seriously hurt. In the melee Shep managed to squirm free from those who held him and he quickly ranged up by his chum's side.
"What did you say about our outfit?" he panted.
"We've got it," answered Snap. "Come, we had better be going."
"Don't let them get away!" yelled Ham Spink, and made a grab for Snap. But just then the doctor's son hit out desperately and the rich youth received a blow in the mouth that loosened two teeth and caused him to retreat in a hurry.
For the moment the enemy were disconcerted, and taking advantage of this, Snap and Shep started on a run through the dark forest, moving as swiftly as the condition of the ground would permit. The Spink crowd came after them, shouting to them to stop. Carl Dudder called out that he would shoot if they did not halt.
"Do you think he'll do it?" asked Shep uneasily.
"I guess it's a bluff—I don't think he has a gun or pistol," answered Snap, and he was right, for no shot followed.
When at last the two boys reached the spot where the raft had been moored they found everything in readiness for departure. Whopper and
