"Nothing. Leave it to me. Don't show any signs of excitement, please, but
just keep on with what you are doing," and Frank allowed his left hand to
slowly creep in the direction where his shotgun lay on the ground.




CHAPTER VI

THE SWAMP FUGITIVE


"Now, my friend behind the bunch of saw-palmetto, won't you join us?"

Frank had slowly risen, picking up his gun as he gained his feet. There
was a movement in the quarter where his gaze seemed directed, then a
human figure began to crawl into the camp, looking more like a great dog
than a man.

"Great Caesar's ghost!" ejaculated Bluff.

"Tell me about that, will you!" exclaimed Jerry, making a dive for his
own gun.

"Quiet, fellows! There's no need of any excitement. It's only a visitor
from the swamp, come to have a cup of coffee with us," remarked Frank
steadily.

He made no attempt to aim his weapon, being satisfied to let the negro