Not one of the party glanced to the right or left of him, except Stacy Brown, who could scarcely contain his bubbling spirits.
"They'll think it's some new kind of a menagerie come to town," he confided to Tad, who was riding beside him.
"Then I hope they don't shoot the animals," laughed Tad.
By this time they had entered the main street, down which they rode at a pace that the burros could follow. People passing along the street paused and gazed in unfeigned astonishment at the strange procession which they saw approaching.
The most conspicuous of them all was Tom Parry. He was a sight to behold, but not one whit did he care for the amazed stares that greeted his strange outfit.
Soon the grins of the populace gave place to yells of derision.
"Look at the purty boy with the pink toes there behind," shouted one, pointing to Ned Rector.
Ned's face went crimson.
"Now, aren't you glad you didn't lose the tootsie-wootsies?" teased Chunky.
Ned made no reply, but it boded ill for any of his tormentors who got within reach of his long arms. Already more than a hundred persons had turned to follow the strange outfit. This number was being rapidly added to as they proceeded.