powerfully, though others hardly mind it at all.

"I know!" Bluff managed to gasp, with a great effort; "there's a
f-f-family of s-s-skunks have their h-h-home under here. I've seen 'em,
b-b-but I never b-b-bothered the b-b-beauties. Oh! ain't it j-j-just
awful, f-f-fellows?"

It certainly was.

Stirred up by the poles wielded by Ted Slavin and his cronies, who must
have discovered the presence of the polecats when visiting the barn that
morning, and laid their plans accordingly, the little animals were using
the only means of defence against an enemy granted them by Nature.

William actually keeled over, and his brother had to drag him to the
further end of the barn so that he might not get the full benefit of the
overpowering scent.

"Something's just _got_ to be done!" cried Jack, himself not feeling any
too well under the infliction.

"Here, help me lift this old beam, boys. We can make a battering ram out
of it, and burst a board off somehow. Never mind the damages; they can be
repaired easy enough. Two more get hold. Now, swing around this way. I
think the weakest place is in the rear. Keep back, the rest of you. Here
goes!"

Five others had been only too willing to lend a hand when Paul called for
volunteers. The beam that had been lying against the further wall was
good and heavy; but that made it all the better as an engine for ramming
a hole through the boarded side of the barn.

Amid the cheers of the scouts the novel battering ram was carried forward
with a will, and on the run. Some of the boys held up lanterns so that
those who were in the line of attack could see just where to strike. Even
poor overcome William managed to raise his head, and feebly wave a hand
of encouragement.

The beam struck with tremendous force, and nothing in the way of a plain
ordinary boarding could withstand the impetus with which it was driven
forward.

"Whoop!" yelled the scouts, as a big aperture appeared in the side of the
barn, and the route to liberty lay before them.

They were not slow to avail themselves of the privilege either, but
hastened to scramble through the gap, carrying the lanterns with them.
William managed to get up enough steam to crawl outside, where he could
breath air that was not fetid, and filled with overpowering odors.

Only Bluff looked back half regretfully at the haven of refuge they had
just quitted. For he was wondering how his father could ever manage to
efface that scent so tha