“It strikes me that we have no time to waste, if we want to overhaul the United States Marshal and the Sheriff,” Alex declared. “And we might give a thought to Case while we are out looking the others up. Beats the dickens how we do get scattered!”
“All right,” agreed Jule, “if you want to start right now. I’m ready, only it won’t do you any good to tell how hungry you are before you’ve gone a mile. If you drag me off without a chance to change my clothes, I’ll see that you don’t get anything to eat until we get back!”
“But suppose I should find the fish, what about that?” Alex replied, starting away.
The moon was up above the tops of the trees now, and was at the full. It was a splendid night, and the boys enjoyed it greatly as they hastened along.
“Which way?” asked Jule.
“I don’t know,” replied Alex. “The counterfeiters’ cave is downstream, but the two men who were found in hiding under a bush gave them a run before they were caught, and I’m all at sea.”
“Which way did Case go?”
“Again I don’t know.”
“Well, we must decide on something pretty soon or it will be morning before we reach a conclusion,” Jule suggested.
That was a long night for those who remained on the Rambler. The hours dragged slowly, with no word from the boys.