they
came once again to the woods, and here discovered a well-defined trail
running southwestward.

"This may be an animal trail for all we know," remarked Shadow. "For my
part, I can't tell one kind of trail from another."

"It's quite likely that a fellow like that wild man would use any trail
he came across, and so would anybody else trying to move around in a
wilderness like this," answered Dave. "I don't think it will do any harm
to follow it for some distance."

"Better keep your eyes open, Dave," cautioned Phil. "It may lead us into
danger."

"I've got my eyes wide open, and I've got the rifle handy, too,"
answered our hero, as he once more led the march forward.

The trail was very narrow in places, so that they had to walk in single
file. It made a long curve through the forest, and then came out in a
little clearing, backed up by a series of jagged rocks. Here there was
a small stream, and behind it a spring of pure, cold water.

"It looks to me as if the animals used this trail when they wanted a
drink," was Luke's comment. "That water looks pretty good to me," and
bending down, he took a deep draught. "It's fine," he went on; "try it!"

The others did as requested, and agreed with Luke that the water was as
good as any they had ever tasted. Then began more searching, and before
long they found another trail, this time veering to the westward.

The boys pushed forward once again, Dave still in the lead; and thus a
half mile more was covered. Then they found themselves between a number
of rocks where, presently, the trail seemed to lose itself.

"Say, Dave, we don't seem to be getting anywhere," announced Phil, as
having climbed over several very rough rocks, he stopped to regain his
breath.

"That's right!" broke in Luke. "And say, we had better go slow unless
somebody wants to sprain an ankle. This is the roughest ground I ever
tried to get over."

"It is easier walking just ahead," announced Dave, who now stood on the
top of one of the rocks, gazing forward. "Come on! I think I see the
trail too," and he made a leap from one rock to another and was soon
some distance in advance.

The rough rocks left behind, the boys came out on a trail which seemed
to come from the north and lead directly up a steep hillside well
covered with tall trees. Here the shade was very thick, and the slight
breeze that was stirring made the atmosphere decidedly cool.

"Wonder what time it is?" remarked Luke, and d