And presently Elmer realized that his guess had hit the mark. The whistle suddenly ceased. Then they heard a voice call out in the most familiar way possible:
"Hello, there, Lil Artha! Hold up a bit, won't you?"
CHAPTER XIII.
FRIENDS IN TIME OF NEED.
A nervous hand gripped the sleeve of Elmer's jacket.
Nat was trembling with suspense; and doubtless Toby, on the other hand, was almost as badly off. Elmer had come to a halt as the sound of that voice reached them; but it was for only a fraction of a minute. He knew that it was policy on their part to creep up, foot by foot; because, when Lil Artha wanted help he would need it in a hurry. If they were too far away perhaps those energetic Fairfield plotters might be able to throw the tall lad into the car, and start going; when, as Nat might have expressed it, "the fat would be in the fire."
"Why, hello! Who's that?" they heard Lil Artha reply, in the most natural tone any fellow could display.
Of course he ought to show surprise at being suddenly hailed from the bushes so far away from home, and by some one familiar with his name.