There was only one way apparently to stop the desecration and save those precious films from destruction.  Although opposed to violence on general principles, still Frank knew very well that there are times when it becomes necessary for every one to stand up boldly for his rights.

He gave a nudge to Jerry which that worthy understood as a signal to be ready.  Accordingly, Jerry raised his shotgun until he had covered the group in front of the cabin, and then waited for the word.

“Step out and hold them,” whispered Frank, in his ear; and the four boys made a sudden appearance from behind the shack.

“Now, look pleasant, please, you fellows!” exclaimed Frank, as he made sure that he had his gun held on a line to cover the leader of the rebels in Andy Lasher’s camp.

CHAPTER XXIII

MORE SIGNS OF TROUBLE

Pet Peters looked thoroughly frightened when he saw that he had been caught in the very act of opening another’s property.

The truth of the matter was, he had been warned of late by the town authorities that on the very next occasion when caught taking things that did not belong to him, they would send him to the reform school.

“Don’t you dare cut that string,” said Frank, sternly; “or I won’t answer for the consequences, Pet Peters.”

The boy, with a scowl, threw the package down alongside the camera.

“There’s yer old shebang.  I ain’t done it a speck o’ harm.  Was just kiddin’, anyway.  Knowed Will was around, an’ jest wanted to make him squeal,” he declared.

Of course it was a barefaced falsehood, as every one understood; but it seemed to be the natural thing for a fellow like Pet to say; he always squirmed out of a scrape that way, while Andy had at least shown a certain amount of boldness when caught.

“Will, step up and claim your property.  If it has suffered any damage I’m going to make him pay for it, if I have to take him all the way back to Centerville,” continued Frank.

Eagerly did the one addressed walk forward and pick up both camera and package of films.  He was within three feet of those five boys, yet never a hand was outstretched to hinder him.  They knew better.  Those grim guns that bore upon them, and the angry faces of Jerry, Frank, yes, and Andy, impressed them deeply.

“Examine them, Will.  Do you think either has been injured?” asked Frank.

“’Course they ain’t.  How could they be when I kerried ’em carefully.  Them scratches was on ther camera afore I touched it, I’ll swar to that!” exclaimed Pet, really alarmed by this time.

At which Andy grinned as if highly amused.

“I guess everything’s safe, Frank.  They stopped just in time.  Another minute and the damage could not have been repaired,” sang out the delighted Will, ready to almost dance with joy.

“Which is a lucky thing for them, then.  Now, I don’t know why we should hang out here much longer.  We’ve got our own, and the air of this camp isn’t quite as nice as I’d like.  Shall we go, fellows?” asked Frank.