He had darted towards the bottom of the canvas strip siding the passageway. Lifting this up, he thrust Andy under it. Crawling after him and arising to his feet, he again grasped Andy's arm.
Headed for the open space the main entrance faced, Marco suddenly jerked Andy to one side. He now made swiftly for some small tents abutting the performers' tent.
"Hey! hi! hello!" some one had yelled out at them, and Andy saw two skulking forms making towards them.
A third figure joined them. Andy discerned evident pursuit in their manner and actions.
"Keep with me. Run in," directed Marco.
He had thrust Andy into one of the little tents the boy recognized as a dressing room. Marco dropped the flap and stood outside.
"Where's the boy gone to?" puffed out a labored voice.
"Gracious!" exclaimed Andy, under cover, but with a gasp of sheer dismay. "I understand now."
Andy recognized the tones of this last speaker. They belonged to Wagner, the village constable of Fairview.
"He's in that little tent," spoke another voice.