But mind you, it'll be the worse for you if you try
to start anything. We're a bad lot, we are, and don't you forget it."
A moment or so later the Pony Rider Boys were amazed to see Stacy
strutting in with a stranger in tow.
"He's with us fellows," was the fat boy's announcement.
"Withem's my name," corrected the stranger.
"Yes, he's with 'em. But he hasn't said who it is he is with. I
thought I was with him when he shoved a pistol under my nose."
"Good evening, sir," said Tad stepping up, directing a quick, keen
glance of inquiry into the eyes of the newcomer. In that one glance
Butler decided that the man was all right. It was a relief to see a
face like that after their experience with the mountaineer.
As for the prisoner himself, who lay back in a shadow now, he started
violently the instant he beheld the man who had just come into the
camp of the Pony Rider Boys. The prisoner looked as if he had a severe
case of ague for he fairly shrank within himself.
"You are just in time to join us for a bite, Mr. Withem. That is your
name, is it not?"
"That's my name."
"Mine is Tad Butler. This is Professor Zepplin. The young man with
whom you came in is Stacy Brown, otherwise Chunky, and here are Mr.
Rector and Mr. Perkins. If you will gather around the fire I'll serve
the chuck."
"Thanks, young man. You certainly know how to do the honors, as well
as how to fry bacon.
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