"There's no one else ahead," exclaimed Fred. "Guess we were too quick for 'em. No use running any more."
The impetus of his companions was such, however, that though the boy at the head of the wedge stopped running, as he spoke, the others carried him along for several yards.
"That was too easy," grunted Buttons, in evident disappointment.
"Never mind, I reckon we shook Bart up some," chuckled Sandow. "Let's keep going while we have the chance."
"What, run away from Bart Montgomery?" snorted Fred.
"Tut, tut! There's discretion in valor, Cotton-Top. Just take my advice and get home as fast as you can."
"But I'm not going to run," protested Fred.
"Sure not. We'll just go up Main Street. The lights are still on and Bart won't try any funny business on a street where he can be recognized."
As in many other country towns, only the principal street of Baxter was provided with street lamps and—because of the hard-headed economy of the "Town Fathers" even these lamps were only lighted when the night was dark.
"Sandow is right," agreed Buttons, after a moment's reflection.