In a short time they came in view of the farm-house.
This had scarcely been done when Tim caught sight of a man with his head swathed in bandages rush out of the house to the stable from whence he soon emerged on horseback.
He gave one glance back at the stage and then, plunging spurs into his steed's flanks, he dashed away.
Off he went across the rolling country at a furious pace, his peculiar action at once arresting Tim's attention.
The old sailor only had one eye, but it was a good one, for no sooner had he seen the fugitive's face when he recognized him as that mercenary member of the James Boys' gang called Wood Hite, and noted as a desperate ruffian.
"Gee whiz!" gasped Tim.
"What's the matter?" asked Jack.
"Thar goes Wood Hite!"
"Is that so?"
"Ay, an' his head is all bandaged!"