The boys saw the reason for this, when they discovered Lee Powell coming up the road that led from the river, with a large string of fish in his hand.

He always had good luck, but he seemed to have been more fortunate than usual, for his load was about as heavy as he could conveniently carry.

He walked rapidly along, evidently very much occupied with his own thoughts, when, suddenly, two or three stones came skipping over the ground, and aroused him from his reverie.

He looked up in surprise, and discovered that his enemies were so close to him that flight was useless.
The Regulators drew nearer and nearer, and the stones fell thick about the object of their wrath, until, finally, one struck him on the shoulder, and another knocked his cap from his head.
"I can't stand that," said Frank; and, springing from the steps, he started to the rescue, followed by all of his companions, (except Harry, who still paced the steps), and they succeeded in throwing themselves between Lee and his assailants.
Several of the Regulators faltered on seeing Lee thus defended; but Charles, followed by half a dozen of his "right-hand men," advanced, and attempted to force his way between Frank and his companions.
"Hold on, here!" said Frank, as he gently, but firmly, resisted Charles's attempts to push him aside.

"What are you trying to do ?" "What business is that of yours ?" answered Charles, roughly, as he continued his efforts to reach Lee.