I made no reply, but continued to retreat. In a moment the whole party were in pursuit.
“We must catch him, whoever he is,” cried Mr. Norton. “I shouldn’t wonder if it is one of the fellows that followed me in the boat.”
“Why not leave him go and skip ourselves?” asked Yates, halting.
“No, no,” put in Avery. “If he is alone he will put others on our track. He has overheard all we have said. Catch him!”
And they made after me with renewed vigor.
But I was nimble of foot, and was soon a fair distance away. In front of me I saw a large cedar-tree, and it did not take me long to climb into this and secrete myself among the branches.
As I did so, the party burst into the vacant space below.
“Phew! but he can run, whoever he is,” exclaimed Avery, puffing.
“Listen!” cried Mr. Norton; and they all did so.