Archie and Johnny were utterly confounded.  They could not find words strong enough to express their feelings.  They sat on their blankets, and looked at each other in blank amazement.  Presently, Arthur came in sight, and his appearance served to restore their power of action; and then, for the first time, they seemed to realize the full enormity of the offense of which he had been guilty.  Archie jumped to his feet, and commenced pulling off his jacket.

“Fellows,” said he, throwing down his sombrero, and rolling up his shirt-sleeves, “I’m going to pound some of the meanness out of him.”

“And I’ll help you!” exclaimed Johnny, excitedly.  “Who ever heard of such a thing?” And Johnny brought his fist down into the palm of his hand, with a noise like the report of a pistol.

“Don’t do it, boys!” interposed Frank.  “Come here, Archie!  Sit down, Johnny.  He will be punished enough, when he gets back to the settlement.  Let’s cut him at once, and have nothing more to do with him.  Johnny, put on your jacket!  Behave yourself, Archie!”

Frank found it hard work to turn the two boys from their purpose.  Their indignation had been thoroughly aroused, and, if Arthur had only known it, he was in a dangerous neighborhood.  Although Frank was quite as angry as his friends, he had more prudence.  He did not believe that they were the proper ones to execute vengeance upon their enemy.  His punishment would come soon enough, and it would be quite as terrible as Arthur was able to bear.  By dint of a good deal of coaxing, and pushing, and scolding, he finally got Archie and Johnny on their blankets again, and just then the traitor came up.  His face wore a triumphant smile, that was exceedingly irritating to the three boys just then, and he approached them with as much assurance as though he had never in his life been guilty of a mean action.

“I have been out enjoying the cool breeze,” said he, not noticing the angry glances that were directed toward him.

“Put it all in, while you are about it,” exclaimed Johnny.  “Say that you have been holding a consultation with Pierre, in regard to our escape to-night.”

Arthur turned very red in the face, and took a step or two backward, as if Johnny had aimed a blow at him; and then, somewhat recovering himself, he opened his eyes, puckered up his lips, and looked from one to the other of his companions, with an expression of intense astonishment.

“How, now, Innocence!” exclaimed Archie.  “You’re a nice looking fellow.  Go away from here.”

“Why, boys,” stammered Arthur, “I do not understand you.  I have not seen Pierre”—­

“Go away!” said Johnny, again rising to his feet—­a movement that was instantly imitated by the pugnacious Archie.

“Can’t you tell me what’s the matter?” demanded Arthur, making a desperate effort to look unconcerned, and to call up some of that courage of which he had so often boasted.