"I'll fight them before I turn back!" answered Roger.
"So will I," added Phil. "I don't believe they have any more right to this road than we have."
"Oh, you mustn't fight," cried Laura.
"Do you want to let that crowd crow over us, Laura?" asked Dave, flatly.
"No, no, Dave! But—but——" And then Laura stopped short, not knowing what to say. She did not wish to see an encounter, nor did she wish her brother and his chums to give in to those who were so unjustly opposing them.
CHAPTER IV
AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL
"This is the time we get the best of Dave Porter!" whispered Link Merwell to his cronies. "I guess we have spoiled their picnic."
"I—I—don't think th—they'll fight," faltered Nat, as Dave leaped to the ground, followed by his chums.