"If we could only get a shot at him," said Sam, longingly.
In headlong pursuit, at a speed which would have seemed impossible a few moments before, they dashed up the slope. Strategy, for the moment, was forgotten.
Breathing hard, the boys reached the place where the buck had been.
"Look at his tracks, fellows!" cried Bob. "He went off right toward those woods."
"We may get a shot at him yet."
"Don't believe there's any chance of it."
"Come on, anyway!" exclaimed Sam Randall.
The boys had no difficulty in following the tracks, but the sad realization that their efforts would lead to nothing soon forced itself upon them.
"I can't keep up this gait," gasped Sam, his tones evincing the greatest disappointment.
"Neither can I," said Bob.