Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-04-23
CHAPTER XXI.

flight We will pause to inquire how the
robber unexpectedly taken captive, Jared.
Nothing could have surprised Jack
more than this sudden turning Of the ia
beS. But a minute since Walter was
completely in his power. Now, through
the boys GOODNESS and nerve. his thievish
intentions were baffled, and he was plac-
ed in the humiliating position of prls-
oner in his own house.
Open the door. or I'll murder you
he roared. kicking it violently.
There was no reply. for Walter was
already half way out of the window. and
did nor think it best to answer. Walter
had proceeded half a mile when he stop
red to rest Two or three times he had
tripped over projecting roots which the
darkness prevented his seeing in time TO
avoid
t'I'l! rest a few minutes, and then push
on he thought.
II was late, but the excitement of his
position prevented him from feeling
sleepy. He wished to get out Of the
woods into some road or open field. where
he would be in less danger of encounter
ing Jack, and where perhaps he might
find assistance against him.
He was leaning against an immense
tree, one Of the largest and oldest IN the
forest Walter began to examine it. lie
discovered, by feeling, that it was hollow
inside. lie ascertained that the interior
was eaten out by gradual decay, making
a large hollow space inside.
Il shouldn't wonder if | could get in"
he said to himself.
He made the attempt. and found that
he was correct in his superstition. He
could easily stand erect inside.
That is curious" thought Walter.
THE tree must be very Old
He emerged from the trunk, and once
more threw himself down beside 1t. Five
minutes later and his attention was
drawn by a sound of approaching foot
steps. Jack had tripped over root, and
was picking himself up in no very good
humor. The enemy, it appeared, was
close upon him.
Walter started to his feet in dismay.
His first thought was immediate flight,
but if he were heard by Jack, the latter
would no doubt be able to run him down.
What shall | do?' thought Walter,
in alarm.
Quickly the hollow trunk occurred to
him. With as little delay as possible he
concealed himself in the interior. lie
was just in time, for Jack was by this
time only a few rods distant. Walter
counted upon his passing on; but on
reaching the old tree Jack paused, and
said aloud, where can the young rascal
be? l wonder if l have passed him? I'll
rest here five minutes. He may straggle
along"
With these words he sank upon the
ground, in the very same place where
Walter had been reclining two minutes
before He was so near that our hero
could have put out his hand and touched
him.
1t was certainly very uncomfortable
situation for Walter. He hardly dared to
breathe or to stir lest his enemy should
hear him.
Hes led me a pretty tramp" NUT
'red Jack, but I'm bound to get hold
of him tonight. If l do, I'll half kill
him"
Then | hope you won't get hold of
him." Walter calculated, inwardly.
He began to wish he had run on in
stead of seeking this cCncealment. In the
first case the darkness of the night would
have favored him, and even if Jack had
heard him it was by no means certain
that he would have caught him. Now an
unlucky movement or a cough would be-
tray his hiding place, and there would
be no chance of escape. He began to feel
his constrained position irksome, but did
not dare 10 see relief 10y change of pos
ture.
Il wish he'd CO." thought our hero.
But Jack was in no hurry. He APP
peared to wish to waylay Walter, and
was constantly listening to catch the
sound of his approach. At length Wal
ter was relieved to hear him say, well,
| shan't catch him by stopping here,
that's sure"
Then he started. and Walter, listening
intently heard the sound of his receding
steps When sufficient time had elapsed.
he ventured out from his concealment,
and stopped to consider the situation
What should he do? 1t was hardly
prudent to 20 on, for it would only bring
him nearer the enemy. If he ventured
back. he would be farther away from the
edge of the woods, and might encounter
Meg, who might also be in pursuit. He
did not feel in danger of capture from
this quarter, but the woman might find
means of communicating with her hus-
band. On the whole, it seemed safest, for
the present. at least, to stick to the friend
Nv tree which had proved so good pro-
tector He stood beside it. watching
carefully, intending, whenever peril
threatened. to take instant refuge inside.
This was not particularly satisfactory,
but he hoped Jack would soon tire of
the pursuit, and retrace his steps to-
ward the cabin. If he should do that,
he would then be safe in continuing his
flight
Jack pushed on, believing that our hero
was in advance. 1t had been a fatigung
day. and this made his present midnight
tramp more disagreeable His hopes of
overtaking Walter became fainter and
fainter and nature began TO assert her
rights. A drowsiness which he found it
hard to combat assailed him, and he
knew he must yield to it for time at
least.
Il wish l was at home, and in bed
he muttered. IN lie down and take a
short nap, and then start again"
He threw himself on the ground, and
in five minutes his senses were locked in
deep slumber, which, instead of a short
nap, continued for several hours
While he is sleeping we will go back to
Walter. He, too, was sleepy, and would
gladly have lain down and slept if he
had dared. But he felt the peril of his
position too sensibly to give way to his
feelings. He watched vigilantly for an
hour, but nothing could be seen of Jack.
That hour seemed to him to creep with
snail-like pace.
Il can't stand this watching till morn
ing" he said to himself. Il will find
some out-of-the-way place, and try to
leep a little"
Searching about he found such place
as he desired. He lay down. and was
soon fast asleep. So pursuer and pur-
sued had yielded to the spell of the same
enchantress, and half a mile distant from
each other were enjoying welcome re-