Fred crept on, and again stretched out his hand.
“Now you have him, sir?”
“No,” said Fred, with a throb of excitement sending a thrill through him; “he is not here.”
“There, what did I tell you!” said Samson, in a satisfied tone. “You would be so obstinate. This aren’t the place.”
“But it is,” whispered Fred. “I can feel where he laid. The twigs are all levelled down.”
“Nonsense, sir!”
“I tell you I am right; it’s the hole he made for himself. This is the place, and— Hah!”
“Got him?”
“No; but here is your jerkin that you left to cover him.”
“Then you are right, sir. Well, feel about more.”