"What do you say, Bert, shall we go back?" inquired Harry.
"Well, I don't know," slowly replied the older Bobbsey lad. "I don't really believe in the least that any wild animals are loose, but if the girls aren't going berrying there's no use in us going."
"I guess that's right," agreed Tom. "No use going on alone."
And, though none of the older boys would admit it, I think they, too, were rather glad to turn back after having heard the story of the escape of the wild circus animals.
"Well, I'm all ready for 'em, if I meet any," declared Jim, as he drove on, having told the news.
On the way back Bert and the others met several farmers who knew Harry or Tom, and each of these men said they had also heard the story of the escape of a lion, tiger and bear.
"And if they are loose, some of us may miss some cattle or sheep," declared Mr. Ames, who lived not far from Uncle Daniel. "I think we farmers will have to get up a hunting party."
"I'd like to come," broke in Freddie. "I've got a fire engine, and wild animals is afraid—"
"That will do, dear," said Nan, gently putting her finger across his lips. "Little boys can't go hunting wild animals."
By the time the Bobbsey twins and their friends had almost reached Meadow Brook, on their way back, they had met several persons—men or boys—who spoke of having heard of the escape of the circus animals.