They all looked at Joe now.

It was not improbably their estimate of him would be greatly influenced by the way he answered this question.
"Yes; was captive for three days." "Did ye knock any redskins over ?" This question was artfully put to draw Joe out.

Above all things, the bordermen detested boastfulness; tried on Joe the ruse failed signally.
"I was scared speechless most of the time," answered Joe, with his pleasant smile.
"By gosh, I don't blame ye!" burst out Will Metzar.

"I hed that experience onct, an' onct's enough." The boys laughed and looked in a more friendly manner at Joe.

Though he said he had been frightened, his cool and careless manner belied his words.