When the chance came, and Maurice stopped for a breathing spell, the second relay came into action; and once more the chips flew as the fallen oak branches were cut into stove lengths.
By the time it came Thad's turn again to rest he wandered off, much to the amusement of Maurice, who knew whither his thoughts must be roving.
Just as he swung the ax above his head for a downward stroke he received an electric shock.
Thad was calling his name, calling in an excited tone, too, as if there was dire need of the other's presence.
"Bring the gun! bring the gun!"
That seemed to be the tenor of the shouts; and as he dropped his tool Maurice swooped up the Marlin, which was standing against an adjoining tree, and jumped for the river bank.
He knew that whatever had happened Thad wanted him at the water's edge; and it was in that direction he hastened as fast as his legs could carry him.
Twice in his haste he fell down, tripping over trailing vines; for the continued shouts of his chum startled him.
And when he burst out of the thicket, to stand on the river bank, close to where Thad was yelling, this was what he saw:
A row-boat was speeding down the river, urged on by the lusty movements of a red-headed man who was sitting in it; Thad danced about on the deck of the swamp, pointing after the fleeing party, and calling on Maurice to "give him both barrels, the thief!"