"Tie that cub's hands behind him," was Black's next order.

"Now, bring him along." 'Gene Black led the way back from the track and into the woods for a few rods.

Then the party wheeled, going eastward in a line parallel with the track.
Tom did not speak during the journey.

It was not his nature to use words where they would be worse than wasted.
After proceeding a quarter of a mile or so, Black parted the bushes of a dense thicket and led the way inside.

At the centre the brush had been cleaned out, clearing a circular space about twenty feet in diameter and dimly lighted by a lantern placed in the centre of the inclosure.
"A snug little place, Reade," chuckled the scoundrel, turning about as Reade was piloted into the retreat.