Swiftwing gave their superfluous clothes into the care of an old man, who was told to watch carefully that no Mexicans or Apaches stole anything from him.
Then Swiftwing showed the boys the balls and the bats, which were like old-fashioned “shinny” sticks, and explained to them how the game was to be played.
This done, the Indian youth left Frank to divide his party, and hurried away.
Within three minutes a great shouting announced that the religious race was over, and one of the buildings had won over the other.
Barely had this shouting ceased when, with yells like wild animals, thirty-one young bucks, stripped to the breechcloth, came from somewhere and rushed upon the white boys.
Hans gave a gurgle of fear and rolled over in a sudden attempt to take flight.
“Here vas where you lose mein scalp!” he gurgled.
Toots was scared, and his teeth chattered.
“Oh, Lordy!” he gasped. “Mah wool am gone dis time fo’ suah! I done knowed I’d nebber keep dis wool on mah haid till I got back home!”
Barney Mulloy squared off, his hands clinched and his eyes flashing.