"What do you fellows want?" demanded Crosby from the window. Anderson
Crow was standing on the river bank like a true Napoleon, flanked by
three trusty riflemen.

"Who air you?" asked Anderson in return. He was panting heavily, and his
legs trembled.

"None of your business! Get off these grounds at once; they're private!"

"None o' your sass, now, young man; I'm an officer of the law, an' a
detective to boot! We sha'n't stand any nonsense. The place is
surrounded and he can't escape! Where is he?"

"That's for you to find out if you're such a good detective! This is
David Bracken's place, and you can find him at his home on the hilltop
yonder!"

"Ask him what we've done, George," whispered Barnes.

"We ain't after Mr. Bracken, young feller, but you know what we _do_
want! He's in there--you're shielding him--we won't parley much longer!
Send him out!" said Anderson Crow.

"If you come a foot nearer you'll get shot into the middle of kingdom
come!" shouted Crosby defiantly.

The inmates gasped, for there was not a firearm on the place.

"Be careful!" warned the Reverend "Jimmy" nervously.