Mahaffy trod in the boy's steps, and the judge, puffing like an overworked engine, came close upon his heels.

In this way they continued to advance for an hour or more, then the boy paused.
"Go on!" commanded Mahaffy.
"Do you 'low the judge can stand it ?" asked Hannibal.
"Bless you, lad!" panted the judge feelingly.
"He's got to stand it--either that, or what do you suppose will happen to us if they start their dogs ?" said Mahaffy.
"Solomon's right--you are sure we are not going in a circle, Hannibal ?" "Yes, I'm sure," said Hannibal.

"Do you see that star?
My Uncle Bob learned me how I was to watch that star when I wanted to keep going straight." There was another long interval of silence.

Bit by bit the sky became overcast.

Vague, fleecy rifts of clouds appeared in the heavens.