ut of sight.

The three Rovers ran to the side road, Fred Garrison and Mr. Laning with
them.

"I wish I had a pistol," remarked John Laning. "No telling how desperate
a character that villain may be."

"I'd like to know if he came on foot or with a horse," said Dick.

"Do you think he followed us to this place?" asked Sam.

"I am sure I don't know. The whole thing looks mighty queer to me."

There was no moon, but the stars were shining brightly, so they could
see fairly well on the road. As they reached a bend Tom pointed forward.

"There he is, just going into the bushes!"

"He had better not go that way," was Mr. Laning's remark, "unless he
knows the ground well."

"Why not?" asked Sam.

"Just beyond that patch of timber is Nixon's Swamp, as it is called--as
boggy and treacherous a spot as can be found for miles around. If he
don't look out he'll get stuck there and never get out."

"Do you know the swamp?" asked Dick. "I mean the good spots?"

"Fairly well--I used to come over here when I was a boy--to pick
huckleberries. They are plentiful on the other side of the swamp."

"Then supposing you lead the way and we'll follow."

They were soon in the woods and saw a well-defined path running to the
eastward. Beyond was Nixon's Swamp, and still further on another woods.

They were afraid they had lost track of the man they were after when
they heard a crack ahead of them, followed by a short yell of alarm.
Merrick had stumbled over a fallen log and pitched headlong into some
thorny bushes. It took him some time to extricate himself, and meanwhile
the pursuers drew closer.

"I see him!" cried Tom. "He is turning to the right!"

"He is headed for the worst part of the swamp," was Mr. Laning's
comment. "If he doesn't look out----"

A minute later a wild cry rang out from ahead. The cry was repeated
twice, and then all became as silent as the grave.

"He must have gone down into the swamp," exclaimed Dick.

"Yes, and more than likely he is drowning to death," added John Laning.

CHAPTER XX

DICK AND DORA

The boys were almost afraid to penetrate further into the woods, for
they found the ground growing wet and spongy under their feet. All
halted and gathered around Mr. Laning.

"Do you think he has really been drowned?" asked Sam, with a slight
shiver.

"It may be," was the farmer's reply. "I know of one man who was drowned
here some years ago, and every year cattle are lost here. The