Page:Hugh Pendexter--The young timber-cruisers.djvu/308

 shows up,” finally remarked Pete in a tone that carried to the strained hearing of the pale faced youths.

“We stick right here. Either that old hound will come back, or else he’s taken fright and is now being hunted by Nick. Lucky Nick found that campfire they thought they’d hid, and then located the lean-to!”

The youths knew that Abner was meant by “old hound” and each prayed fervently that he would escape capture.

“He won’t stand a ghost of a show,” continued Pete. “He hasn’t any gun with him.”

“How do you know he hasn’t?” cried out Bub.

Pete grinned wolfishly. “Cause Nick found out ye only had two rifles when he first began stalking ye,” he explained. “And here be both on ’em now.”

“Let me warn ye,” cautioned Joe with an oath, “that if ye try to give any signal I’ll cut yer throats.” And he pulled out a murderous looking knife to accent his threat.

Even as he appreciated his danger Stanley was thankful that it was due to no error of his that the half-breed had found their trail. He was also thankful that none of the evil gang knew of his discovery in the woods. At first