And then the warbling ceased and the peculiar call of the catbird was heard.
Instantly the two prisoners were on their feet and making for the wood.
They had got some yards before their movement was noticed.
At once the soldiers seized their guns, and a volley was fired after the fugitives.
The shots did not reach the mark, and pursuit was commenced.
Allen heard the catbird again and again, and by its sound guided his footsteps.
The soldiers were close behind and were gaining every minute, but the Mountain Boys ran pluckily, for it was a race for life in reality.
They rushed into the dense wood and followed the narrow path, which was really a deer run.
Some of the soldiers fired again, and a ball struck a tree and ricochetted, injuring the leader of the little band of pursuers.
The accident made the men more furious, and they ran so fast that it seemed Allen and Baker must certainly fall into their hands.