“So they did, but I shouldn’t take their word for it,” put in Pepper.
They arrived at the Ford mansion without mishap, having met absolutely nobody on the road. Laura and Flossie were there, and also Mrs. Ford and a niece from Rochester, and all did what they could to make the time pass pleasantly for the boys. They played croquet and lawn tennis, and went out for a short row.
“You boys can certainly handle the oars,” said Laura, with a sunny smile. “I wish I could row half as well.”
“It’s practice that does it,” answered Jack. “Now, all of you girls can play croquet better than we can.”
The party of girls and cadets was just returning to the house when they heard a loud scream coming from the direction of the road running to Point View Lodge.
“Hullo, what does that mean?” cried Jack, stopping short.
“Somebody is in trouble!” came from Andy.
“Help! save me!” was the cry. “Save me! I’ll be eaten up alive!”
“Something is wrong, fellows. Come on!” ejaculated Jack, and ran forward, catching up an oar as he spoke. The others followed, one with another oar, and Andy with a boathook. They were just in time to see a colored woman, who was the cook at the mansion, flying into a side door.
“I see what’s up!” exclaimed Jack, pointing down the road. “It’s the tiger!”