Suddenly the group surrounding Frank seemed to break apart. The members
of the first year class, who had been pulling and hauling him this way
and that, drew off. At the same time a cry sounded.
"This way, First Years!"
Off through the darkness, out of the cow-yard, moved a mass of boys.
"We've beaten them off!" cried Bart exultantly.
"Yes but they're taking Ned with them!" shouted Frank.
Only a few of the members of the nine heard what he said, so great was
the shouting and confusion. Frank tried to make himself understood. He
ran toward Bart, but several of the Upside Down boys got in his way and
prevented him. When at last he was able to make Bart understand what had
happened the group surrounding Ned was out of the yard.
"We must get them!" yelled Bart as he caught Frank's meaning. "Come
on, fellows!"
There was a rush for the gate, but when Bart and his friends reached it
they found it was fastened. All the Upside Down boys had disappeared. A
dark mass of them could be seen hurrying across the fields, seeming to
bear some burden in their midst.
"They've got Ned!" cried Bart.
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