The Washington herald., 1911-09-10

considerable could he nave nau the
opportunity to get out of the strug-
S gle that he felt sure was coming,
but at the same time he had too
much pride for himself to desert Ambrose,
who seemed as calm as if expecting party
II can see Sam Tutters at the head"
whispered Rose, "and there is Rufe Darke
beside him. They mean to steal the boat
and sink it in the river again. Don't you
let EN- do It, OIL, if you get killed in the
scrimmage."
'How many are there besides Sam and
Rufe?" asked Oh, trying to appear calm,
though his teeth fairly chartered.
IL can count six-eight in all. They have
stopped, and Sam is saying something to
en-"
Hadn't we better get away while we can,
Rose? We can't whip SO many"
''Whip 'em? We've got to If we let
en- get that boat tonight we shall be ex-
PEELED frcm the club. You don't want to be
turned out of the club, 0ll?"
That was the strongest incentive which
could have been urged for OH to remain at
his post, for since he had become coxswain
Of the Pine Plumes he had risen in his own
estimation a hundred degrees.
"They are coming again" said Rose, who
was watching the approaching marauders
closer than OIL. "They don't seem to know
what to do. Let's keep still and watch EN-"
OIL had no objections to offer to this; moth
ing could suit him better, not even trying
to get away.
Waiting with breathless interest, Ambrose
YORK, sS% the eight boys cautiously advance,
foot by foot, mt1l-'rsriH ..sSy paused near
the bank Of the stream, now within tirrty,
yards Of the concealed guards.
TITS down there in little cove" whisp.
L. F.. l.. e
10 catch. mo one seems ter be on the
watch, an if there is, he's sleepin sounds
nut Come on, fellers!"
Ready" sid Rose, in the ear of OH.
"The minute they pass that curve, jump
out onto em, hollering like all possessed, SO
they'll think there's a reg ment of US. Fling
'em into the river just as fast as you come
to 'em. Nowl"
Pugnacious Rose was absolutely without
fear, and, having no hesitation whatever, he
sprang from his covert, shouting:
Here they comel take 'em, boys!" at
the same time leaping at the throat of Rufe
Darke.
OH followed his example, bounding upon
surprised Sam Flutters.
30 sudden, unexpected and fmpetuous was
the attack OF the doughty pair that the eight
youtns, all OF them men in stature If not in
years, reeled back with howls of dismay.
bosc IOrk nad hah OF them HOunderinQ in
the shallow stream before the others had re-
covered enough to offer anything like effect
uA resistance.
Oh had been less successful because slow.
er in his action, but he had hurled Sam Flut.
ters headlong into the water and then grap-
pied with the next boy, who soon proved his
match.
Plucky Rose, struggling with the remaining
two, was beginning to find that his strength n
vas not equal to his courage. The others
were emerging from the water, and, find
ing that they had been attacked by only
TWO, sprang to the assistance of their friends
About this time OIL succeeded in breaking
C'yay from his antagonist, and retreated to
" ere the boat was fastened at the water g
cige. Feeling that he and Rose could not
ione to defend the Success for any length
time against their outnumberin9 asssil-
rt'. hc acted upon the first idea that came
I, his mind.
keep the boat from lurching about IL
! been fastened at the bow and stern. He
cfpol to the stern mooring, quickly loosen.
tie stout rope from the pine tree stand
at the waters edge.
I zen, as he rushed to the other fastening
!, shouted
Quick into the boat, Rose, and we'll
sake to the riverl'
IT this particular moment Rose York was
hayinS more than he had bargained for. The
rntiro, crowd had pitched into him, and,
ough two or three of them had taken a
raCcnd bath in the stream, he could not hope
7 } oVerpower so many. In fact, it seemed
very doubtful If he could save himself from
capture