He had made the crossing but he did not forget to be ready. He rapidly
reloaded his rifle, and fastened the pistols at his belt. Then he looked
through the bushes at the river. The two canoemen, water running from
them in streams, were on the other bank, though a little farther down the
stream. He believed that they were no longer silent. He fondly imagined
that they were cursing hard, if not loud.

His relief was so great that, forgetting his own bedraggled condition,
he laughed. Then he looked again to see what they were going to do.
A small man, his face shaded by the broad brim of a hat, emerged from
the woods and joined them. Dick was too far away to see his face, even
had it been uncovered, but his figure looked familiar. Nevertheless,
although he tried hard, he could not recall where he had seen him before.
But, as he carried a long-barreled rifle, Dick was sure that this was his
unknown pursuer. There had certainly been collusion also between him and
the men in the boat, as the three began to talk earnestly, and to point
toward the woods on the other side.

Dick felt that he had avenged himself upon the boatmen, but his rage rose
high against the little man under the broad-brimmed hat. It was he who
had followed him so long, and who had tried ruthlessly to kill him.
The lad's rifle was of the most improved make and a bullet would reach.
He was tempted to try it, but prudence came to his rescue. Still lying
close he watched them. He felt sure that they would soon be hunting for
his footprints, but he resolved to stay in his covert, until they began
the crossing of the river, to which his trail would lead when they found
it.

He saw them cease talking and begin searching among the woods. It might