CHAPTER XIV 

GOOD-BYE TO OAK HALL 

"I'll wager Merwell is the maddest boy Oak Hall ever saw!" said Shadow, when the excitement had subsided. 

"Poole is a sneak, and no mistake," said Sam. "I wonder if he'll go and tell old Haskers or Doctor Clay?" 

"He won't dare--for he is afraid we will tell about the fire-crackers," answered Dave. "Yes, he is a sneak." 

"I don't see, now, how I could ever make a friend of him," declared Gus Plum. "Now, in one way, I like Merwell--he's a fighter and he doesn't care who knows it." 

"Yes, but he's got a wicked temper," observed Roger. "He reminds me of Nick Jasniff. They would make a team." 

"Where did he come from, anyway?" questioned Messmer. 

"From some ranch out West. His father is a big cattle-owner. He is used to life in the open air, and one of the fellows says he can ride like the wind." 

"We must watch him," declared Phil. 

"I can't do that--since I am going away," answered Dave. "I'll have to leave you chaps to fight it out." 

"Do you think they'll come back or send Haskers?" asked Buster Beggs. 

"It might be wise to leave this spot," answered Phil. "There are plenty of places we can go to." 

It was decided to move, and several baskets which had been stored away in the bushes were brought forth. 

"I've got an idea!" cried Henshaw. "Let us go to that old barn on the Baggot place. Nobody will disturb us there." 
Where do they decide to go?
"I've got an idea!" cried Henshaw. "Let us go to that old barn on the Baggot place. Nobody will disturb us there."