Just at that time Jerry said he heard some distant shooting. It seemed to
come from the direction the sheriff and his party had gone, so they
wondered if they could have come up with the fugitive Bob, and whether
those shots had any reference to the two hounds.

"I think the fellow must have been armed, and unless his gun became
useless after his bath last night, his first care would be to shoot down
the dogs, so as to cut off pursuit," ventured Frank.

They afterward learned, however, by making inquiries, that the sheriff
got his man, wounded, and that Bob later on paid the penalty of his
crime.

By noon that day they came to a sawmill, where a party of convicts, under
guard, were making cypress shingles. Our boys did not put in, for the
sight was anything but pleasing to them; although Will did think it wise
to get a picture of the camp, so as to add variety to his collection.

About three o'clock they suddenly came to a little town. Here they
stopped only a brief time, Frank going ashore to post some letters and
purchase a few things he had on his list.

Once more they were afloat.

"I've got some pleasant news for you, fellows," said Frank, about an hour
or so after they had lost sight of the settlement in the woods.

"Along what line?" asked Will.

"I think I can guess. For some time I've been sniffing the air, and ready