These fellows will trace us with the sagacity of dogs; but, clever as they may be, it takes time to follow a track.

We must keep on now.

When it gets dark, which will be in another hour or so, they will be able to follow us no longer, and then we can take it easily." "Do as you think best, Ned.

You are accustomed to this kind of thing." Without another word they started off at a run again, keeping as nearly as they could a straight course; for Ned's experience in forest life enabled him to do this, when one unused to woodcraft would have lost all idea of direction.

The fact, however, that the mosses grew on the side of the trees looking east, was guide enough for him; for he knew that the warm breezes from the sea would attract them, while the colder inland winds would have an opposite effect.
Just as it was getting dark they emerged from the wood, and could see, stretching far before them, an undulating and almost treeless country.
"Fortunately there has been no rain for some time, and the ground is as hard as iron," Ned said.