wagons.

The boys "to a man" remained in the woods, helping diligently in, what
now seemed to be, a useless search.

Over the narrow plank, just above the dam, the man no doubt had escaped
to the other side, where the old ruins of a mill, with a big water
wheel, made a safe hiding place for the fellow.

Squire Travers was much annoyed and worried over the occurrence. To
think such a thing could happen with him right there, in the woods,
seemed incredible.

But Ralph assured him a similar thing had happened in the public streets
of Dalton, and the same man had gotten away. Why should it be strange
then that he would be able to make his escape in a dense woods?

"But he must be caught," insisted the squire, "if we have to canvass the
entire town and surrounding places to get him."

Some boys suggested that they disguise themselves as girls impersonating
Dorothy and Tavia, and then wait to be "caught" while help remained
close at hand. But it was decided such a ruse would hardly work that
day, as the man would know well enough the girls would not again leave
themselves liable to attack.

It was a very discouraged band of boys, with Squire Travers and Ralph
Willoby as their leaders, that wended their way back to Dalton Center
that evening. The picnic, of course, had been spoiled, but that did not
amount to anything--it was the attack on Dorothy, and the escape of her