The runaway, looking back to see how near the young inventor
was to him, suddenly changed his course, and, noting this, Tom
Swift thought:

"I've got him now! He'll be bogged if he runs that way," for
the way led to a piece of swampy land that, after the recent
rains, was a veritable bog which was dangerous for cattle at
least; and more than one man had been caught there.

"He can't run across the swamp, that's sure," reflected Tom
with some satisfaction. "I'll get him all right!"

But he wanted to capture the man, if possible, before he
reached the bog, and, to this end, Tom increased his speed to
such good end that presently, on the firm ground that bordered
the swamp, Tom was almost within reaching distance of the
stranger.

But the latter kept up running, and dodged and turned so that
Tom could not lay hands on him. Suddenly, turning around a clump
of trees the fleeing man headed straight for a veritable mud hole
that lay directly in his path. It was part of the swamp--the most
liquid part of the bog and a home of frogs and lizards.

Too late, the man, who was evidently unaware of the proximity
of the swamp, saw his danger. His further flight was cut off by
the mud hole, but it was too late to turn back. Tom Swift was at
his heels now, and seeing that it was impossible to grab the man,
Tom did the next best thing. He stuck out his foot and tripped