"You can't throw it away, an' we must sneak off," Dan said, and the expression on his face told how distressed he was that such a responsibility had been thrust upon them.
"Shall we go back to the stand?"
"No, that would never do, for then they would be sure to vent their anger on you. Go up to the museum; Mr. Sweet knows Hazelton, an' may be willin' to help him by keeping the satchel till the row is over."
These words had been spoken as the boys were trying to make their way through the fringe of spectators which had hemmed them in since the fight began, and after some difficulty they succeeded; but at the same moment one of the combatants, who had received more than his share of punishment, emerged close by their side.
He saw Hazelton's satchel, and recognized it.
"Come here, fellows! two little villains are making off with the money! That's what we want!"
He at once started in pursuit, as did several others, and Dan cried, as he helped carry the burden:
"Run as you never did before, Teddy, for if they get hold of us it'll be a bad job all around!"