on, youngster, if the rest are willing."

Jerry and Hamp had no objections to offer. They knew that Brick was
eager for the chase, and they saw no reason why he should not accept the
friendly offer of the two genial strangers. It was his money and his
watch that were at stake.

Brick filled his belt with fresh cartridges, and shouldered his rifle.
Then he started briskly down stream with Raikes and Bogle.

As soon as they rounded the bend, the party found the channel frozen
tightly from shore to shore. They crossed over and went up the other
side. They soon found Sparwick's trail, leading off from the Mallowgash
at a right angle. After apprising Jerry and Hamp of this fact by a
shrill whistle--the signal agreed upon--they took up the chase.

For a mile they pushed on through heavy forest and rocks. The men went
at a rapid pace, and Brick easily kept up with them.

"We'll overhaul the rascal before long," assured Raikes. "You'll get
back to your companions in time for dinner."

But at the end of another mile Sparwick was still invisible; nor did
the scant-marks of his snowshoes appear to be particularly fresh. He
evidently suspected pursuit, and was moving at his top speed.

Presently the trail turned due north. During the next half hour the
pursuers caught an occasional glimpse of Chesumcook Lake from high
ground. They pushed steadily on, until Brick began to feel a little
weary. He admitted as much to his companions.

"Don't give up yet, my lad," said Raikes. "Now that you've come this
far, you may as well finish. The rascal can't keep ahead of us long."

"And when we get your watch and money, we'll take you part of the way
back," added Bogle.

"If you'll do that, it's all right," replied Brick. "It's a long
distance to where we left the boys, and I might get lost by myself. It
must be dinner time now."

"I reckon it is," admitted Raikes.

He looked up at the sun, which was dimly visible through a bank of
fleecy clouds.

"Shall we have a bite to eat?" asked Bogle, glancing at the sled.

Raikes shook his head.

"Better not stop now," he replied. "Every minute is precious."

They pushed on rapidly, spurring Brick to greater efforts by repeated
words of cheer. Now and then they bent over to examine Sparwick's trail,
or whispered together in low tones.

An hour after midday, a strip of open ground was reached. It had
probably been devastated at one time by a forest fire.

Sparwick's trail led across