eg made way for Dick to get up close and peer into the
vehicle.

Young Prescott gave a start of exultation as he made out a little,
wrapped-up human bundle huddled on the back seat. It was little
four-year-old Myra. She had collapsed into a heap and was very softly
sobbing to herself, wholly unaware of what might be passing outside.

On the further side of the cab, standing on the sidewalk, Dick caught
sight of the man whom he presumed to be the driver. The fellow was
standing staring fixedly ahead.

"If he had been looking the other way he would have caught us coming
down the street," flashed through Prescott's mind.

Then he turned, nodding swiftly, silently, at his companions.

They had found Myra, these Grammar School lads, but in a desperate
fight, Dexter and the driver would prove overwhelming odds. The pair of
rascals could knock these youngsters senseless and whip up the horses
for a dash.

What was to be done?

In sheer nervousness Dave Darrin began to try the handle of the cab
door. Then, understanding coming to him, Dave tried in earnest to see
whether he could unfasten the door with out making the least noise.

All three of the lads realized that it was a ticklish moment. Even Myra,
if startled, might give the scream that would betray and defeat them.

Steadily Dave worked at his problem. Dick and Greg, quivering, stood
alertly on guard on either side of him.

Squeak! That cab-door handle needed oiling sadly. Even under Darrin's
cautious handling it gave forth a noise that sounded startling in the
stillness.

"What's that?" they heard the driver mutter, as he started. Then came
the sound of footsteps, as the driver wheeled and ran around behind the
cab.

He was bearing down straight upon them!

CHAPTER VII

DICK LEADS A SPIRITED RUSH

"Hustle, Dave--into the cab!" shouted Dick Prescott lustily.

Darrin obeyed like a flash, pulling the door shut.

"What are you young monkeys doing here?" yelled the driver hoarsely.
Then, as he caught better sight of them, he snarled:

"Oh, I know you boys! You belong to the Butt-insky family!"

The driver's next remark was "ouch!" as Greg darted in and struck him
fairly at the belt line. In the same instant young Prescott managed to
trip the fellow.

"Boss!" bawled the driver, as he struck the pavement.

"Into the cab with you, Greg!" shouted Dick.

Dave swung the door open, and in the same instant Greg bolted inside,
while Dick Prescott m