darted out in the path after them. Not a word was spoken--all their
strength was put into speed--to get to the end of the lane before that
man should overtake them!

They knew the footing well, although the path was rough with tree stumps
and rocks thrown there from the fields at the side.

Suddenly there was an exclamation. Turning quickly Tavia saw the man's
form rolling in the deep grass.

"He has fallen over the big stump," she said, "and has rolled into the
thick briars. Hurry now, we will get out all right." And, with renewed
courage, the girls ran on, reaching the end of the lane in full view of
houses, before the "tramp" could possibly overtake them.

"That was the same fellow," declared Tavia. "What in the world does he
follow us for?"

"It's all the Burlock business," Dorothy answered. "But hurry, we must
give the alarm this time. Perhaps they will be able to catch him."

Out of breath, and very much frightened, the girls reached the center of
the village, going directly there instead of turning into a side street
to go home.

"Perhaps father is in his office," remarked Dorothy.

"There's Ralph," said Tavia, as that young man emerged from a doorway.

Quicker than it takes to tell it a searching party was formed. The three