Out of a cross-street whirled an empty lumber wagon, mounted on runners and whisked behind two horses, from the South Beaufort mills. The South Beauforters hailed it as sent by a special providence.
At any rate, the rescue was planned exactly right, and in nick of time.
Just as the bob turned into their path, they met it. Without causing it to slacken its speed, and without themselves slackening, into the high box they tumbled, Patsy, and the Conners, and Red Sullivan, and all—all except Big Mike!
Gleefully looking behind, to place thumb on nose and wiggle his fingers at Ned and crowd, he proved his own undoing. He slipped, and sprawled—and away without him was borne his gang, with the driver, a South Beauforter, laying lash on steeds.
But Big Mike did not sprawl long. Like a cat he sprang to his feet, and dropping the clipper now sought only to save himself from his deserts.
Ned, who was fleeter than the others, was the nearest to him. On clumped Big Mike, spurred by fear, in the trail of the faithless bob. After him struggled Ned, spurred by wrath and only a few yards from his heels. Behind them strung out the other pursuers.
Of the two, hare and hound, the latter, Ned, because he had been scaling so many fences and making so many circuits, was the more exhausted. However, he grimly hung on, and at the last Fortune rewarded him.
The first limits of South Beaufort had been reached; Big Mike was on familiar ground. The hare had been run to its hole. With a sudden movement Big Mike changed his course at right angles, and darted for a friendly alley.
Ned dug his heel into the slush, and drew back his arm, at the same time. Awaiting opportunity, during all the chase he had been carrying a pet “soaker.” It had grown harder and harder, and now opportunity bade “Ready!” Just as Big Mike, presenting the broadside of his face, entered the alley, Ned, without halting, sped his snowball. The “soaker,” whizzing like a grape-shot, burst with an icy “smack” on Big Mike’s ear!
“Ow-w-w-w!” screeched Big Mike, the last bit of spunk taken out of him by that sudden blow.