I called an' asked 'em what they wanted and they ran for dear life--so I knew they was up to no good." "They certainly must have been chicken thieves, or worse," was Sam's comment.

"Really, this is getting to be too much," he added.

"We ought to catch them and have them locked up." "I'm willing to go after them," answered Tom, readily.
"Did you get a good look at the rascals ?" asked Dick.
"Not very good," answered Jack Ness.
"They weren't boys, were they ?" "No--they were men--both tall and heavy fellows." "Did you ever see them before ?" asked Tom.

"Not that I can remember." While they were talking the party of four had run down to the edge of the cornfield.

This spot was really a peach orchard, but the trees were still so small that the ground was being utilized that season for corn, planted in rows between the trees.