matter how long a chase they lead us. We shall come together
somewhere on the road; but it won't be a bad plan for you to take a
little of this money. If we had only bought some grub last night things
would be in better shape."

"I can get along without food for a week if there is any hope of helping
Sam."

"The whole thing will be cleared up providin' we don't loose sight of
them. Here's the money, an' now I'll be off. You'd best crawl nearer
before the sun rises."

With a pressure of the hand Bill started, making a wide detour around
the encampment, and Fred was alone, trying hard to repress a tremor of
excitement which was causing him to tremble as if in an ague fit.

After waiting half an hour, and assuring himself that Bill was well off,
Fred began an advance, working his way from bush to bush until
convinced he could approach no nearer with safety.

By this time the sun had risen, and his rays falling upon the faces of
the sleepers, awakened them.

Both sprang to their feet, and Gus began building the fire while his
companion was busily engaged at something among the bushes--preparing
food for cooking, as Fred thought.

"Then you still think we oughter leave here?" Gus said, interrogatively.

"Yes, an' the sooner the better. There's no knowin' when that feller's
friends may come sneakin' around agin. We'll hurry up with the
breakfast, an' start when it's over."

The boys had quite an outfit, as Fred could now see. A frying-pan,
coffee-pot, tin cups, plates, and a bag well filled with provisions.

Gus acted the part of cook, and soon the odor of hot coffee was wafted
in the direction of the watcher, causing him to feel the need of
something to eat.

But little conversation was indulged in during the preparations for the
meal. Gus' companion did not show himself until everything was ready,
and then he ate hurriedly as if time was too precious to admit of
talking.

"Now let's divide the load," the boy said, as he leaped to his feet and
began tying the cooking utensils together. "If you'll see to the grub,
I'll take care of these."

Fred gazed intently, expecting to see the money exposed to view; but no
mention was made of it.

Gus shouldered the bag; his companion swung the remainder of the
baggage over his shoulder, and the two started, walking rapidly around
the mountain on a course which would carry them to the eastward at right
angles with the railroad track.

Fred followed, remaining as far