Ray was here interrupted by a general exclamation of alarm.
“Stop the horses, quick,” cried some one.
Turning hastily we looked forward to see what had occurred. The front seat of the omnibus beside the driver was empty. Fred Harrison, who had been leaning well forward, had suddenly disappeared.
CHAPTER XIX
FRED HARRISON
The driver of the omnibus gave his reins a sharp tug that brought his horses up on their haunches. They became frightened, and kicked viciously in their traces. This added to the general feeling of alarm.
There was an awful hush for a moment as we thought of the possible fate our unfortunate companion might meet from the cruel hoofs of the startled animals. Then several of us sprang hastily to the ground.
Between two of the spokes of the front wheel protruded a leg, clad in the dark blue of our ball suits, while, huddled up under the omnibus, lay the body of Fred Harrison. How he could have got into such an entangled position it is impossible to say, but it was only by a miracle that he had escaped being crushed and mangled. One more turn of the wheel would have doubtless proven fatal.
Without an instant’s delay two of us crept under the body of the omnibus, and, carefully avoiding the blows of the horses’ hoofs, drew Fred gently out, and laid him upon his side on the grass. He seemed scarcely to breathe; his face was pale and still. Ray dropped on his knees, and put his hand upon the poor fellow’s breast.
“Run, get some water quick,” he said.