"Jack is strong enough to carry us a long way," he added, "and since he is close at hand I can lead him out on the open plain, where we shall gain such a good start that there will be little chance of their overtaking us."
"No doubt ye are corrict."
"Then let's do it without throwing away another moment."
He turned hurriedly to carry out his own purpose, when his comrade laid his hand on his arm and detained him.
"I think, Warry," he said, in a low voice, "that ye've forgot one matter—yer fayther, mither, and Dot."
"Gracious! how came I to do that? Here I set out to hunt for them, and when they were as good as found I turn my back upon them, and think only of my own safety."
"Ye are excoosable, since ye have been upsit by the thrifling occurrences that have been going on this day."
"Take me to the spot where you left their trail," added Warren, with unusual excitement, "and we'll never leave it until we join them; we shall escape or die together."
The youths moved like those who knew that the question of life and death must be settled within a few minutes.