With their purchases in their pockets, the students left the town and started on the return to the academy. As it was nipping cold, they walked rapidly, only stopping on the way to pick up some chestnuts which were handy.
Each had his pocket filled with chestnuts, when all heard a commotion around a bend of the road.
"What's that?" questioned Dave, looking ahead.
"Sounds like a runaway!" exclaimed Ben.
"If it is we had better be getting out of the way," said Roger. "I have no desire to be run over."
The noise came closer and from a distance they heard a man shouting wildly.
"Sthop! Sthop, I said! Vot you vants to run avay for, annahow?"
"It's Zumm, the baker!" cried Dave. "His horse must be running away!"
The sounds of hoofs could now be distinguished, and in a moment more the steed came in sight, dragging a baker's wagon behind him. The vehicle swayed from side to side, threatening to go over any instant.