In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly. The mob which now surrounded it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass, came to their ears with great distinctness.
"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the building.
"I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot. It isn't likely those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."
"And let them destroy the buildings?"
"What can you do to prevent it?"
"Nothing that I know of, and yet it is wicked to let this thing be done without some protest."
"Mr. Wright would attend to that matter if a protest would amount to anything. Our duty is to protect your mother, and that must be attended to before anything else."
"I realize that fact fully; but——"
At this moment Mr. Wright called from the rear of the store:
"Boys, come here!"