THE CABIN IN THE SWAMP

When George reached the rear of the tent he saw a crouching figure
there. A hole had been cut in the cloth, and the fellow was gazing
into the tent. He was dressed in woodsman's attire, leather jacket
and leggins and fur cap. The gold rings in his ears quivered and
glistened as the light of the fire struck them.

As George rounded the tent the spy turned and ran for the forest.
Without a thought as to the ultimate result, George followed along
behind. For some distance the lad kept pace with the mysterious
visitor, but, of course, it was impossible for him to do so for any
great length of time, as the fugitive was well versed in woodcraft,
while George was not.

After a time George lost sight of the fellow entirely, but could
still keep track of him by the noise he made in passing through the
thicket. It was quite evident that the intruder now believed that
pursuit, had entirely ceased, for he made his way more leisurely
through the swampy growth, and seemed to pay no attention whatever
to the sounds of his passage.

Using great caution, the boy finally gained the hummock and stood
looking at the dark bulk of a log cabin which stood in the center.
He listened for a long time but all was silent inside. Presently
he circled the place and came to a small opening which was more
like a loop-hole than a window. There was a glass pane here, and
through it he saw that there was a fire on the inside.