With many a fear tugging at their hearts, the five stole down the veranda steps expecting to hear challenging cries hurled toward them at any moment. Good luck, however, attended their efforts, and each slipped inside the stable door with a muttered expression of satisfaction.
“Can you ride, Jimmy?” asked Tom.
“I certainly can!” answered the pianist.
“That’s bully! You jump up behind me. Cranny’ll go with Dick. For goodness’ sakes, fellows, don’t let’s get separated again—whew, some hot day this all around, eh?”
“Oh! if young ‘Starlight’ were only here!” growled the Tacoma lad.
Bob Somers held a brief consultation in a guarded tone with Dick and Cranny. Their eyes opened wider. “Sure thing, Bob! We understand,” whispered the Rambler.
“Now!” exclaimed Tom, in a stern, authoritative voice. “I’m going in the lead. Keep close behind me, and,” he shook his finger emphatically, “don’t question any direction I may take!”
“All right!” said Jimmy.
“I guess we won’t go many blocks!” murmured Cranny.
Tom poked his head outside the door, after a quick glance around, exclaiming: “Come on, fellows; lead ’em right to the rear. Ready? No noise now!”