But like a flash the hobo sprang up and darted off through the
darkness. Tom, Dave and Dan started in swift pursuit, but the
tramp soon doubled on his pursuers in the darkness and got away.

"Let him go," counseled Dick. "We've enough else to occupy our
attention."

So Greg ran out to pass the word to the pursuers to discontinue
the chase. Tom, when he returned, was very angry.

"You'd no business to leave the fellow like that, Darry," he growled,
"and I was a big fool not to be better on my guard. That fellow
will make trouble for us yet---see if he doesn't."

"There was no use in chasing him any further, if he eluded you
in the darkness," Dick remarked. "Dave, you get up on the wagon
beside Mr. Hinman. I'll drive his horse."

Only as far as the road did Tom Reade, Dan and Greg accompany
them, going ahead with the lantern to show the way.

"Now, you know the plan, Tom," Dick called quietly. "Fenton---at
noon to-morrow."

"Good luck to you two!" called Reade. "And keep your eyes open
for trouble."

"It will be someone else's trouble, if we meet any," laughed Darrin
gayly.