Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-22

pace down the road. while Akers stood
waiting for them, menacingly. When
they were almost up 70 him Bob, who
was in the lead. said civilly, Hello.
Akers"
The man giared at him. Where
you kids think you're goin'?" ne de-
uaanded grufIsy.
Were going swimming" replied Bob
IN level toue.
~Oh. is that so?R Knocked the man
"weIl, maybe you are and maybe you
aren't What's. the idea Of followin'
u.s."
Following youen Bob had paused,
and stood just step IN front Of the
other boys. Were not following any
body. Akers We're going swimming,
and minding our own business. You'd
better mind yours. :
The man gave an angry snort.
You're pretty smart aren't you,
young onea Don't be tellin' me what
10 do. or I'm liable to give You q
spankin'. Ne and my friends Is havin'
an important talk, and We don't want
no young puppies Snoopin' around"
AT these words Red made an impul-
give step forward. At the same moment
the other two men, still ct the side Of
the road, got to their feet. Bob put
restraining hand on Reds arm.
Nov look here, Akers," Bob said.
"You know you can't spank me, and
there's not chance Of your soaring me
By q lot Of tough talk. We're going
swimming. The less we have to do with
you and your gang, the better wen like
it, but don't get the idea that you can
Let that mouth of yours get nasty with
US! You're liable to get hurt. If !
can't handle you alone. the bunch Of
us can, and we won't hesitate 70 all
pitch into guy like you, either"
With these words Bob turned on his
heel and continued on up the road.
Akers made q move TO follow, and when
he saw this, Bob and the others at
once turned and faced him. At that
moment Stuart, who had been watch
ing il all from the roadside. called,
Gene on. Len, lay OF the kids. That
amt gettin' you nuthin'. Quit shootin
OF your mouth. You talk too much,
anyway"
Akers glanced angrily at the speaker,
then again regarded the four boys
RANGED alert and belligerent looking in
the road. Then ne turned and Joined
hts companions.
Il tell you. Bob" said Red excitedly
yeti"
Maybe" Bob answered briefly, but
lets put II of as long as possible. He's
tough customer, and II the others
help him. We might get the worst OF II"
We'll, We won't run away from him, :"
avowed Red.
listen. you fellows" broke in Bill,
did you hear what he said about us
'snooping'? They are up to sonething,
and I know IL! And Stuart told him
he talked too much"
Maybe you're right. Bill" agreed
Bob. But let's not have them spoil
ing our swim F"
A few minutes later the boys brown
bodies were cutting the waters OF the
little creek In clean, cool dives, and for
an hour they made merry, splashing
ard shouting Finally immensely re-
freghed. they donned their clothes
again.
wed better get moving said Perky,
as they came back out on the road.
We've got 3 mighty bong hike TO the
car line
Realizing the truth Of his words. they
set out along the road al a steady gait.
They had reached a point about a
quarter Of 8 mile nearer town than
the place where the gang was working,
was walking beside him.
Look" he commanded. "Akers and
those men just came out Of the woods
up there"
Gazing ahead, the boys saw the three
naen walking hurriecly along the road
toward town They did not look back
and IL was impossible 10 tell whether
or not they had seen the COnquerors
Nov, what do you suppose they were
dosng no there?" asked Porky.
Lets go up anc find out" Red sug-
geSted I'm beginning 10 agree w1th
yen. Bil. that they are up 70 some
hing shady"
A rapid walk sooE brought them u
the point where the men mad come oul
on the road A small bat thick Woo
made II particularly lonely al this spot
and the road was unusually rough. Foi
several minutes they looked around
ano then Bob. who had been examining
tine road. called the others % him.
II hasn't Fained Tor two or thrcs
dave hf said impressiyeiy. yet herr
J fno set spot n the road. There