So saying, he led the way at an easy lope to the southward. They had proceeded a little distance, when again they heard the three shots, this time much nearer.
Breaking into a swift run, they were soon at the source of the call for help.
Laying on the ground, his foot caught in a wicked looking steel trap, was an elderly man. In a feeble tone, he hailed the boys.
"Thank God you've come, boys. I fear in a little while more I should have been too weak to try and summon help. Release me from this trap."
Garry and Dick sprang to the trap, which had closed on the man's ankle, while Phil attempted to lift him up.
"Easy, my boy, easy, my arm's broken. That's why I was unable to release myself sometime ago. I could only reach one spring with my good arm, and even that effort so twisted my leg that I fainted and had to give up attempting it."
While he had been speaking, the two boys had released the springs, and bending back the teeth, released the man's leg. He gave a groan of relief, while trying to raise himself up.
"Better take it easy, sir, while I look you over and see what the extent of your injuries are," said Garry.
Taking his knife, the boy slit the leg of the corduroy trousers, and then carefully rolled the woolen sock down. This disclosed an ugly looking swollen leg. Very gently he felt of the leg, and then asked the man if he could move his foot. After trying, the old man found he could.
"Guess it's not broken, just very badly bruised and swollen," remarked Garry cheerfully.