"Don't spoil the community idea." So Fred Ripely tagged on at the rear of the flight.
"What is it, boys---a fire ?" called Laura Bentley.

A dozen girls had drawn in, pressing against the wall, to let this whirlwind of boys go by.
"Tell you when we get back," Purcell called.

"Time presses now." It took the leaders only about four minutes to reach Foster's Pond.

Even Ripley and the other tail-enders were on hand about a minute later.

There was a fine grove here, fringed by thick bushes, and no houses near.