yond
Fred, and the latter after a few minutes going on past Samson, till they
were well in among the trees, and not far from the steep rocky bank
where the passage came down to the lake.

For the first time since the discovery, Fred went on without recalling
that day when they drained the place, for he was too eager to go in
search of Nat, who must be, he felt sure, lying somewhere in the wood,
weak and suffering, and praying for their help.

"Now," said Samson, at last, "let's carry our rods a little way in and
hide 'em with the basket, ready for us when we've done. I may pitch the
pot o' worms away now, sir, mayn't I?"

"No, no; put them with the basket. There, in that bush--that's the
place."

The rods were thrust in amongst the thick undergrowth, and then Fred
took a final look round, seeing nothing, and then leading the way,
easily enough now by day, for the displaced twigs showed to their
practised eyes where they had passed before.

But even now it was no easy task to achieve before they came to the
fallen oak, with its two mighty trunks, the one living, the other dead.

Then they stopped--startled; for there was a loud rustling, the leaves
and twigs were forced apart, and for the moment they felt that they were
discovered.

"Only a rabbit," said Samson, coolly, as the sound died away. "What a
noise them little chaps can make, Master Fred! Go along."

"No, no; stop," cried Fred.

"It was only a rabbit, sir."

"Yes, I know; but don't you see?"

"See what, sir?"

"If there have been rabbits here, it's a sure sign that Nat is not in
his hiding-place."

"Yes; I didn't think of that," said Samson, taking off his steel cap to
give his head a scratch. "Never mind, sir; go on. He may have been
back and gone out for a walk. It's just like him; being as awk'ard and
contrary as can be."

Fred hesitated a moment or two, and then, feeling depressed and
disappointed, thinking that the poor faithful follower of the Markhams
was sharing their misfortunes, and perhaps lying dead hidden among the
bushes, he took a step or two further on, pressed the twigs aside, and
peered into the verdant tunnel Nat had made his temporary home.

"He is not here," he said sadly, as he crept in.

"Nor yet been there, sir?"

"No! Yes," cried Fred, changing his tone from one full of despondency
to the very reverse. "He has been here, Samson. The food is all gone."

"Don't shout, sir. We may be heard. But that don't