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Rh a subdued whistle from the house and Fudge waved to him.

"Come on," he called in a cautious whisper. "I've got it. And the sneakers, too." He glanced a trifle apprehensively over his shoulder while he awaited Perry's arrival and when the latter had joined him he led the way along the side path in a quiet and unostentatious manner suggesting a desire to depart unobserved. Once out of sight of the house, however, his former enthusiasm returned. "We'll climb over the fence," he announced. "I know a place where it isn't hard. Of course, we ought to have a pistol to start with, but I guess it will do if I just say 'Go!'" He stopped indecisively. "Gordon has a revolver," he said thoughtfully. "We might borrow it. Only, maybe he isn't home. I haven't seen him all day."

"Never mind, we don't need it," said Perry, pulling him along. "He'd probably want to go along with us, Fudge, and I don't want any audience. I dare say I won't be able to run fast at all."

"Well, you mustn't expect too much the first time," warned the other. "A chap's got to be in condition, you know. You'll have to train and—and all that. Ever do any hurdling?"

"No, and I don't think I could."

"It isn't hard once you've caught the knack of it.