"Nat lacks backbone," explained Dave. "He usually does what the others tell him to. But Jasniff and Merwell are both wicked fellows, and Jasniff is brutal."
The home-coming from the ranch had been a gala occasion at the Wadsworth mansion, and the young people had been warmly welcomed by Jessie's parents and by Mr. Porter and Caspar Potts. Ben Basswood had come over from his home to greet them, and he brought with him Sam Day, who was paying him a visit.
"I suppose you are all going back to Oak Hall," remarked Sam to the boys.
"Of course," answered Dave. "You are going back, aren't you?"
"Sure thing—and so are all of the others of our old crowd."
"We must make the best of what vacation is left before we get down to the grind again," remarked the senator's son, and the next day the matter was talked over, with the result that the automobile trip to Shady Glen Falls was proposed and decided upon. All had started out in the best of spirits, never dreaming of the trouble that was in store for them.
"Dave, what are you going to do?" whispered Ben, as he, too, recognized the crowd coming toward the racing car.
Before Dave could answer, Nat Poole strode forward with a sickly smile on his face.
"Hello, there!" he cried, and nodded curtly to the girls. "Out for a ride, I see."
"Nat, who was driving your car?" asked Dave, sharply.