"Let's all stand back now and see what happens," cried Tom.
"Mr. Harrison, show Harry how to light it," requested Jack.
"Stand back; here come Wyckoff and Lopez."
CHAPTER XXIV
DEFEATED BY GREED
Loaded with men, a boat was approaching from the westward. Standing in
the bow were Wyckoff and Lopez, the two principals in the efforts to
drive our friends from that neighborhood.
Although the moonlight rendered outlines indistinct to the extent that
it was impossible to see the exact expressions on their faces, the boys
could all determine from their tense attitudes that they were intensely
wrought up by their mission there.
A warning hand was extended by Wyckoff toward the rowers. One of the
negroes had been clumsy with his oar. The noise of the splash evidently
grated on Wyckoff's nerves. His very attitude bespoke a nervous energy
pent up and on the point of bursting forth.
By his side stood Lopez, his trusty rifle in hand. As they saw the
weapon, the boys who had seen him use it in times past knew that his
skill with the firearm was marvelous indeed. They knew it would fare ill
with anyone upon whom he trained it.
"Wonder why they've brought their gang," cautiously whispered Harry into
Jack's ear. "They've been mighty exclusive until now."
"Hush," cautioned Jack in a very low voice. "These others are simply
negroes they have picked up somewhere to do the digging. These are not
men who might thwart the Wyckoff and Lopez purpose.
Pages:
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194