"Well—But these fellers will surround the island and then they'll get us," croaked Max.
Sparrow laughed sneeringly. It was Bobby who replied.
"If you propose to run, you start now before the fight begins," he said, gravely. "Then they'll think we're sending a messenger for reënforcements, not that one of our side is a coward and is running away."
"Hurrah!" yelled Sparrow.
"Scubbity-yow!" exclaimed Ginger. "Now he's got it."
Max Bender was actually pale. He was scared to fight and he was scared to run! In truth his position was pitiable.
But Bobby Blake gave the big fellow very little attention. The other boys just naturally looked to Bobby to lead them.
"Don't show yourselves, fellows, if you can help it. Don't throw too quickly; we don't want to waste ammunition. Let's all line up along here now, and one of us peek over and give the word to fire—"
"I'll do that!" cried the excited Mouser Pryde.
"Yes you will!" sneered Fred. "I'd like to see you. Bobby's bossing this."