with bronzed features and a general outdoor
manner.

"Say!" cried our hero. "Will you help me to catch those two men? They
are thieves and I want them arrested. If you'll help me catch them I'll
pay you well for your trouble."

"I'll go you, stranger!" answered the western young man, readily. "You
are certain of your game?"

"Yes. That satchel has their plunder in it. They robbed a friend of
mine."

"This suits me then, friend. We'll round 'em up in short order."

By this time Caven and Malone had gained the woods. Looking back they
saw Joe coming behind, accompanied by the westerner.

"He's after us, and he has got somebody to help him," ejaculated Malone.

"Well, I reckon we can run as fast as they can," answered Gaff Caven.
"Come ahead!"

He led the way along a trail that ran through the woods and came out on
a winding country road. Beyond was another patch of timber.

"This way, Pat," said he. "We'll have to take to the woods again. They
are too close for comfort."

"Can't we climb a tree, or hide in a hollow?" questioned the
confederate.

"We'll see," said Caven.

They pushed on harder than ever, and passed in among some tall trees.
Then they came to a tree that was bent over.

"Up you go," cried Caven, and gave his confederate a boost into the
tree. Then he hauled himself up.

"Now climb to the top," he went on, and Malone did as requested. Caven
followed suit, and both hid themselves among the thick branches.

"They won't find us here," said Malone, after ten minutes had passed.

"Don't make a noise," whispered Caven.

After that they remained silent. From a great distance came a shouting,
and the whistling of locomotives. The trees were being hauled from the
car tracks. A little later they heard more whistling and then the two
trains passed on their way.

"The trains have gone," whispered Malone. "Do you think the boy got
aboard one of them?"

"No, I don't," answered his companion. "He is too determined a lad to
give up so easily. He must be still looking for us."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

FROM OUT OF A TREE.

Caven was right, Joe and his newly-made friend were still in the woods,
doing their best to locate the two rascals.

They had found the trail but lost it in the patch of tall timber, and
were gazing around when they heard the trains leaving the cut.

"There goes our outfit, friend," said the westerner. "And there won't be
another train along for several hours."

"It's too