won't do," he said, angry spots of color showing on his cheek
bones. "No one's gone for the police -- or, if they have, this
crowd of muckers will smash everything up and maybe hurt the
old Dutchman before the Bobbies get here. Form together now --
and when I give the word, go through! Once we get between them
and the shop, we can stop them. Maybe they won't know who we are
at first, and our uniforms may stop them."

"Now!" he said, a moment later. And, with a shout, the scouts
charged through the little mob in a body.

They had no trouble in getting through. A few determined people,
knowing just what they mean to do, can always overcome a greater
number of disorganized ones. That is why disciplined troops can
conquer five times their number of rioters or savages. And so in
a moment they reached the shop.

"Let us in! We're here to protect you!" cried Franklin to old
Schmidt, who was cowering within, with his wife. Then he turned
to the rioters, who, getting over their first surprise, were
threatening again.

"For shame!" he cried. "Do you think you're doing anything for
England? War's not declared yet -- and, if it was, you might
better be looking for German soldiers to shoot at than trying to
hurt an old man who never did anyone any harm!"

There was a threatening noise from the crowd, but Franklin was
undismayed.