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Rh man with a deep scowl. "We are three to two, and we are armed."

"So you would use force to retain our property, eh?" said Andy.

"We do not admit that it is your property."

"But it is. Now let me tell you something. We stopped at the village just north of here, and got the assistance of nearly a dozen men. They are scattered about, and should you attempt to molest us I shall give them a signal"

"Not much you won't!" cried the man addressed, and springing forward, he clapped his hand over Andy's mouth. "Tend to the other one, fellows, I can manage this one!"

"All right," returned his companion, and he, as well as Paul Barberry, fell upon Matt.

The attack had been so sudden that Andy and Matt were hardly prepared to defend themselves. The former was forced over on his back, and despite his utmost exertions, was unable to remove his assailant's hand from his mouth.

Matt was thrown over on his side, and while Paul Barberry held one of his arms, the other man tried to force him into silence.

"Make a single sound and I'll kick you in the face," he ejaculated in a low, but intense tone.

"Help! help!" cried Matt, ignoring the threat