make of it.

But five sharp pairs of eyes could see nothing to cause alarm. A sleepy
silence brooded over the orchard, and it looked as though Sam must be
busy at some other part of his extensive farm.

"I guess it's all right," said Fred, in a cautious whisper.

"Cricky, look at those beauties!" exclaimed Jack Youmans, as he pounced
upon a luscious peach that lay within a foot of him.

The others quickly followed his example, and there was soon no sound
except the munching of jaws, as they satisfied their first hunger for
the delicious fruit.

There was no need to pluck them from the trees, as there were plenty
lying on the ground. And since these were doomed to rot in time, the
consciences of the boys did not disturb them much. Still, they knew they
were trespassing, and at first they kept a keen lookout. Nothing
happened, however, and gradually their caution relaxed, and they strayed
farther and farther from the road into the heart of the orchard.

Suddenly, a fierce barking made them jump and sent their hearts into
their throats. They looked behind them, and saw a big dog rushing toward
them. He was between them and the fence, and shut off escape in that
direction.

"It's Sam's dog, Tiger!" ejaculated Bob, his face growing pale.

"Quick, this way!" cried Fred, grasping the situation at a glance.
"Let's make for the barn. It's our only chance."

They were not more than two hundred feet from a big red barn, which had
two entrances, one of which faced them. The one at the further end was
closed, but the one to which the boys were nearer was open.

They ran with all their might, a wholesome fear lending wings to their
feet. There were many stories abroad about the ferocity of Tiger, whose
name seemed to fit his nature. Only a week before, he had taken a piece
out of a man's leg, and Sam Perkins had more than once been in danger of
lawsuits on account of the dog's savage disposition. But the farmer was
ugly himself, and, instead of trying to curb the brute, seemed to glory
in its reputation.

"I ain't a-goin' to muzzle him," he would say, when people complained
that the dog was dangerous. "All any one has to do is to keep off my
grounds, and he won't get hurt."

The dog was gaining at every jump, but the boys had a good start, and
the distance to the barn was short. They covered it in fast time, and
almost fell inside the door. Fred and Bob had just time to swing it shut
and slip the bar in place, when Tig