CHAPTER IV
SURPRISING CHIEF HOGG
Lanky gave a groan of disgust.
"That just finishes me! I thought sure we'd come to a bad end," he grumbled.
On the other hand Frank was chuckling as if more than a little amused.
"We surrender!" he exclaimed, quickly, elevating his hands to show that he was contemplating no manner of defense.
He knew the peculiar voice of the man who seemed acting as master of ceremonies, and was expecting that somebody would be rather surprised presently.
"Hey! Bill, light up that lantern, will you? Let's have a look at these smart birds before we take 'em into town!" observed this worthy; whereupon a second man, making his appearance beside the rig, struck a match, the flame of which he applied to the wick of a lantern.
"Here you are, Captain," he said, thrusting the light upward.
When the boys' captor took one look at the occu-
