Ted Dunstan lost not an instant in seeing and seizing his opportunity. His feet, at least, free and able, that youngster whirled and dashed back toward the farmhouse.
CHAPTER XX—BLIND MAN’S BUFF IN FEARFUL EARNEST
For a few seconds the two combatants fought strenuously in the darkness.
“Now, I’ve got you!” growled the assailant, wrapping his arms around young Captain Halstead.
Joe Dawson rolled swiftly from his point of vantage, and the chums sprang instantly to their feet.
“That was Ted Dunstan who got away,” quivered Halstead.
“I know it,” admitted Joe. “I thought you were one of the other crowd. I had eyes only for him, when I saw him.”
They could hear Master Ted running, somewhat uncertainly, in the woods, with which he seemed to be unfamiliar. Yet he was nearing the opening where the house stood.
After him pelted both motor boat boys. Ted heard them coming, of course, and increased his speed. Yet Ted must have gotten into the opening, but for an accident. One of his feet tripped over something. Down he went, and, with his hands tied behind him, it was not the simplest task in the world for him to get on his feet again. Just as he did accomplish it, Tom and Joe reached him, grasping him on either side. Ted made a slight, useless struggle, but what he did succeed in doing was to kick a tree rather resoundingly.
The busy eight, unsuspicious until then, had just returned to the rear yard. Some of them heard that kick against the tree.
“What was that noise?” demanded Don Emilio.
“Come on! I want to make sure, anyway. Hasten!”
Tom, leading the way, and Joe, bringing up the rear with Ted Dunstan gripped in his arms, were in motion, but Don Emilio and several of his comrades pursued at lively speed.
“There’s some one running in these woods,” called back Don Emilio. “Spread out, and travel fast!”
When they had gone some little distance Tom fell back, snatching Ted from Joe’s arms. They ran until they came to a low-hanging thicket. Burdened as the motor boat boys were, the race must prove an unequal one. Joe halted at the thicket, holding out his arm to stop Tom. The two crept in under there with their burden, Joe holding the Dunstan heir’s feet.
And just in time, too, for Don Emilio and Jonas French went by within striking distance.