Shall we give you a
sample of our performance?"
"Not now," from Donald. "Let's go and round up this bunch of
revolutionists first."
"But why?" queried the mountebank. "To-morrow they may be the
government."
The boys looked at each other with an expression that said as
plainly as words: "True! We never thought of that."
"Now, I have a better plan," continued the mountebank. "Let's go
and entertain the revolutionists. Let's be neutral."
"I'm afraid we are already belligerents," laughed Adrian. "We
have had one brush with them."
The mountebank heaved a sigh.
"Of course, if you have declared war, we shall have to fight to a
finish, unless," with a grin, "we can intrench."
"It is they who are intrenched," explained Billie. "They are at
the bottom of the old mine, although I don't know how they got
there."
"So," laughed the mountebank. "Suppose we go and find out."
Arrived at the shaft house, for that is what the gable-roofed
building was, the boys and their new-found friend approached and
listened to the sound of voices which still arose to the top of
the shaft.
Evidently considering themselves free and safe, the bandits were
preparing their evening meal, for it was now well on toward
sunset.
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