“It’s funny that he could have got away so quickly,” he said. “We were right on his heels.” “Perhaps it was Reuben,” said Mr. Norton suddenly. “I take it that he is mighty nimble on his feet.” “Yes; but I supposed he was in jail.” “Might have got out on bail. I’ve found out that they think a sight of the young miller in Bend Center.” “A good deal more than they do of his uncle, eh?” chuckled Yates. And then he and Avery broke out into a coarse laugh, in which Mr. Norton was forced to join. “Let us forget that,” said the latter finally. “It’s a good joke on me, I suppose; but we’ve got serious business ahead. Come, we will make for the shore again.” And he turned to do so. While they still hesitated, Avery flashed the rays of the lantern about; and to take advantage of the light thus afforded to get a good look at the two strangers, I leaned far down. In doing this I forgot to hold my cap, and presently it left my head, and before I could stop it, it went sailing straight to Mr. Norton’s feet. “What’s this?” he cried, starting back. Then he picked up the cap and examined it. “Reuben Stone’s cap!” he ejaculated. “I’ll wager a thousand dollars he’s up that tree!” CHAPTER XXIII. CAPTURED. Mr. Norton’s words made my heart leap into my throat. I dodged out of sight, but I felt it in my bones that I was about to be discovered. “Reuben Stone’s cap,” repeated Yates. “Are you sure?” “I certainly am.” “Then the boy must be up the tree,” put in Avery. “Hi, there! Come down out of that!” he called. Of course I paid no attention to this command. “Yes, Reuben, come down,” added Mr. Norton. “It will do no good to try to hide.” I remained silent, and for a moment the trio did the same. “We’ll have to go up after him,” I heard one of them say in a whisper. “Perhaps he’s got a gun,” put in another. “He wouldn’t dare to fire it.” “I don’t know about that. He’s a boy with lots of backbone.” Meanwhile I was calculating the chances of escape. It was dark on all sides, and that, I felt certain, would aid me greatly. Near the tree up which I was hiding was another tree much larger. Without making any noise I swung from one to the other, and got out on a limb that extended fully twenty feet away from the spot where the three men stood. “I’ll go up the tree,” I heard Mr. Norton say. “Reuben, you might as well come down,” he shouted. I kept silent; and getting Avery to aid him with the lantern, Mr. Norton began the ascent. I allowed him to get well into the branches before making any movement of my own. “Got him?” called Yates. “Not yet. Reuben!” At that instant I allowed myself to drop to the ground. I landed in a soft spot without making any noise. In an instant I made off at the top of my speed.