For the two tramps were not the only ones of their kind at hand.
Out of the shadows under the surrounding trees came a rush of
feet, accompanied by hoarse yells.

Then, before they had had time fully to realize just what was
happening, Prescott and Darrin found themselves suddenly in the
midst of the worst fight they had ever seen in their lives.

"Beat 'em up!" yelled the man whom Dick had knocked down. "I
know these young fellers! They put up a bad time for us this
morning. Beat 'em up and make a good job of it, too."

There was no use whatever in contending with such odds. Yet Dick
and Dave fought with all their might, only to be borne to the
ground, where they received severe punishment.




CHAPTER IX

DICK IMITATES A TAME INDIAN


"Hello! hello!" yelled Tom Reade, pacing up and down the road
with his lantern, holding his watch in the other hand. "Oh, Dick!
Dave!"

But up the road there sounded no answer. Looking utterly worried,