Part 27 (1/2)

”I wish we could bring them to justice. It would be a feather in our cap.”

”So it would, Harry. But I would rather have the law do the work. I never want to have anymore to do with either of them.”

It did not take the two boys long to drive to the lower end of the lake.

Here the team was put up at a livery stable, and the chums hired bathing suits and houses, and spread themselves for a fine dip in the lake.

The water was just right, and they enjoyed every second of the half hour they allowed themselves.

It was eight o'clock in the evening before they went to get their team again.

The moon was just coming up over the rim of the lake and this promised them a splendid drive back to Lakeview.

As Harry and our hero entered the turnout two figures stole up from the back of the barn.

The pair were Si Peters and Wash Crosby.

They ran on ahead, and as the boys waited to settle with the livery stable keeper they soon disappeared.

Harry drove, and the young oarsman leaned back and took it easy.

A mile was covered, and they were just pa.s.sing a clump of bushes when whizz! a stone came flying into the carriage. It struck Jerry on the arm, causing him to cry with pain.

”Who threw that?” he exclaimed.

Whizz! came another stone. It struck Harry in the cheek, drawing blood.

”Whoa!” yelled Jerry, and while the horses were still in motion, he leaped to the road.

He had noted the direction from which the missiles came, and bound off, but behind the bushes all was dark.

”Look out for yourself!” cried Harry.

He was busy with the horses, who were shying first to one side and then to the other.

At first Jerry could see nothing, but soon he discovered two forms in the semi-darkness.

He rushed over and found himself face to face with Si Peters and Wash Crosby.

”Peters!” he e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed.

Scarcely had he spoken when a club was raised. Jerry tried to avoid the descending blow, but was only partly successful.

The club landed over his shoulder and neck and he was more than half stunned.

”Come!” he heard Peters whisper to Crosby, and then all became a confused whirl and he pitched forward in the gra.s.s.

The two rascals ran out into the road.

”That for you, Harry Parker!” yelled Si Peters, and struck Harry in the knee with the club.