He released Jack's arm, and motioned for his companions to do likewise for the other lads.
Jack looked about him. Clearly there was no place to escape to. Besides, it would never do to go off and leave Will in the hands of the enemy. There was nothing to do but to stay.
"Now, then," went on Sandy, "you can go to that cabin over there," and he pointed to a large one. "You'll find some bunks there, a good fireplace, and some grub. Or you can use your own provisions, just as you like. All I ask is that you give me your word of honor that you'll not leave without telling me first. It may be that Andy won't want you detained at all, but I'm taking no chances. Will you promise?"
"Will any harm come to Will?" asked Jack.
"You mean the lad who ran into the shed? I can't say. I know Andy will be very much put out at his going there, but I don't believe he'll harm him. Now, will you give me your parole, or will I have to lock you up?"
"I haven't any right to speak for my chums," he said.
"Then take a few minutes to talk with them. We'll leave you alone for five minutes, and you can give me your answer then."
Sandy and his men withdrew a short distance, leaving the boys in a group by themselves.
"Well?" questioned Jack. "What shall we do?"
"I don't see what we can do but give him our promise," replied Sam. "It will be better to be by ourselves, and comparatively free, than to be locked up somewhere. Besides, we haven't discovered the secret yet."
"That's so," agreed Nat. "I want to see what's in that shed."
"And we may be better able to help Will, by being somewhat free," added Bony. "I'm for giving our parole."
"All right," agreed Jack. "I think, myself, that will be the best plan. I wonder what in the world can be in that shed?"
"And I wonder what's happening to Will in there?" added Nat. "We must find out, if possible."
"We'll give our parole," called Jack to Sandy, and the red-haired man approached the group of boys alone, having motioned to his companions, on hearing this, that they could resume their occupations.
"That's good," answered the red-haired man, apparently much relieved. "Now you can go over there and make yourselves at home. You say you have some grub of your own. Fetch it, and get busy. Nobody will disturb you."