“I guess those toughs heard some of the other fellows coming to our help, doctor,” interposed Bobby. “They did come, you know, but they got there too late—the fruit thieves had gone away by that time.”
“But really, Blake, even at that, you did wonderfully well, both in quick thinking and effective acting,” replied Dr. Raymond. “You are an honor to the school and I’m proud of you. And I want to thank all you boys, for I know that you were standing loyally by, ready to back Blake up if the necessity arose. But I’m glad that the matter was settled the way it was, for otherwise some of you might have been injured in a row with those who were so much bigger and older than yourselves. For the future I will keep a closer watch upon the orchard, though I don’t imagine,” he added with a smile, “that that particular gang will be eager to try again at the same place where they met with such a reception.”
“Bobby took the number of their car so that you could follow the matter up if you wanted to,” said Fred.
“Still, Bobby,” smiled the doctor, “trust him not to overlook anything. But I hardly think that I care to press the matter any further. I guess the rascals have been punished enough. Still, I’ll note down the number just as a matter of precaution in case they should try to carry out their threats of getting even. That’s hardly likely, but it’s possible. By the way, Blake, I’d be especially careful for a while, and if you see any of the gang hanging around be sure and let me know.”
He jotted down the license number and then, with repeated thanks, dismissed the boys, while he himself sought out Mr. Leith and Mr. Carrier, to whom with many chuckles he narrated the events of the afternoon. Even the stately Mr. Leith unbent, while Mr. Carrier was frankly delighted.
Martin was at that very moment chiding Bobby for having hung back and left it to his friends to tell of his exploits.
“Why didn’t you speak up for yourself, Bobby?” he asked, “instead of leaving it to me to give the doctor an earful—there I go again—instead of leaving it to me to tell the doctor all about it. Any one would think that you were ashamed instead of being proud of what you’ve done.”
“Oh, it wasn’t so much,” deprecated Bobby. “Just a tackle and a baseball throw. Any one could have done it.”
“Great Scott!” snorted Shiner, as he glanced at his watch. “It’s too late now for us to get down to the baker’s for those doughnuts and get back in time for supper.”
There was a chorus of groans from all but Pee Wee, who looked somewhat relieved.