Harry Castlemon

“ Having tied the provisions up in as small a compass as possible, Matt raised the bundle to his shoulder, picked up his rifle, and set out at a rapid pace for the outlet, Jake and Sam following close behind. They were ferried across by one of the vagabonds who had given the superintendent of the hatchery so much trouble, and who expressed the greatest surprise and pleasure at meeting them. But Matt was not deceived by his friendly speech. He knew that the man would have made a prisoner of him in a minute if he had possessed the power. ”

“ Before Joe could open his eyes he was powerless, for Matt Coyle had seized both his hands, crossed them upon his breast, and pinned them there with a vise-like grasp.
"It's come our turn to boss things," said the squatter, returning Joe's astonished look with an angry scowl. "We'll learn you to drive us outen Mount Airy an' tear our house down jest 'cause we're poor folks an' ain't got no good clothes to wear. Jakey, you an' Sam look around an' find a rope or something to tie him with." ”

“ I was in hopes I had seen the last of you."
"Well, you see you ain't, don't you?" answered the squatter, calling all his courage to his aid. "You stole them two guns of me an' them six thousand dollars besides. ”

“ If they have, we'll bounce 'em quicker."
"They ain't got nary thing in their hands but jest fish-pole^," answered Sam. "I can see 'em plain. The things they've got on their backs is knapsacks."
"Then they must have left Joe Wayring an' the money alone at the spring-hole," chuckled Matt. "They can't go to Injun Lake an' turn around and come back before the middle of forenoon to-morrer, an' by the time they see No-Man's Pond again we'll be through with our business. I tell you things is beginnin' to run my way onct more. ”