With a warning gesture to his companions, Joe moved farther away from the cabin, and stood in a listening attitude.
In a second more, he turned about, jumped back to the valise and began throwing the things into it in the greatest haste.
Treasure Trove
"Hurry up, all of us!" said he in a thrilling whisper. "The men are coming down the path. I don't know whether or not they have seen anything to arouse their suspicions, but they are moving very cautiously, and talking in low tones. There you are," he added, when all the things that Tom had taken out of the valise had been crowded promiscuously into it again. "Grab it up and run with it before Bugle gives tongue to let them know that we are here. Bob and I will cover your retreat."
Tom lost not a moment in acting upon this suggestion. In less time than it takes to tell it, they had all disappeared in the bushes.
Tom made good time toward the first bend in the brook, hoping to get out of sight before the men had opportunity to discover that their camp had been disturbed during their absence, and he accomplished his object.
As soon as he passed the first bend, and left the camp out of sight, Tom turned into the bushes and scrambled up the bluff, his watchful guard following close behind him.
Knowing full well that the robbers were thoroughly armed, and that it would be an easy matter for them to bushwack them during their retreat, the boys did not relax their vigilance in the slightest degree when they reached the top of the cliff, and neither did they neglect to cover their flight by making use of every tree, rock and bush that came in their way.
The experience they had gained in stalking the wild game of the hills stood them in good stead now, and so stealthy were they in their movements that the dry leaves that covered the ground scarcely rustled beneath their tread.