powerfully, though others hardly mind it at all.

"I know!" Bluff managed to gasp, with a great effort; "there's a
f-f-family of s-s-skunks have their h-h-home under here. I've seen 'em,
b-b-but I never b-b-bothered the b-b-beauties. Oh! ain't it j-j-just
awful, f-f-fellows?"

It certainly was.

Stirred up by the poles wielded by Ted Slavin and his cronies, who must
have discovered the presence of the polecats when visiting the barn that
morning, and laid their plans accordingly, the little animals were using
the only means of defence against an enemy granted them by Nature.

William actually keeled over, and his brother had to drag him to the
further end of the barn so that he might not get the full benefit of the
overpowering scent.

"Something's just _got_ to be done!" cried Jack, himself not feeling any
too well under the infliction.

"Here, help me lift this old beam, boys. We can make a battering ram out
of it, and burst a board off somehow. Never mind the damages; they can be
repaired easy enough. Two more get hold. Now, swing around this way. I
think the weakest place is in the rear. Keep back, the rest of you. Here
goes!"

Five others had been only too willing to lend a hand when Paul called for
volunteers. The beam that had been lying against the further wall was
good and heavy; but that made it all the better as an engine for ramming