Andy had only a second to act in. He theorized that the wagon, following the alley, was now probably halted in some secluded side lane.
To escape the clutches of the would-be robbers was everything. Andy, having no weapon of defence, was no match for them.
"If the rig once reaches the crowded streets, I'm safe," thought Andy.
Then he carried out a speedy programme. Forming his lips in a pucker, as he had seen Ripley do, Andy uttered two sharp whistles, then a clear, resounding hiss.
"Thunder!" yelled a voice outside.
"Ouch!" echoed a second.
The horse had given one wild, prodigious bound at hearing the familiar signal.
The vehicle must have grazed one of the thieves. Its front wheels knocked the other down.
"My! I'm in for it," instantly decided Andy.
For, swayed from side to side, he realized that the circus wagon was dashing forward at runaway speed.