"What seems to be the general expectation?"
"The trouble is just there—the expectation is altogether too general. Some think we're on their trail, others that we're following the other side the river down, and waiting for the chance to let drive at 'em, while one, at least, feels certain we're coming up the stream to meet 'em."
"Is that their dispute?"
"A part of it, of course, but the trouble is—what to do. Some want to strike off in the woods and take a roundabout way to reach home; but the greatest number want to cross the stream at this point."
"They'll probably do it then."
"Of course they will—no; I'll be shot if they ain't going further into the woods!" suddenly exclaimed Tom.
"They're going to start in a minute, too. Get ready, boys, for a rush—it's all we can do."
"Hold still a minute," commanded Tom, excitedly.
Then dropping his rifle, he ran down to the river's edge, and picked up several large pebbles, one of which he placed in his right hand as if about to throw it.
"What are you going to do with that?" asked Dick.