The four students remembered the part of the big woods which had been gone over before and consequently they did not attempt to search for Frank Bond in that direction. They struck out over a small hill and then along somewhat of a hollow, though which ran a small creek that flowed into the Leming River.
The way was rough and uncertain, and several times they had fairly to force their progress through the bushes. Once Buster Beggs got caught so thoroughly that the others had to turn back to aid him.
"Do you think Frank could have come in this direction?" questioned Roger. "How could he get through?"
"A fellow who is half crazy will do all sorts of queer things," answered Dave. "And as we couldn't find him in the other part of the woods, it appears to me as if he must have come this way."
Over an hour was spent in searching along the creek, but without avail. They called Frank's name a great number of times, but not a sound came back save the call of the birds.
"I shouldn't like to run across any snakes," said Buster Beggs.
"I don't believe there are any very bad snakes in this woods," answered Ben.
They now made another turn and came up to the face of a rocky cliff. Suddenly Dave leaped forward.
"Look! look!" he cried, and held up a handkerchief covered with blood. In one corner were the initials, F. A. B.
"Frank A. Bond," said Roger. "We must be on the right track."