made the startling announcement that the ruffian had
returned.

The boys hardly knew whether to be glad or sorry at this piece of news.
They feared a greater misfortune than the loss of all their property.

Crowding close to the crevice--which extended upward the length of the
door--they peered eagerly into the room. Moxley had not returned empty
handed. He had employed his brief absence in rifling the canoes, and was
laden with their entire contents, excepting the dishes and the fishing
rods.

He deposited his burden on the sawdust and sat down beside it. Very
slowly and attentively he ransacked the bags of clothes, the packets of
provisions, and the little japanned tin boxes in which the boys kept
paper and envelopes, stamps, fishing tackle, and various other articles.

Then he took the empty grain sack and stuffed it with the clothes, and a
large portion of the provisions. He appropriated all the stamps he could
find, and pushed the tin boxes aside.

Having completed his arrangements he walked over to the closet and
opened the door. Then he sat down on a log facing the boys with his gun
across his knee.

"I think I have you chaps pretty tight," h