"There's father," declared Mrs. Alden as a "whoa!" sounded from the yard.
Quickly Larry picked up a lantern, and, followed by all but his mother, went out to help unhitch the horses and take them into the barn.
"What's been going on?" demanded the farmer as the others joined him. "I heard the rifle shot."
Eagerly they all started to tell.
"Don't all speak at once," interposed Mr. Alden. "You're talking so loud and so fast I can't understand a word. Tom, suppose you explain?"
Excitedly the youngest of the brothers poured forth the tale.
"A wolf in Bramley, eh? Well, well! It's a good thing you boys were so near home. This is sure a great day for happenings. My sons get chased into their own dooryard and I——"
But as though to arouse their curiosity, the farmer did not finish his sentence.
"You what?" asked Larry.
"Never mind now. Put the horses up. You won't have to feed them; they're too hot. Give them a little hay and then come in to supper."