but I reckon
there was none of 'em serious; leastways I didn't get bruised, or tear
my clothes. And now that I've got my breath back again, it's time we
thought of starting out; because there's heaps mo' that's got to be done
before we c'n call a rest."

"Yes, a great deal," admitted Thad, who, however, was well pleased with
the outcome thus far; "and after you've lain here about ten minutes or
so, Bob, we'll see whether you feel able to take that other climb. If
you don't why, Allan here could go in your place."

"And do just as well, I have no doubt, suh," added Bob; "but thank you,
I shall surely be able to take my part in that climb. If you gave the
word right now you'd see me spring to my feet, and start; because
there's every reason in the world to spur me on. Who wouldn't make an
extra effort for that?"

The hour had grown late, since they had waited much beyond the appointed
time for the return of the messenger who had gone to meet Bertha. But
Thad knew they still had an abundance of time to get to the place
arranged with Polly, before midnight, which had been the hour set for
their meeting.

"Now, if you feel refreshed, we'll make a start, Bob," remarked the
scoutmaster, after a bit.

The other was on his feet instantly, and he gave not the slightest sign
of weariness at that.

"Let me have just one more cup of that fine water," he remarked, "and
then I'm in fine fettle for business. If this second job only turns out
as handsome as that other, this'll sure be the happiest night ever. But
I hope that Reuben does not lay his hand on my cousin for what has
happened this night. If he does, he'll suffer for it, as sure as my
name's Bob Quail."

"You don't really think he'd go as far as to strike her, do you?" asked
Thad, to whom the very idea seemed abhorrent.

"I don't just know how far a man of his stripe would go if made very
furious, suh. To tell you the truth, I didn't want to run at all; but
Bertha insisted on my doing the same. She said nothing was going to
happen to injure her; and that if I was caught, with that paper in my
possession, she never would have the least chance to get away. And that
was all that made me run, believe me, suh."

Thad took his shotgun along with him; and noticing the queer look
Giraffe gave him, he condescended to explain.

"Don't believe for a minute that I expect to make use of this on some
moonshiner," he said, earnestly, yet with a trace of a smile lurking
about t