“We can see from the way they talk and act whether they are lying or not,” returned Bob. “At any rate I’m going to take a chance.”
They all went back rapidly toward the house, and reached there just in time to see Buck and his cronies vanishing around the back.
“They’ve seen us coming and tried to dodge,” cried Joe.
“That won’t do them any good,” replied Bob, quickening his speed. “We can beat them running any day.”
The truth of his words was quickly demonstrated when they drew up abreast of the three, who slowed to a walk when they saw it was no use trying to evade their pursuers.
“What are you running away for?” queried Bob, as he stepped in front of Buck.
“None of your business,” answered Buck snapishly. “I might ask you what you are running for.”
“And if you did, I’d tell you mighty quick,” answered Bob. “I was running after you to ask you what you did with the bags of nuts you found under the trees.”
Buck tried to put on a look of surprise, but the attempt was a failure.
“I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stammered.