“And he isn’t going very fast,” said Joe.
The deer might not have been going as fast as he could run. But still he managed to keep well ahead of the two boys. Perhaps, the animal knew, also, he could “step on it,” when the need came.
But the sight of the animal gave Teddy and Joe new hope and they somewhat increased their speed hoping to catch up to the deer before it reached Bailey’s Corners.
This was a small settlement, about three miles from Mason’s woods and meadow, and about half way between another large patch of woodland which had been taken over by the state as a forest park.
“If the deer gets into Oak Forest,” said Teddy, “we’ll never be able to trail him. It’s too big a stretch of woods.”
“That’s right,” agreed Joe. “We must capture him before he gets there.”
So they continued the chase.
Meanwhile Dick had reached a farmhouse where there was a telephone. His arrival, somewhat out of breath and excited, caused a little stir in the house. Mrs. Nixon, the farmer’s wife, who was the only one at home, gave Dick permission to use the telephone. She could not help hearing what he said to Teddy’s mother.
At first Dick was so excited he could hardly talk straight. It was not surprising, therefore, that Mrs. Benson did not quite understand all Dick said nor what he wanted.
“Is this a joke?” she asked. “Teddy, you and Joe wanting me to bring you things for a night camp?”