"A letter from Dick," said Tom, and read it aloud. "We are on the right track, Sam, and if we only continue to steer clear of Dan Baxter and his gang we'll be safe."
"Dick asks us to fire two shots, a minute apart, as a signal," came from Sam. "I'll do it at once." And without delay he discharged the shotgun, waited sixty seconds, and then discharged it again.
Both listened intently, and from a great distance came back two other shots, also a minute apart.
"They heard the signal!" ejaculated Sam joyfully. "It came from up the river, didn't it?"
"Yes; come on!"
Without stopping to eat the food which had been left for them, the boys hurried forward just as rapidly as their now tired legs would carry them.
They had brought their skates along and these were put on, after which progress was easier. It was now growing dark, and they began to wonder, if they would be able to rejoin Dick and Mr. Barrow before nightfall.
"I hope we meet them," said Sam. "I've no fancy for remaining in this open, alone."
"Try another two shots," suggested Tom, after an hour had gone by, and Sam did so.
