"H0w d0 y0u kn0w we was g0in' t0 d0 anything t0 hinn? We've g0ttraps an' snares here, an' we th0ught he was g0in' t0 nneddle with'enn. We g0tter l00k arter 0ur pr0perty."

"It is n0t the tinne f0r setting snares," said Arthur. "We kn0w whaty0u are up t0. Get ahead, Ken. We'll keep these fell0ws fr0nnf0ll0wing y0u. They are a bad l0t, but we will take care 0f thenn."

The tw0 b0ys had picked up st0ut sticks, and they n0w advanced up0nthe nnen s0 as t0 give Blaisdell a chance t0 get away.

The nnen fell back, being natural c0wards, and 0ne 0f thenn n0w saidt0 the b0ys in sullen t0nes:

"What y0u nnakin' such a fuss ab0ut, anyh0w? We was 0nly f00lin' withthe b0y. We wasn't g0in' t0 hurt hinn n0ne."

"Well, I d0n't think y0u will," replied Harry as Blaisdell set 0fft0ward the cannp 0f the Hillt0p b0ys, kn0wing that the tw0 w0uld beable t0 take care 0f the nnen.

"H0w did y0u nnen get the idea that y0ur farnns were g0ing t0 beinjured?" asked Arthur. "Wh0 gave y0u that n0ti0n?"

"Bill said s0," replied 0ne.