“I kept getting closer and closer to Parker,” Lanky continued. “He was doing all he knew how just then to hold his own; but, Frank, I was feeling that frisky I reckon I c’d ’a’ drawn circles around that dub if I tried.” “But you didn’t go to all that trouble, Lanky?” remarked Frank, laughing at the way the other put it. “When I was just back of him I kept my eyes open for any of his little tricks,” the tall boy explained. “You see, I didn’t want to get hit by any stone that might just take a notion to fly up from his feet, and get in my way, like poor old Bones. And I was watchin’ for a chance to flip past Parker when he didn’t expect it.” “Which I take it you did after a little?” Frank suggested, to hurry Lanky on; for they were even then drawing near the camp of the Romany tribe. “Yes, I saw him make a movement of some sort; and thinkin’ he was goin’ to drop something in front of me, I just skipped across to the other side of the road in great shape, and then lit out for all I was worth. Heard him tryin’ to say somethin’ or other, but he was too late; because, you see, I was ahead. And after that I could give Larry the grand laugh. I just romped in, with him fifty yards behind, and Coddling picking up on him fast; because, you see, the wonder was played out. That’s all. I tried to duck when the boys made a grab for me; but they insisted on carryin’ me around the field on their shoulders, while they roared our school song. And there’s the camp, Frank!” “I’m going to look at your watch later on, Lanky; but it sure gives me great pleasure to see you wearing it,” Frank remarked. “It might have been yours, if you hadn’t made me go on, and leave you with Bill,” grumbled the unselfish tall chum. “Oh! no, that’s where you’re away off, Lanky,” came the reply. “I knew that you were the only one who could head that Parker with the lead he had. But now let’s hope the same sort of success falls to us here as came in that long run.” The gypsy camp looked rather quiet. Frank was glad to see no men in evidence, and could give a pretty good guess that they were all off, occupied with driving hard and fast bargains in horse trading with the many farmers in town for that day. This pleased Frank, because if the gypsy men were absent it diminished the chances of a riot all the more, should Chief Hogg carry off the old queen. He expected to do this on the strength of the warrant Lanky had sworn out, charging her with abducting a child belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Elverson of a neighboring State. When the wagon had arrived close to the camp those aboard jumped down, much to the surprise and consternation of several dark-faced women and children, who had run out to see the police wagon pass by. “Which is her wagon, Lanky?” demanded the Chief, hurriedly. “That biggest one, with all the gold paint, and pictures on the panels, over yonder,” replied the boy, pointing.