of the fugitives; but great risk was run by those who did so, for
most of the pursuers used the same path. As a consequence, some
were overtaken and slain.

Those who avoided the beaten route of necessity suffered greater
hardships; but none was equal to that of meeting their enemies.
Omas took care to steer wide of this trail when leading the party
into the wild section to the east of the river, and he showed them
that he wished them to do the same. Ben was too wise to forget his
wishes.

The location of the sun in the sky, the appearance of the bark and
moss, and the tops of certain trees, enabled the young woodman to
keep a pretty true course. He remarked, with a laugh, that if there
was any likelihood of going wrong, Linna would correct him.

The afternoon was well past before they came upon any more water,
and, with the warm weather and their long tramp, all suffered from
thirst. They were not traversing a desert country, however, and
soon found what they wanted in abundance.

"But," said Ben, "I am worried about food, mother. It is nearly
night, and we haven't a mouthful. I suppose if there was plenty, I
wouldn't feel half as bad, but it seems to me I was never so hungry
in all my life."

"That is natural; but, if necessary, we can go all night without
food."

"If necessary, of course we can, but I dread it. Alice and Linna