llowing spring.

Abe heard their shouts and greeted them warmly. Of course, he was
interested on discovering that they had captured the two tramps, and
admitted that there could be no reasonable doubt of their guilt, once
he heard the story, and saw Shorty's scorched hand.

But the boys did not mean to stay over night at the lake. That would
make their next day's journey too long, for they hoped to get into
Stanhope before the setting of another sun.

Tolly Tip said good-bye sorrowfully. He concluded that he might as
well stay with Abe that night for company.

"'Tis harrd to say ye go away, lads," the old woodsman told them, as
he wrung each scout's hand with a vim that made him wince. "Depind on
it, I'll often think av ivery one av ye as the days crape along.
Here's a good luck to the whole bunch! And be sure to remimber me to
Mr. Garrity."

"We will, Tolly Tip, and here's three cheers for you!" cried Bobolink;
and no doubt the vigorous shouts that arose would ring pleasantly in
the ears of the old woodsman for many a day.

The boys managed to cross the lake and use their iceboats in the
bargain, for the violence of the wind had kept most of the surface
clear of snow. It was a new experience to the two vagrants, and one
they hardly fancied; though the boats they were placed on did not make
any remarkable time, the breeze being very light.

Once on the Radway river, the boys found it necessary to drag the
boats pretty much all the way. They kept on, however, until the sun
was setting, and then concluded to camp for the night.

Paul knew that this would be the time when the most danger would arise
concerning the possible escape of the prisoners. He was more than ever
determined that such a catastrophe should not occur, even if he
himself had to sit up and keep watch all through the night.

The boys chose a very good spot for a camp, in that there was an
abundance of loose wood at hand that could be used for fuel. Jud also
suggested that they build two fires, so that they would have a certain
amount of warmth on either side.

"That's a good idea," said Paul, falling in with it immediately, for
he saw how it would simplify matters in connection with their
prisoners.

He did not dare allow these men to have the freedom of their arms, for
there could be no telling what they might not attempt in the desire to
gain their freedom. And with their hands tied the lack of circulation
might cause their extremities to f