Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/391

 and the frying pan must go, of course; but every thing else was left behind.

While they were awaiting Joe's return, Mr. Swan and his party came up, got into their boats and pushed away from the beach. Mr. Morris pointed out two stalwart gentlemen in shooting costume, who, he said, were the owners of the stolen guns. They seemed to be in very bad humor, and the boys did not wonder at it.

"I shouldn't like to be in Matt's place if those men get their hands on him," said Roy, in a low tone.

"Nor I," answered the guide. "They sw'ar they'll pound him before he goes to jail, and they look to me like fellers that will keep their word."

"Say, boys," exclaimed Mr. Swan, as he backed water with his oars and brought his boat to a stand-still at the stern of the skiff, "can't you stay here till we come back? We want your evidence."

"We'll be around, you may depend upon that," returned Roy. "But we're not going to stay here, if you will let us take part in