That the rich bully was the leader of their pursuers, neither Sandow nor Buttons doubted. But, knowing his disposition, they feared the methods he might adopt under cover of darkness, realizing the attack would centre on Fred.
Accordingly, as the fair-haired boy made his suggestion of charging, Sandow whispered:
"Better make a wedge. You run in the lead, Cotton-Top, and Buttons and I will shove you along."
To decide upon their line of action took the boys less time than it does to describe it, and no sooner had the suggestion of the wedge been made than the trio charged.
This move surprised Bart, for he it was. So eager was he to fall upon his rival, that, in his excitement, his voice, when he gave the word of the boys' approach, had been louder than he realized. Moreover, his plan of attack, thoroughly in keeping with his nature, had been to fall upon Fred and his companions from the rear.
In consequence, when he heard the thudding of their footsteps, the bully lost his head.
"Out at them! Get Fred!" he snarled, leaping from his hiding place onto the sidewalk, as he spoke.
Either because they had other ideas of how they should proceed, or because the suddenness of their intended victims' action paralyzed them, Bart's followers did not immediately obey.
And their delay was their leader's undoing.
With great force, Fred, backed by Buttons and Sandow, struck the lone boy on the sidewalk, bowling him over as though he were a tenpin.