Page:Fairview Boys and their Rivals.djvu/60



heard some object come rolling and ripping its way along from the top of the bluff. It mowed down grass, snapped off bushes, and, striking a rock, bounded up like a rubber ball.

"It's a pumpkin," said Bob. "Here she comes! Crackey!"

The pumpkin cut through the vines that sheltered the tramp and his friend. The man with the green patch over one eye seemed to have heard it coming.

He half arose, and just then the great yellow sphere struck him. He went flat as a pancake. The pumpkin rolled over him, struck a tree, and was smashed into a thousand pieces.

"Uh! what's this now?" spluttered the tramp, as pieces of rind, seeds and fiber rained over his body and face.

"Get out of this!" cried his companion.

"Yes, 'tain't safe."

"It's them boys. They've seen us, and are playing tricks on us."

"Let's make ourselves scarce, then."

Bob was about ready to laugh at the comical event of the moment. Just then, however, he had all he could do to take care of himself.

A second pumpkin came bounding down the bluff side. It took Bob across the ankles, and swept him off his feet. He was thrown headlong to the ground, doubled up like a ball.