“I wouldn’t mind a magazine or two myself,” came from Dick.  “But I don’t know if Oakville can supply them.”

They were soon on the way, each in the best of spirits.  Tom began to whistle and his brothers joined in.

“Feelin’ putty good,” queried a farmer, who chanced to be leaning over his garden gate as they passed.

“Why not?” retorted Tom.  “It’s better to whistle than to cry.”

“Right you are, young man.  When one of my hands is whistling I always know he is pitchin’ in.”

The way lay over a hill and around a bend where a number of apple trees lined the road.  The apples were within easy reach, and soon each was chewing on the juicy fruit to his heart’s content.

“Wonder where Flapp and his crowd went,” came presently from Tom.

“If they went to Oakville they most likely visited the tavern,” answered Dick.

“It’s a shame!” declared Tom.  “Drinking and smoking and playing cards will never do them any good.”

Another bend in the road was passed and they came within sight of Isaac Klem’s farm.

“Hullo!” ejaculated Sam, pointing ahead.  “What’s the matter?”

“Those girls are running for all they are worth!” said Dick.

“A bull is after them!” came from Tom.  “My stars! but he seems to mean business!”

Tom was right, Helen and Alice Staton were running along the highway at all the speed they could command.  Behind them, less than fifty feet distant, was the enraged black bull, bent on doing all the mischief possible.

“Those girls will be hurt!” said Dick, running forward.

“Can’t we do something?” asked Sam.

“We can try,” said Tom.  “Get a rock, or something,” and he picked up a sharp stone which lay handy.  Sam did likewise.

By this time the twins were almost upon the boys.

“Chase the bull away!” panted Helen, who was ready to drop from exhaustion.

“Yes! yes!” gasped Alice.  “Please don’t let him touch us!”

“Jump the fence!” said Dick.  “Quick, I’ll help you over!”

He caught each girl by the hand and turned toward the low stone fence.  At the same time Tom and Sam let fly the two sharp stones.  One took the bull in the nose and the other struck the creature in the eye.

With a snort the animal came to a halt and viewed the boys curiously.  He had evidently not expected the attack, and the wound in the eye hurt not a little.  Tom and Sam lost no time in providing themselves with more stones.

By this time Dick was at the wall and in another moment he had assisted the girls over.  Both had lost their hats and also dropped the market basket filled with things from the store.

“Oh, be careful,” said Alice.  “That bull will try to kill you.”

“We’ll look out for ourselves,” answered Dick, and picked up a bit of fence rail lying near.  “Did he chase you far?”

“From that lot yonder,” answered Helen.