Then there were many exclamations of astonishment, for it was seen that the fellow was not Arlington at all, although he wore Arlington’s clothes and was built very much the same as Chester.
“Dern my picter!” piped Obediah Tubbs, in astonishment. “What kind of a gol-dinged game is this?”
“Cuc-cuc-cuc-crooked work!” burst from Jolliby. “Where is Mel Fraser?”
But Fraser had backed away, and now he suddenly took to his heels and fled.
“Here, you!” growled one of the fallen chap’s companions. “Let him alone! We will take care of him!”
“Whoop!” roared Buckhart.
“You will take care of him, will you? Well, I opine we will take care of you. Get into them, fellows!”
Instantly he went at them, and he was followed by Jolliby and Tubbs, who were fierce with rage and indignation at the trick.
The young toughs could not stand before such an assault, and they, like Fraser, turned and fled. Tubbs would have pursued, but he tripped and fell heavily, upon which all stopped, permitting the fleeing boys to escape.
“Well, of all the low-down tricks I ever heard of this takes the prize!” declared the Texan. “What do you think of it, pard? It’s mighty queer you didn’t tumble.”