This strange race was brought to a ludicrous close by a rock which lay in Jack’s way, as he was making for Aunt Patsy’s woods. He tripped over it, and fell headlong; and over him fell his pursuer,—a sprawling heap.
“Hang it!” said the latter, “you come pooty nigh breakin’ my neck!” And he lay on the ground laughing, while Jack sprang to his feet.
CHAPTER XVIII
HOW THE HEELS WENT HOME WITHOUT SHOES AND STOCKINGS.
“That you, Hank?”
“Yes! Didn’t you know me? What in time made you leg it so? I couldn’t hardly keep up with you!”
“I took you for old Peternot!” said the excited Jack. “I thought you got off ahead of me.”
Upon that Hank laughed again. “I knew the squire would come out; I hid by the quince-bushes till he showed himself, and then rushed out before him.”
“What was that for?”