A large hollow tree stood close to the edge of the river, and into this they climbed, and being very tired they were soon fast asleep.
They were awakened by voices.
"It's men!" whispered Otto, clutching Knut's arm in terror. "Oh, why did we ever run away! They'll be sure to find us!"
"Be quiet, Otto," muttered Knut. "Do you want them to hear? Lie still, and I'll think of some way to escape."
"Are you sure this is the right tree?" said a man's voice.
"Don't you see the mark?" asked another. "The Forester put it on himself; though it's rather high up. You'd better begin work at once, or you'll not get through with it before he comes round again."
This was awful. Otto trembled so that he could hear his own teeth chattering; but Knut kept his presence of mind, and poking his brother warningly, said in a hoarse whisper,
"Wait till I give the signal, and then jump out after me as high in the air as you can. Follow me till I tell you to stop."
An echoing blow resounded against the tree trunk, which made Knut fly up like a sky-rocket.
"Now!" he cried, and bounding on to the edge of the opening, he jumped right over the heads of the woodmen into the tangled bushes, followed by Otto, and away they raced through the forest, before the astonished men could recover themselves.