The boys pushed on for several hundred feet, and there found that the trail came to an end at a spring of water which gushed forth from between several rocks. Beyond this point was a heavy mass of practically impenetrable forest.
“Doesn’t look as if we could go any farther in this direction,” remarked Andy, his face falling as he gazed around.
“No. I guess we’ve got to go back,” answered the young major.
“Wait a second. I’m going to have a drink,” cried Fred, and bent down to partake of the clear, cool water of the spring.
All were thirsty, and they spent a full minute in refreshing themselves. They were just turning away from the spring when they heard a shout followed presently by three gunshots in rapid succession.
“They’ve discovered our escape and that’s a signal to warn the others!” ejaculated Jack. “Now we’ve got to be careful or they’ll catch us sure.”
How to turn the boys did not know. They could not go ahead, and they did not want to backtrack on the trail for fear of running into some of their enemies. To climb the mountainside was practically impossible, and it looked almost as dangerous to attempt to descend between the uncertain rocks and dense brushwood.
“Well, it’s suicide to stay where we are,” was the way Andy expressed himself.
“Can’t do it,” added his twin.