Taking careful aim, he hurled his own melon with all his strength. It found its mark, striking one of the men with stunning force, nearly causing him to fall from the saddle.
Penny and the boys from the orphans’ home concentrated their efforts on the other horseman. While many of their shots were wild, a few went true. One struck the horse which reared suddenly on her hind legs, unseating the rider.
“Give it to him!” Jerry shouted, observing that the fallen man was unhurt.
Handicapped by lack of ammunition, there followed a brief lull in the battle, as the young people sought to replenish their stock. Seizing the opportunity, one of the night riders galloped away. The other man, who had lost his horse, scrambled into the cab of the loaded melon truck.
“He’s going to drive off!” Penny cried. “Let’s stop him!”
She and Jerry ran toward the truck, but they were too late. The giant motor started with a roar, and the heavy vehicle rolled out of the yard.
Just then, Mrs. Davis came running from the cabin.
“My melons!” she screamed. “They’ve taken my melons! Oh, I was afraid something like this would happen!”
“Maybe I can overtake that fellow,” Jerry called to her. “Ride herd on these kids until I get back!”
As he ran toward his own car, Penny was close at his heels. She slid into the seat beside him and they raced down the lane.