No sooner did he wheel about than there was a wild scattering, and it was only one boy, more venturesome than the rest, who braved the threatened danger and marched boldly up to our Billy.
LOUDER AND LOUDER CAME
THE SHOUTS OF HIS PURSUERS.
Imagine, if you can, the amazement of the boys and girls to see him pat Billy on the head with impunity, and then capture the huge bunch of toy balloons that had so frightened him with their bobbing about. But their wonder lasted no longer, and they pounced on the rescuer and demanded a share of the plunder. He proved to be a generous lad, and was gladly distributing the gaudy things among the clamoring youngsters when the peddler, with face every bit as red as the scarlet fez which topped it, came upon the scene, panting and puffing.
He threw his arms up in the air, bellowed his wrath, and then descended upon the children to claim his wares. Knowing too well the folly of remaining, they scattered to the four winds, and left the Turk to nurse his anger as best he might.
Billy the brave had not thought it wise to stay for all this, but as soon as he saw victory assured for the children, betook himself off.
“I’m so hungry that my horns rattle, and it is high time that I’m nearing the automobile,” thought he, bending his steps toward the green circle inside the race course, where many vehicles were left for the day.
“Most likely Mr. Treat thought that the safest place for the new machine, so I’ll look thereabouts first,” decided the goat, crossing the track and squirming under the fence. “Anyway, it’s not so crowded over here, and I can lay down and rest. Goodness knows, what with babies and boys to rescue, I’m somewhat overworked and very weary, and need a nap soon after lunch!”
He was carefully picking his way between carry-alls, buggies and the more pretentious surreys to the farther end of the circle when he spied an automobile close at hand.
“Can’t tell whether or not that is ours until I’m near enough to see the hamper. I’m better acquainted with that than with any other part of the automobile,” he was musing, but brought up short as he discovered a figure suspiciously resembling that of motherly Mrs. Treat hurrying along a few yards ahead.