"And yet it may be within a comparatively short distance of us," said
Russ, as cheerfully as he could. "Only the woods are so dense that we
can't see it, and if our voices and the sounds of the gun carry to the
_Magnolia_ those aboard can't tell from which direction they come."

They had been keeping on in the course first decided on--southeast--and
there were many twists and turns to the trail.

"Would it be any better to get out and walk?" asked Ruth.

"I think not," said Russ. "The boat is really easiest and best for us."
He did not say so, but he thought that if they had to spend another night
in the open the boat would be absolutely necessary. So they remained
aboard.

At noon they tied up, and went ashore to eat the last of the food. Only a
little coffee remained, and as the final meagre crumbs were disposed of
each one feared to look the others in the face.

What would be next--where would the next meal come from?

No one could answer.

"Well, we'd better move on, I suppose," suggested Russ, after a pause.
"No good staying here."

"That's the idea," agreed Paul, trying to speak cheerfully.

He glanced at the two girls. Ruth's lips were quivering, and she seemed
on the verge of tears. Alice was bearing up better, but she, too, showed