CHAPTER XI
AN ENCOUNTER IN THE PINE WOODS
"Help! Chase 'em off, somebody! Help a fellow, won't you? Ouch! they're murdering me by inches. Oh! my stars, what can I do?"
"It's hornets!" shrieked X-Ray, always as quick as a flash.
"Mebbe a swarm of yellow jackets!" suggested Ethan. "I can see something whirling around over his head. Gee! what if he runs here and gives us a dose? The cabin for mine."
"Hold on," called out Phil, taking in the situation, and then raising his voice he shouted to the terrified Lub: "Throw off your hat as you run. There, that'll attract some. Now your coat. Never mind a sting or two, but do as I say."
Lub, accustomed in matters of this kind to letting some one else do his thinking for him, hastened to obey.
Immediately afterward he was heard calling piteously:
"There's some after me yet, Phil, and oh! how they do hit you! I'm beginning to swell up right now. How'll I get away from the swarm, Phil? You tell me what to do, and quick!"
"Run for the lake and jump in!" called out Phil. "Duck under, and keep there as long as you can stand it."