Page:Boys of Columbia High on the River.djvu/160

148 Frank was quick to discern facts. He knew instinctively that these two men were either hoboes or rogues of some sort. The look on their faces stamped them as belonging to that great class which seems to consider organized society as legitimate prey.

But why should they attempt to interfere with him. It was a puzzle indeed, since he would not be apt to prove a profitable customer, if their motive were robbery.

"Let me up, now! I don't know either of you, and want to go about my own affairs. My father is a business man in Columbia, and if you did anything to injure me it would be the worst day's work you ever knew."

Frank was not boasting, but considered that he ought to let them know he had connection with a family that had more or less influence. He was not surprised, however, to hear the fellow called Joey laugh harshly.

"Ain't you never seen us before? Take another look, and guess again!" and he thrust his leering face close down near Frank's.

Then something seemed to strike the prostrate boy as though he had received a blow. Could it be possible that these two rascally men were the ones who had been in that stolen buggy at the time he and Lanky stopped them on the road to ask for a ride?