knowledge came
the thought that Hiram might have been shot down, or, failing to
continue a true course, was doubling here and there with the pursuers
close upon his heels.

I ran as never before, straining every nerve and muscle in the race as
one will when he knows that a prison awaits him if he be overtaken, and
it was well the road was no longer, for when finally I dashed in under
the broken timbers of the old wharf my breath was coming so short and
thick that I question if I had been able to advance twenty paces
further. I was hidden from view, but had any come in search of me they
must have heard my heavy breathing, or the beating of my heart, which
was thumping like a trip-hammer.

Lying upon the wet mud and seaweed, for the tide was luckily at about
half-ebb, I strove desperately to regain my breath and my strength so
that I might have both at command if by some chance the lobster backs
got an inkling of my whereabouts.

How long I remained there it is impossible to say, for at such times a
minute seems a whole hour. I only know that I had recovered in a great
measure from the fatigue of the race when there came to my ears the
sound of footsteps approaching the hiding place, and in a twinkling I
was on my knees ready to spring out in either direction if the
red-coated pursuer showed himself, for at that time I had no doubt but
what he who thus advanced was in search of me. You see I had for the
instant almost the same as forgotten that Hiram Griffin, if not a
prisoner, or Archie, if by some lucky chance he had escaped, would
strive to meet me at that place.

During the merest fraction of time I gave myself up to fear, and then,
my mind clearing and common sense returning, I crept softly out, still
keeping within the shadow of the timbers, until I could see against the
sky the form of him who was coming toward the hiding place.

One glance was sufficient to show that it was Hiram Griffin, and even
then when my mind was in such a whirl, I said to myself that he must be
a keen lad who could find his way thus deftly across a strange town.

Standing up that he might see me and know in what direction to advance,
I held out both hands, welcoming him when he was come near, as we
welcome those who have literally escaped from the jaws of death.

"I'm thinking that we best not do much in the way of tongue wagging
while standing here in the open," he said, speaking with difficulty
because of his heavy breathing, and