Shep decided to run without the snowshoes and both lads took off the articles. Then Snap donned the skates and hurried off at his best rate of speed.
"If he won't stop—shoot at him!" called Shep after his chum.
"I certainly will!" responded Snap, who was worked up more than he cared to admit.
Snap had quite a stretch of clear ice, but further on was a long drift of snow over which he made but slow progress. But then came another clear stretch and he spun along, his skates skirring merrily at every sturdy stroke.
Snap was within a hundred yards of the man with the sled when the latter chanced to look around. At once the youth yelled at him.
"Stop, you thief! Stop!"
The man was startled and slackened his pace. Then, when he saw the youth raise his shotgun, he let up a cry of fear.
"Don't shoot! Please don't shoot!"
"Kiddy Leech!" ejaculated Snap, recognizing the tramp. "Stop, you rascal, or it will be the worse for you!"
To this the tramp did not reply. Instead, he ran to one side of the river, and plunged into some bushes. Beyond was a thick growth of trees, and he lost no time in hiding himself among these.