All the topers and loafers who ever knew Miller are outside to avenge the beating that Miller received from Dick!" "We'll show you!" came a hoarse yell, and then the foremost ruffians in the crowd surged in through the tent door.
But Dave had succeeded in lighting a lantern, and this he took time to hang from a hook on the nearest pole.
Five boys clad only in their pajamas faced this angry rabble.
Dan Dalzell slept through the confusion until Reade, in passing him, hauled him from bed.
"What are you men doing here ?" thundered Reade, striding to the head of the little group of defenders.
Dick was now beside him like a flash.
"You fellows get out of here!" Prescott ordered, his eyes flaming.
"We'll get out when we get ready!" came the hoarse answer.

"Now, friends, show these young imps-----" But that speaker got no further, for a blow from Tom's fist brought him to the ground.
All six of Dick & Co.

were now on the fistic firing line.
For a few moments they carried all but consternation to their opponents.

As they were forced back from the doorway, however, more and more of the mob poured in.
The very weight of numbers was bound to count against Dick & Co.
who were likely to suffer severely at the hands of the miscreants.
Just then there came a flash across the canvas of the tent.

The light had been thrown by a swiftly-moving automobile.