en; when these lads, whom he was
wont to regard as his bitter rivals, and enemies in everything at school,
took such chances simply because they could not see a Stanhope boy in
trouble.

Wash kept muttering to himself as he worked. The rustle of the leaves,
and the crackling of the brush as he dragged it forward, kept him from
hearing such sounds as might have been made by the tenderfeet scouts, who
had not yet learned just how to do these things as might an Indian or an
experienced woodsman.

Paul was on his knees now, and still rising, with Jack a close second.

They were not three feet behind the man who labored. A single plunge
forward must send them full upon his back.

Some thought of his companion possibly crossed the mind of Wash just
then; for he suddenly turned his head.

Of course he could not help but see what was behind him.

"Now!" whooped Bobolink and William in a breath.

There was a simultaneous movement on the part of the five lads. Wash,
taken by surprise, could not get up on his feet. He had his hands full of
brush at the moment, and this also handicapped him about making any
effective use of the weapons Nature gave him.

He had just time to shout the name of his companion when the avalanche
struck him, and he was bowled over as neatly as ever a football tackle
got his man.

Paul knew that they could easily manage this one fellow. The trouble
was Wash did not happen to be alone. When the tall ruffian came dashing
quickly to the spot there was no telling what he might not do.

"Hold him down, you twins. Don't let him break loose. The rest of you
follow me!"

Even while speaking Paul scrambled to his feet. He heard the mad patter
of feet as Brad came dashing toward the spot, shouting in his excitement,
and doubtless believing that the prisoner had turned upon his captor.

"Let me loose, Paul; quick, twist this rope around the tree!" shrilled
Ted, who saw a chance to escape the punishment that had been hovering
over his head.

Paul caught the end of the rope. Four times did he dash around that tree,
in about as many seconds; then Ted, finding his bonds loose, squirmed
free.

But Brad was now on hand, filled with astonishment and fury. Whichever
way he turned the rays of his car lamp he seemed to discover fresh moving
figures. The woods seemed to be full of enemies. They must be hiding
behind each and every tree, ready to pounce upon him.

Already he could see that his partner was writ