“I’ll go up the tree,” I heard Mr. Norton say.
“Reuben, you might as well come down,” he shouted.
I kept silent; and getting Avery to aid him with the lantern, Mr. Norton began the ascent.
I allowed him to get well into the branches before making any movement of my own.
“Got him?” called Yates.
“Not yet. Reuben!”
At that instant I allowed myself to drop to the ground. I landed in a soft spot without making any noise. In an instant I made off at the top of my speed.
I would have escaped but for one thing. Just as I started to run, Avery flashed the lantern full upon me. It was a purely accidental movement, but it revealed me to both him and Yates.
“There is the boy now!” he exclaimed.
“Where?” cried Mr. Norton.