Biff Hooper doubled up his fist with satisfaction.
"I knocked my man colder than a sardine," he declared.
It was nearing dawn. The first faint streaks of light were appearing in the eastern sky.
"I wonder where that boat went," said Chet suddenly. "Perhaps it's still near the island."
"It wasn't one of the boats belonging to the gang, anyway, by the way those two fellows were talking. If we could get a hiding place a little nearer the shore we might be able to see it."
"Yes—let's get out of this thicket."
Quietly, the boys began to withdraw from the deep thicket in which they had become entangled. But the branches cracked underfoot and seemed to have the brittleness of matchwood. The chums were afraid they would be heard.
"Better stay where we are," muttered Chet.
They remained motionless for some time, and the swift dawn soon began to paint the sky. The darkness diminished and the boys could now see one another plainly, and could see the extent of the deep thicket in which they had become enmeshed.
"Now let's try to get out," said Chet.