Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/306

 whispered Stanley, his face livid under the blow. “But untie me and you do not dare do it.”

The man laughed, but not heartily, for there was something in the youth’s face that caused him to pause and change his mind and lower his upraised hand.

“Let the cubs alone,” growled one of the men on the ground. “Ye are too ready to knock people ’round ’fore it’s necessary, Pete.”

“Cut out using names, Joe,” growled Pete.

The third man chuckled. “Better both on ye do it,” he advised.

“Oh, I don’t know,” said the man called Joe; not seeming much disturbed. “I don’t think these two will tell any tales on us. That is, Big Nick says they won’t. Gave me his word of honor they wouldn’t blab a thing.” And he leered hideously.

“Which on ye cut Nick’s head open?” asked the third man.

“I did,” proudly answered Stanley, his eyes glittering. “And I would like to be turned loose with the same club against you three murderers.”

“Ye would, eh?” growled the man, who had cautioned Pete to leave the prisoners alone.