I don't know what they intend doing, nor
do I think they know themselves, but I am certain if they find you the
result will be most unpleasant. They are to be led by a couple of
strangers, who have been secretly watching you all day. These men
claim to be 'river-traders,' who have suffered serious losses through
you, including that of the raft now in your possession, which, they
say, was stolen from them. I can't tell you how I gained all this
information, but it is at your disposal. If I were in your place, I
would take advantage of the darkness to drop down the river, and I
wouldn't lose any time about it either."
"You advise me to run away like a coward, instead of remaining to
defend myself against these abominable and absolutely unfounded
charges!" exclaimed Billy Brackett, indignantly. "I shall do nothing
of the kind."
"Not 'run away;' simply continue your voyage before it is unpleasantly
interrupted," returned the other, with a smile. "If you remain until
morning, your raft, with its contents, will certainly be destroyed by
an unreasoning mob, at whose hands you and your companions may suffer
bodily injury. In this case action would come first and inquiry
afterwards. I am convinced you could easily prove your innocence, but
doubt if you could obtain any redress for the losses you would have
suffered in the mean time.
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