By the time they reached the spot where the trees joined branches across the dimly defined road both boys were in somewhat of a feverish state of apprehension. They looked at each hoary old trunk as if they believed every tree might conceal a crouching enemy, ready to leap out and attack them. Yet, strange to say, neither of them once thought of craning their necks in order to survey what lay above. Perhaps, had Thad done so, he might have received more or less of a shock just about that time. "Hark!" exclaimed Maurice, pulling up. "That was a shout, wasn't it?" demanded his chum, his eyes seeking those of the other instantly. "I'm dead sure it was, and not an owl," replied Maurice. "And it came from ahead there; didn't you think so?" "It certainly did. Listen, there's more of the same kind. Now what d'ye make of all that?" muttered Maurice. "Somebody's coming this way, for I can hear the sound of running. Say, perhaps it's the coons he told us about, the outlaws that live in the swamp! Mebbe the sheriff's posse has stirred 'em up like a hornet's nest, and they're on the jump!" Maurice looked annoyed. "If that's the case we ought to be hiding ourselves," he declared. "Yes, but just remember, boy, that there's another thing bothering us just now. What if we ran plump into the arms of that red-top who's laying for us?" "Well, then, let's drop down here behind a couple of these trees. Perhaps they'll go past and never get a peep of us," suggested the one who carried the double-barrel gun. "No use," chirped Thad, immediately. "And why not?" asked Maurice. "They saw us; they know we're here; that's why." "How do you know that?" "I just saw a feller bob up along the road there. He swung his arms over his head as he dropped down into another hollow. And look, ain't that some more of the bunch, topping the rise? I tell you, it's all off, Maurice; they've got us caged. Why, we can't run away, and all that's left is to stay here, grin and bear it." Thad sat down as though he believed it absolutely useless to take the least step toward seeking safety in flight, but, indeed, both of them were already partly winded with their efforts, so that anything in the line of running might be deemed mere madness. "Hide the packet then, quick! Stick it under that root there, while no one is looking. Perhaps we can fool them yet!" hissed Maurice, as a brilliant idea flashed through his brain. "Bully for you, my boy! That's the ticket." While he was speaking Thad drew the small package from his inside pocket, where he had been carefully keeping it since leaving the boat, and with one quick nervous movement thrust the same out of sight under the convenient root. No sign remained of his action, and he was fain to believe that no human eyes save his own and those of Maurice could have witnessed the act. But it was not so.