"Of course, that would be the better way to throw them off the track," answered Alfred.
Acting on this advice, they promptly set out on the march, determined to make the best use of the darkness.
It did not take them long to reach the stream referred to by their late friend. The bridge was in sight, and they stopped, for they felt there was a problem of great importance to solve, and that was, whether or not to cross it and follow the stream on the other side.
"Let's go over, by all means, if we have a chance, as we'll have to do so sooner or later," said Alfred.
"Do you think so?" asked Ralph.
"Of course; Clavier is on the other side; I know that," said Alfred.
"Then come on; watch the road both ways," suggested Ralph.
They reached the bridge and ran across with all their might. They had not forgotten the warning given by the shopkeeper. Once across they turned to the left, and crossed the hedge which bordered the roadway. Keeping within the protection of the brush close to the stream they kept up a lively pace. It was now beginning to lighten up, the gray horizon in the east betokened the arrival of the sun.
Still they felt that they could keep on for a half-hour more, but before they had trudged along more than fifteen minutes another bridge appeared in sight, and almost at the same instant the dust on the road to the north showed some unusual activity which served as a warning.
Concealing themselves behind a convenient bush they awaited the arrival of the horsemen who could now be plainly seen. The four troopers who passed them at the outskirts of the town, were returning, an evidence to the minds of the boys that they were the objects of the search. The troopers crossed the bridge and followed up the stream, bringing them close to their hiding-place.