McNally turned and shouted to the engineer, “Hold on up there a minute”; but the cry was unheard, and the long train continued slowly toward the curve. Smith, who had just brought the report to McNally, started up the platform in pursuit, but McNally stopped him.
“Never mind,” he said. “They won't go far. Now tell me about this fellow you've caught. Where was he?”
“Right over here in the woods; it's only a little way. Wilkins wanted you should come over there.”
“Go ahead,” said McNally. “Show me the way.”
The two men crossed the road and entered the woods by the path. It was still as black as midnight under the trees, and they felt their way cautiously. Just north of the farmhouse they left the path and stepped into the crackling underbrush. They had gone but a few paces when they were stopped by the sound of a low whistle close by at their left.
“There they are,” said the guide.
McNally started to follow him, but hesitated and then whispered:—
“I'll wait here. Send Wilkins out to me, will you?”
When Wilkins appeared McNally stepped back a little and looked around nervously before he spoke.
“Can they hear us?”