all in!"

Out of the door they marched, and down the steps, two by two; Bluff
Shipley, who was paired with Nuthin', being the lone straggler in the
rear, since his mate remained at home.

If he experienced the slightest sense of dejection at being compelled to
walk without a side partner, it was of very brief duration.

Outside it was very dark, and this condition seemed more or less
heightened by the fact that the eyes of the young scouts had become
accustomed to the glow of the rooms they had just left.

Consequently there was more or less chance of some one tripping on the
steps, and pulling others down with him.

"'Ware the fourth step; it's shaky and may throw you, boys!" sang out
Nuthin'.

Hardly had he spoken than the first pair executed a beautiful forward
bow, and went down in a heap from the lower step.

"Look out there! A rope!"

Paul had just barely time to give utterance to this warning when the next
pair found the obstruction for themselves, and came plunging down on top
of those already landed.

Two more were close behind, so nearly upon the heels of the second pair
that it was really impossible for them to avoid following in their wake.
Thus there were by this time six struggling figures at the foot of the
steps, while the balance of the patrol huddled just above, looking with
amazement at the dimly seen spectacle.

From somewhere near by, possibly the shelter of some bushes, came gurgles
of boyish laughter, and jeering words in assumed voices.

No need to tell Paul and his friends to whose kind attention they owed
this unexpected downfall. Ted Slavin and his backers had not been idle
while the new patrol was being organized in the home of Nuthin'. They had
fastened a stout rope across the lower step, and succeeded in tripping
half of their rivals.

Paul managed to scramble to his feet, hardly knowing whether to laugh, or
get angry at this practical joke on the part of the opposition.

CHAPTER V

CHECKING A COWARD

"It's that Slavin crowd!" exclaimed Jack, as he gained his feet.

"Let's capture some of them, then!" shouted William, always ready for
battle, as was also Bluff Shipley, whose hands were never bothered with
impediments as was his speech.

A rush was made for the bushes, and retreating footsteps announced the
hasty departure of the enemy.

None of the new scouts seemed to care about following very far. They knew
Ted of old, and feared lest they be drawn into a tr