But the rearmost hares were still a good half mile away.

Then the hares disappeared into a forest, leaving only the paper trail as evidence of their presence.
"Brook ahead!" sang out Captain Dick.

"Go easily and save some of your wind for jumping." In a minute more they came to it.

Most of the hounds knew when to start on the faster run that must precede the running jump.
Splash! splash.
Splash! spla-a-ash! Four of the freshmen floundered in the knee-deep water.

Well doused, they must none the less dash out of the cold water and continue on the chase.
"Keep a-moving, and you'll soon be dry and warm," Dick called backward over his shoulder.