This time Mr. Mudge's menacing look warned John that he had gone far
enough. Accordingly he answered promptly, "He passed by our farm this
morning."

"How far back is that?"

"About three miles."

"Did he stop there?"

"Yes, he stopped a while to rest."

"Have you seen him since?"

"Yes, I saw him about half a mile back."

"On this road?"

"Yes, but he turned up the road that branches off there."

"Just what I wanted to find out," said Mr. Mudge, in a tone of
satisfaction, "I'm sure to catch him."

So saying, he turned about and put his horse to its utmost speed,
determined to make up for lost time. When he was fairly out of sight,
Paul came forth from his hiding-place.

"How could you do so!" he asked in a reproachful tone.