"If I could only leave the boat and follow him," he said to himself eagerly. But he decided at once that this would never do. It would inevitably excite Bowman's suspicion, and then his chance of success would be wholly gone. He must be cautious at all hazards.
He did not return to the middle of the lake, but rowed lazily along the shore, from time to time directing a glance toward the woods.
"To-morrow I will make an excuse for not going with Bowman, and will come out here and do a little exploring myself," he resolved.
At one point his attention was drawn to a boy who was sitting under a tree near the edge of the water.
"May I get into your boat?" he asked.
"For a short time. A gentleman is with me who has gone on shore for a little while."
"I know. I've seen him here often."
"Have you?" asked Fred with interest. "So he comes here a good deal, does he?"
"Yes, he comes here mostly alone, and goes into the woods. Once me and another boy got into the boat and rowed while he was gone."
"I suppose he enjoys walking in the woods."