“It may all be a mistake, after all,” said Allan.
“Don’t see how that could turn out,” grumbled Giraffe.
“These honest people may be taking us for some other boys who have been pestering the life out of them,” Allan hastened to explain.
“Hope they find out the truth then before they start to prodding us with those old forks!” Bumpus breathed.
Then silence fell upon them. Thad was working furiously, while the other three held their breath in suspense, mingled faintly with the hope that died hard.
The oncoming crowd was now quite close. Their appearance became even more awe-inspiring as they drew nearer the scene; and their loud, angry cries did not soothe the nerves of the anxious scouts.
Bumpus was even fumbling in one of his pockets with the idea of taking out a supposed-to-be white handkerchief, and waving it, to indicate that they did not mean to resist the coming onslaught.
Just then Thad gave a cry.
“Oh! have you got it, Thad?” gasped Bumpus.
For answer the patrol leader slammed down the engine hood, and seizing hold of the crank gave it a whirl. There was no response! Bumpus groaned fearfully.