are absolutely in our power. How do you like the situation?"
"How should I like it? A lamb among wolves would be as safe, to my way of thinking."
"I don't know but what you are right. We intend to make a big thing out of you, Dick Rover."
"How?"
"I told you before you'd find out soon enough."
"I presume you'll try to make my father ransom me, or something like that."
"We'll about make him give up that mining claim."
"You were going to make him give that up before."
"Well, we won't trip up this time. Our plans are carefully laid."
"You were always good at bragging, Dan Baxter."
"Don't insult me, Dick Rover."
"I am telling the plain truth."
With a sudden darkening of his face Dan Baxter strode forward.
"Dick Rover, I hate you, always have hated you, and always will hate you. Take that for your impudence."
He struck out and slapped the helpless boy heavily upon the cheek. Then, as Dick sank back
