"
"That's natural, my boy. But where did the thief go?"
"Came across the river about quarter of a mile above here."
"Then he had a boat?"
"Yes -- a craft painted brown, with a white stripe around her."
"That's Jerry Rodman's boat. He must have stolen her in the first
place to cross to your side."
"More than likely."
"But where did he go after he crossed the river?"
"Into the bushes, I guess. You see, Tom went overboard from the
tree and got struck, and I went to his assistance, so I didn't
notice exactly. I want to get back now and follow the rascal."
"I'll go along."
"I wish you would."
"In that case I won't try to keep up with you," put in Tom. "My
head is aching fit to split."
"Yes, you may as well take it easy," answered Dick. "But, say,
why not, walk up to the river road and see if the rascal heads in
this direction?"
"So I will, Dick. Will you go too, Sam?"
It was arranged that Sam should accompany and they set off
immediately, while Dick and Joel Darrel ran along the river bank
to where the rowboat had been abandoned.
Down where it was muddy it was easy to trace the tramp's
footprints, and they led through a meadow and across a cornfield,
coming out at a side road leading to the town of Oak Run.
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