Ahead of him he heard the stranger trampling upon dead twigs, moving rapidly as one who knew his way.

At times through the branches Jimmie could see the broad shoulders of the stranger, and again could follow his progress only by the noise of the crackling twigs.

When the noises ceased, Jimmie guessed the stranger had reached the wood road, grass-grown and moss-covered, that led to Middle Patent.

So, he ran at right angles until he also reached it, and as now he was close to where it entered the main road, he approached warily.

But, he was too late.