in citizens' clothes, reported to Harvey at the
depot, and one would say, judging from their personal appearance, that
they were well able to cope with twice the number of desperate
characters who might be found in the house in the woods.

It was late in the evening when the party alighted from the train, and
Jet set out up the track leading the way, until he arrived at the point
where he emerged from the woods.

"This is the place," he said, pointing to the trunk of a dead tree. "I
took especial notice of that so's I'd be able to know where to strike
in again."

"In what direction is the house situated?" Harvey asked.

"About there," and Jet pointed toward the north.

"Do you think you could find it in the night?"

"I'm certain I could when it was light; but there is a long distance to
walk, so what's to hinder our goin' as far as I traveled, an' then
waiting for morning."

"It's a good idea. Go ahead, and when you think we are far enough,
call a halt."

"I don't fancy camping in the woods all night, and that is about what
you are preparing to do," one of the Albany officers said, grumblingly.

"This is a case where we must put up with considerable discomfort for
the sake of bagging our game. Let the boy do as he chooses; I'll
answer for it that he's got brains enough to lead us right."

Harvey was ready to undergo any discomfort in order to gain the desired
end; but his companions were not as enthusiastic. They complained at
being under the guidance of a boy in whom they did not feel the most
perfect confidence, and Harvey was obliged to speak very harshly before
they would consent to follow.

Jet led the way with no slight degree of mental disquietude.

If he failed to conduct the party correctly it might be said he was
playing the traitor, and the task set for him was a difficult one,
considering the fact that he had only been over the ground once before.

Nevertheless he was willing to do all in his power, trusting for
success to the chapter of accidents rather than any especial skill of
his own, and the men followed close at his heels.

During his flight he had noted carefully all the prominent landmarks,
and the fact that he had seen them only in the night aided him now.

During at least four hours he advanced at a rapid pace, stopping now
and then to take counsel with Harvey, and at the expiration of that
time he said, as he pointed toward a clump of alder bushes:

"There is where I first