ough he nodded his head to announce that he
heard. Perhaps he was a little afraid lest Phil might try to swing
around over too large a circuit, and come in contact with some
detachment of the shingle-makers from the nearby settlement.

So Phil sauntered off. He realized that there was no excuse for his
wandering far, even had the mood been upon him, which was not the case.
The going was bad; and with night close at hand it would have been the
utmost folly to have started on a reconnoitering trip.

He simply swung around, and then from the rear approached the spot
where Larry was engaged in fishing. The other was evidently having
some luck, for Phil saw him take one good-sized bass from his hook; and
his eager actions would indicate that the finny tribe gave evidence of
being hungry.

It was far from Phil's intention to alarm his chum. He simply walked
toward him, meaning to speak when he arrived at a closer point; and
then so as not to disturb the fishing; for as an ardent sportsman Phil
believed that sounds would carry in the water, and frighten even hungry
bass.

He was therefore considerably surprised to see Larry suddenly start up,
and dropping his split bamboo rod in a panic, commence running down the
bank of the river, showing all the evidences of fright.

Phil glanced hurriedly around. It did not occur at once to him that
his own coming must have alarmed the timid Larry; and he half expected
to see some gruff swamp squatter heave in sight, as he sent that
inquiring look around.

There was nothing near to cause the alarm; not even a bear or a
wandering raccoon, so far as he could determine. Then it dawned upon
him that Larry must have discovered the apparently stealthy approach he
was making, and had naturally suspected that it was some would-be
abducter stealing up on him. And Larry seriously objected to being
thus carried off.

"Hey! where you going, you Larry?" Phil called out, as soon as he could
command his voice for laughing at the ridiculous figure his fat chum
presented, sprinting madly along the bank of the stream.

At that Larry slackened his speed, and even condescended to twist his
fat neck, so that he could send a look of inquiry back over his
shoulder. When he discovered that the supposed kidnapper was only his
chum, who seemed to be doubled up with merriment, Larry came to a full
stop. Then he started to slowly retrace his trail, shaking his head
and grumbling to himself.

"'Twa