“Well, I suppose it was a joke,” countered Ted. “We found that somebody had put some light powder on the rock and then lighted it so as to show himself off as a Black Rider. If they didn’t do it for a joke, I don’t know what they did it for.”
“Well, some of us are through with this camping trip,” said Plum. “We’re going home!”
Ted counted the boys who were grouped around Plum. “Seven of you,” he said, coolly. “All of you going home?”
“Yes, they are going home and I’m going to take them home,” sneered Plum, his self-control breaking down. Each day had added to his irritation at the small part he played in the camp and he was aroused at the chance which had come his way. “These boys aren’t safe in this camp and I’m going to take them home and let their parents know that I brought them safely home, too!”
Ted smiled slightly. “Yes, I’m pretty sure that you’ll do that, Plum!”
Ralph Plum stepped closer and tapped Ted on the chest. “You know just a little too much, Thorn! I don’t like the way you have been running this camp, anyway. I’m one of the older fellows here and I wasn’t even made a tent captain. My family gave money to this club and I don’t even get any recognition out of it. I told you several days ago that this camp wasn’t safe and you wouldn’t listen and go somewhere else. Now, I’m going to take these boys home with me, and you won’t stop me!”
Ted’s temper trembled dangerously, but he turned to the other boys. “Do you boys want to go home?” he asked them. They looked at each other and then one or two nodded.
“I don’t think they really want to go,” cried out Drummer, angrily. “Plum has been telling them that they ought to go home and making up big yarns about something happening to them if they don’t get out of here! All he wants is to get them home and get a lot of credit for it!”
“Say, you just keep your——” began Plum, lunging toward Drummer, who immediately struck an attitude of defense.
“Wait a minute!” Ted cut in, stopping Plum’s rush. “Is it true that you have been working up fear in the minds of the boys?”