Three times they really got off the trail; but fortunately their united vigilance told them of the fact before it was too late to remedy it easily. "Must be getting near George's place," grunted Thad, at last, for he was almost out of breath, what with their haste, and the necessity for keeping that head of his at all angles, so as to forestall any treachery on the part of the enemy, whom he felt sure must be dodging their trail all this time, waiting for a chance to get in a telling blow. "I'm afraid not. Seems to me Mr. Stallings said it was nearly a mile past the swamp; and you see we've just got to the worst of that." "All right, then; keep hoofing it, pard. We've just made up our minds that we're going to see George at home, and nothing ain't going to stop us. Get that?" declared Thad. "Just what I say. Come on again, if you've caught your wind." Again they pushed on. Their surroundings seemed even more dreadful than ever; and Maurice realized for the first time what a fearful place a swamp may seem, especially when danger is hovering about, and a hostile figure may spring out from behind any tree. Even the sudden harsh cawing of a crow that sprang up from the ground and lodged on a branch startled Thad; and when a rabbit bounded away through the brush alongside the road, Maurice involuntarily threw his Marlin half way up to his shoulder as though inclined to press the triggers. "I hope we left him behind," said Thad, presently, when, for the fiftieth time, he turned his head to look. "But I don't believe we did," replied the other instantly. "See here, you found that other footprint; what d'ye think of this?" "He's been here ahead of us, as sure as you live. Oh, look! That little twig jumped up into place right before my very eyes. Don't you see what that means, Maurice? He passed along here only a minute or so ahead of us. That twig didn't have time enough to get back to its position up to now. Phew! Perhaps he's laying for us further on." "Well, what if he is? Do we go on?" "Well, I guess yes. Let me carry the shooter now!" said Thad, as he reached out his eager if trembling hand. "Oh, no! What's the use changing? I'm as fresh as a daisy; and besides, that stick just fits your hand. I'll give him a scare if he tries to jump at us, never fear." "Just as you say, Maurice; only PLEASE don't get excited and fill me up with birdshot, instead of the thief." "No danger, if you keep where you belong, in the rear. There's some pretty suspicious looking trees ahead there, on both sides of the road. We want to watch close now, Thad. Once we get by here, I've a hunch the going may be better." "Yes," said Thad, whirling his shillalah around in a lively way, as a token of what he meant to do in case of an emergency.