“Thanks, Larry,” he said. “I was in a bit of a hurry, and so left ’em behind.”
“Why, these chaps seem to be spread out all over the prairie,” exclaimed Ashe.
“Aye, aye!” laughed Witmar.
Of course neither of the boys could restrain their impatience long. Larry simply burned with curiosity to learn what had taken place, and Tom was equally anxious to hear about “Little Fear-not’s” adventures. He even forgot to be disgusted with the big lad; while Larry, in his excitement and jubilation, entirely lost sight of his previous chagrin and disappointment.
The boys’ tongues flew rapidly. Larry touched but lightly upon his dismay at finding himself cut off from the settlement by the river; nor did he mention the dreadful moments passed behind the shelter of the bushes. Indeed one might have supposed that observing the movements of smugglers on a moonlight night was quite the most enjoyable thing in the world.
And at any other time he would have burst into peals of laughter at Tom’s thrilling description of his struggle with the mysterious assailant. But, under the circumstances, he was tremendously impressed with the seriousness of the encounter. In fact the two big lads seemed to have reached a better understanding of one another than they had ever had before.
“I was a dub to want to leave you chaps,” said Larry, candidly. “Jolly fine for you to come after me, Tom, an’ I won’t forget it.”
“We couldn’t think of losing such good company,” laughed the Rambler.
“Well, fellows,” put in Billy Ashe, “you’ve had a pretty lively night of it. Now I’m going to skip.”
“Where to?” asked Tom, interestedly.