king together in low and husky tones, some urging a
precipitate rush, others counciling caution and diplomacy, in order to
accomplish their ends.

"Hello! there, on the wreck!" some one, doubtless vested with authority,
called out.

"Well, what do you want?" asked Ned.

"Are you the party that was up at the mine, and did you come here in
canoes?" continued the unseen leader of the group below.

"We had our boats stolen, and now we're about to head to the south on
foot," was what the patrol leader announced, possibly thinking that it
might influence these hardy men somewhat, if they knew that the scouts
intended to quit that region without delay.

Some more low talking went on below on the beach.

"Be ready, boys," warned Jack; "there's a movement on foot, and like as
not they'll start to try and rush the gangway. Keep low down, because
they might start firing on us!"

"That's right, Jack," said Ned, who had just been about to issue the
same sort of warning himself. "When you're dealing with men like these,
look out for treachery."

Just then the man below shouted again. He had a very rough, raspy voice,
and seemed to be of an ugly disposition, though possibly he was hoping
to impress the boy with the idea that he would brook no foolishness.

"Well, you've got to surrender to us, that's all," he went on to say.
"You went and spied on what mining was being done up here, and we've
orders not to let you get away till the word comes. Might as well make
up your minds to that, youngsters, and it'll save ye lots of trouble.
Throw down what guns ye got."

At that Jimmy burst out into a loud laugh.

"Will ye be after hearin' him give his orders, fellers?" he exclaimed.
"Just like he was the boss of the barnyard, too. Listen to me, you down
there! We are seven, all told, and with as many guns of the latest model
that can throw lead through ten inches of hard wood. If ye want the
guns, come up and take the same. I give ye my word, it'll be the hottest
time any of ye ever struck in the course of your lives. A dozen of ye,
are there? Well, after the first volley, we'll cut the count down just
one-half. Don't all speak at once, but pull the latchstring, and come on
into our little parlor!"

It was simply impossible to stop Jimmy, once he got started, unless you
took him in hand and clapped a gag over his mouth. As there was no
chance of doing this now, Ned let him have his say. It could do little
harm, after all; in fac