t, perhaps, it might even do some good, since the
men on the beach would have received ample warning, with regard to the
intentions of the scouts, and if they ventured to try and clamber aboard
the wreck, it would be at their own peril.

Apparently, more talking was going on below.

"That may all be a blind," Jack ventured to say, as they lined up along
the side of the wreck, with their guns ready.

"Yes, because unless I miss my guess several of the bunch slipped away,
as if they had their orders," Frank declared.

"It may be they know of another way to get aboard," said Ned, "and while
the rest keep on parleying with us, they mean to try and slip around, so
as to take us by surprise. Jack, you and Teddy keep tabs of the rear,
and shoot if you see the least suspicious movement."

"Ay, ay! sir!" said Jack, immediately wheeling so as to keep his rifle
pointed toward the threatened spot. "Drop low down, Teddy, so as not to
show against the sky-line. And when I say, 'let drive,' give several
shots. The noise of the bombardment will help scare 'em off, I reckon."

The man who seemed to be leader again hailed them.

"You can't get away from here, and you might's well know that same first
as last," he went on to say, positively. "You learned too much for yer
own good that time, an' we ain't going to allow of your getting out of
this region in a hurry. If ye surrender, we'll treat ye white, give ye
my word on that. All we want is that ye shouldn't get to Montreal till
we hears from the boss. Show your good sense, boys, by makin' the best
of a bad bargain."

"You might as well save your breath, whoever you are," said Ned, firmly;
"we know what it all means, and why you want to hold us here prisoners,
without any right to do the same. And understand now that we refuse to
stand for it. Try and rush this wreck, and some of you will get hurt.
The same applies to the three men you sent around to try and take us in
the rear. We're on to your tricks, mister, and, if you know what's good
for you, just turn around and leave us alone. We mean to fight, and
fight hard! That's the last word of warning I'm going to give you, and
the next move will call for lead. Do you get that straight?"

Ned could be quite belligerent when he chose. He realized that he was
dealing with hard characters in these men, and that any sign of weakness
on his part was only going to make things the more difficult for himself
and chums.

He understood th