"One of 'em," cried the leader triumphantly, "I reckon the rest ain't far off. Scatter and search the point for 'em, boys,—but wait a bit, maybe this young cub can save us trouble."
But Walter had been thinking rapidly. If he was to save his chum it was no time for nice scruples. With a silent prayer for forgiveness, he waited the outlaws' questions.
The leader drew a revolver, cocked it, and presented it at the lad's head. "You can tell me the truth now or I'll blow your head off," he growled.
Walter's face took on an expression of fear and cringing terror far greater than he was really feeling. The brutal ruffian eyed this appearance of fear with every evidence of satisfaction. "Now I guess you'll answer my questions truthfully," he said threateningly. "First, where are your companions?"
"They left us in the darkness and we could not catch up with them. They must be way up the river by now," Walter stammered.
His questioner swore loudly. "Got past us, did they? Well, no matter, we'll get them easily now, we know for sure which stream they took."
Walter could hardly conceal his delight at having put the ruffian upon a false trail, but he was ready for the next question, which came quickly.
"How did you get here?"
"The canoe struck a log, capsized, and sank. I swam ashore."
"What became of the fellow in the boat with you?"