As quietly as they could, Pender and Berry began sneaking off to one side, avoiding the light cast by the camp-fire.
“Shall I let ’em go or stop ’em?” debated Broswick with himself. “Guess I’ll let ’em go. We don’t want ’em, for they’re more trouble than they’re worth. But I’ll give ’em a good scare.”
He raised his gun and fired two shots in the air, over the heads of the escaping man and boy. Their frightened yells told how startled they were.
In an instant the camp was in confusion. Every one awoke, Nestor standing ready with a revolver in either hand.
“What’s the matter?” he cried.
“Only Noddy coming back for his two friends,” replied Broswick.
“Have they escaped?”
The hunter raised his hand to indicate silence. A crashing of the underbrush told in which way the fugitives were heading.
“There they go,” said Broswick.
The sheriff had quickly assured himself that Stoneham was still securely bound.