"I'll put un back." When the paper had again been returned to its hiding-place Doctor Joe detailed the boys to their different positions.

David and Peter were to follow the brook, David on the left side and Peter on the right side as they ascended.

Seth Muggs, Obadiah Button, Andy and Jamie were to spread out at intervals on the left from David, and Lige Sparks, Micah Dunk and Doctor Joe on the right side of the brook from Peter.
All were to ascend through the woods at the same time, keeping a sharp look-out to right and to left for any unusual rock or other possible signs that might lead to a clue.
"Now we had better keep close enough together to keep in sight the man nearest us on the side toward the brook," directed Doctor Joe.

"If we spread farther apart than that we shall be too far apart to see any rock that may be between us." "Aye, and we'll keep lookin' both ways," said Andy.

"That way we can't miss un." "It's now," Doctor Joe consulted his watch, "one-thirty o'clock.