“Are you going back with us?” asked the constable of Bart and Harry.
“Certainly we are,” answered Harry. “My brother and I want to learn what became of his watch, if we can.”
It was not long after this that big Jim Bowman was found, a lumberman reputed to be the strongest fellow for miles around. He said he would go willingly, and took with him a stout club.
“Don’t much need it,” he said to the young hunters. “When I get in a mix-up I like to use my fists.”
“Well, it’s a good thing to know how to use your fists sometimes,” answered Bart.
The late moon was now coming up, so the roadway was lighter than it had been. Both Bart and Harry were tired because of all the tramping they had done, yet they did their best to keep up with the others. Jim Bowman led the way, taking strides that no one could have equaled.
“He must know how to handle lumber,” whispered Harry to Bart. “Just notice how muscular he is.”
“It is the constant outdoor life that has made him so strong, Harry.”
On they went until the bypath was gained. The constable had brought along a lantern, but this was not lit, for the rising moon was making it lighter every minute.
At last they halted and Harry gave a low whistle—a signal which had been agreed upon. A low whistle came in return, and almost immediately Joel Runnell came into view. He knew the constable by sight and Samuel Libby personally and nodded to them.