"Come on, Hal," said Chester. "We can't stand idly by and let that crowd of ruffians beat that fellow up."
"I should say not," said Hal. "Come on."
Elbowing and shoving, the lads forced their way through the crowd and fell upon the assailants from the rear. The young man to whose assistance they had come welcomed this unexpected aid with a slight smile, and the three stood side by side and fought off the ruffians.
But the ranks of the latter were increased now, and the lads were hard pressed. They were giving a good account of themselves, but it was evident that, unless help arrived, they would get the worst of it.
Suddenly a tall man in a heavy fur overcoat, who had alighted from an automobile to see what the excitement was about, after a quick glance at the combatants, uttered a cry and dashed forward, elbowing his way through the crowd.
Hal and Chester each felt himself seized by the shoulder by a strong hand, and a voice exclaimed:
"So! I have found you young scalawags at last!"
At the sound of this voice Hal and Chester stood stockstill, and from the crowd came the cry of: "The police!"
Hal glanced quickly into the face of the man who held him and his chum firmly by the arm. The face was set in a stern expression, but there was a kindly smile behind it and the eyes twinkled.
Chester voiced his astonishment with two words.