Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/318

 dangerous in his low, even voice as he said to his mates, “Boys, that settles it. It ain’t a question of Nick having his way. It means state-prison for us if these brats leave the woods.”

“Ye’re right,” agreed Joe, his brows black with evil passions. “I don’t remember just what we let out last night, but we must have given the whole game away.”

Up to this moment Stanley could not make himself believe that the men would kill him. What Big Nick might do if he returned to camp was the most serious problem on his mind. He feared brutality, especially if he refused to divulge anything they might ask for; but in the back of his mind he had not thought they would slay him in cold blood. Now the sweat stood out on his brow as he watched them. There was no violence in their behavior now; instead, they appeared grave and thoughtful. This mood he wisely decided was more to be dreaded than any exhibition of fiery temper. They had been harsh and abusive. Now they were filled with a common purpose: to escape detection. There was but one way they could do this; they must remove all witnesses. And, unappreciated by the youths, each of the villains realized that Jim N ace would disown them and