Part 19 (2/2)

The other three trailed along at his heels, wondering what he could have in his mind. When all the men were gathering in the barn, with the idea of trying to fight the fire, it seemed strange that Elmer should lead them outside, and away from the excitement.

But then by this time those fellows understood that the patrol leader never did anything without having some good and substantial reason for it. And they were, as a rule, ready to follow blindly wherever he chose to lead, leaving the asking of questions until a better chance opened up.

Had Doubting George been present, possibly he might have tried to quiz Elmer ere he yielded full obedience; but then even George must learn that one of the first duties of a true scout is to exhibit implicit subjection to authority.

In this fas.h.i.+on then did Elmer lead his three chums around the outside of the big barn. They could hear the shouts of those who were fighting the flames within; but Elmer knew only too well that the chances of the new fire being subdued were small indeed. Hay burns with frightful rapidity; and no buckets were handy at the moment.

Turning, as he drew near the place where the board had been torn from the back of the barn, he made a motion with his finger that seemed to call for silence. The other fellows almost held their breath with suspense, still in doubt as to what Elmer meant to do; although they began to suspect that he must have conceived an idea looking to the confusion of the incendiaries.

When he pointed straight at the place where some of the new hay was sticking out, Landy's blackened face lighted up with intelligence.

”He means they're expecting to crawl out right here,” he whispered in the ear of Ty, who was close beside him.

The other made a suggestive movement with the club he had picked up, and by which action he meant that it would please him very much if only he had the opportunity to bring it down upon the head of Shorty, or his long-legged mate.

Then they all turned their eyes again on Elmer, expecting him to tell just what he wanted them to do. They saw the patrol leader pick up a piece of rope that happened to be lying handy, and fas.h.i.+on a slip-noose with it. During his life up in that big country of the Canadian Northwest, Elmer had seen many things which he would never be apt to forget as long as he lived. And, among others, he had once watched the mounted police capture a half-breed fugitive from justice, fastening his hands together behind his back in a clever way, which possibly he might now have a chance to imitate.

”Here, take this, Ty,” he said, in a low tone, as he handed the noosed rope over to the one nearest to him. ”When I whip the fellow's arms behind his back, make sure that you get that loop around them, and pull tight! Understand?”

Ty nodded his head vigorously, not daring to trust himself to speech.

Things were happening so fast and furious that really he hardly knew whether he might be awake, or else asleep and dreaming them.

Of course both Landy and Ted had also caught the significance of the movement, and were ready to do whatever they were told. Elmer made motions to give them to understand that he wanted them to range up on the other side of the hole in the side of the barn, and await developments, while he and Ty crouched as close to the boards across the way as possible.

Landy was heard to chuckle while this was going on. Perhaps something about the situation reminded the fat boy of other occasions, when he and some of his mates had endeavored to clutch some rabbit as it came darting out of its burrow, after a ferret had alarmed it, or a little dog been let loose in the tunnel. But just now the game was of an entirely different order, and Elmer frowned at Landy's merriment.

Inside the barn the noise was redoubled. Evidently the fire-fighters were having their hands full, with the rapid spread of the blaze. If in the end they managed to control the conflagration, Elmer felt that he would be surprised. According to his mind there was not one chance in ten of such good luck coming to Mr. Brady. He had saved his house, but his barn would very likely have to go.

Elmer had his eyes glued on the projecting wisps of hay now. He fancied that he had detected some little movement to them, though this might be caused by a pa.s.sing breeze; or some action on the part of the energetic fire-fighters within.

No, as he looked, he distinctly saw the hay move! Then there must be a reason for this. Elmer instantly placed his hand upon the hay, and the sense of feeling telegraphed the truth to his brain. Some object was making a way through the mow, and evidently pus.h.i.+ng along a tunnel that had been previously prepared!

He turned and put his finger to his lips, seeing which every one of the wide-awake scouts understood what was meant.

Imagine the strain on their nerves while they waited for the appearance of the first tramp. Would he come along head-first, or might they expect to see a pair of feet thrust out of the opening?

More violently did the hay move. Whatever made the stir, it was certainly drawing closer and closer to the spot. All eyes were glued on the agitated dried gra.s.s, and Ty got his loop in readiness for quick work.

Then something was seen pus.h.i.+ng out through the hay, which gave way before the energetic attack. Two extra large feet, encased in brogans that looked as though they might have covered many weary miles in their day, came into view; proving that the man must be making a crab-like retreat, keeping his face toward the fire.

Perhaps fortune favored the boys, for had the man projected his head first he might have detected their presence in time to duck in again; though for that matter, with the fire burning briskly beyond, he would find himself between two evils, and must sooner or later issue forth, or be cremated in the hay barn.

Waiting until the main part of the long-legged tramp had wriggled into view, Elmer made a sudden gesture. The others had been waiting for this, and instantly pounced upon the figure that lay upon the ground.

While Ted and Landy deposited their combined weight on the fellow's back, Elmer on his part hastened to s.n.a.t.c.h hold of his arms, and whip them behind him almost before the tramp understood what was happening.

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