ght, Scissors!"

The boy limped grievously as he headed for the door. He kept one eye on
William, and Paul really believed that if the Carberry Twin had made a
movement as though about to pick up that padded instrument of torture
again the apparently lame Tiger would have developed a surprising burst
of speed, and fairly shot out of that exit.

So they saw him go stumbling up the few steps that led to the level.
Then Paul once more shut and secured the door.

The four chums looked at each other, but no one laughed. Though there
had been plenty of humor about the affair, on their side, still that
closing scene in the little drama had sent a thrill of horror through
them. They realized that, after all, they had been close to a
catastrophe.

"First of all let's get this room straightened up, boys," said Paul, as
he started folding some of the disarranged blankets.

Four pairs of hands make light work, and after a little there was a new
heap of the camp material, on another section of the floor. After that
they endeavored to remove all traces of the brief fire, and in this they
were fortunate, for having completed their labors it would be difficult
to detect any signs of that sudden though terrifying flash in the pan.

"Now for the ashpit, fellows," sang out William, finally. "Me to swing
the broom, after some water has been sprinkled. We're going to get there
yet, all right; but oh! my, what a time it's been! Will I ever forget
it?"

"This is what I'd call heaping coals of fire on the heads of your
enemies!" ventured Bobolink; as he, too, hunted for a broom in the
furnace room, and prepared to assist in the work of cleaning up the
mess.

Paul sprinkled first, while Jack started to place those cans which had
not been upset, in a row. For a short time there was an industrious
quartette engaged in the labor of reconstruction. When Paul finally gave
the signal to knock off work the furnace room really looked much better
than old Peter was in the habit of keeping it.

After that the boys sought the faucet where running water could be had;
soap and towels were forthcoming from the stores, and they cleaned
themselves up.

Then preparations were made, looking to an all-night vigil, during which
by turns one of their number was expected to stand guard at two hour
stretches; though none of them had the least fear that the enemy, routed
so thoroughly, would return.

CHAPTER X

OFF ON THE LONG TOUR

"Get up,