Billy was not hurt. He sprang up, saw that his antagonist was down, and immediately jumped upon his back, shouting:
“Come on! Come on! I’ve got him! Help!”
The fellow struggled to get up. He was able to lift the boy’s weight with ease. In half a minute Billy knew he would be shaken off. Why didn’t some of those ’coon hunters take a hand in the proceedings?
Billy heard the sound of running feet behind him; but it was a long way behind. Then came an answering shout from Dan:
“Hold to him, Billy! Hang to him!”
Billy did his best. But he was light weight for the leader of the motor-robbers. That individual got to his feet, reached behind him, and shoved the lad loose, pushing him far from him upon the road.
Fortunately he did not stay to punish the boy, but bounded on. Dan was beside his brother in a moment, leaning over him and seizing Billy’s shoulder in an anxious grip.
“You’re not hurt, Billy? Say you’re not hurt?” he cried. “Did that man——”
“Oh, ouch!” gasped the younger boy, getting his breath. “Never mind me! Get him, Dan!”
But with a loud blast the robbers’ automobile shot ahead. They were off.