"So much noise it would wake a tombstone," added Chet.
Again Jack called, and with no better results.
"Let's all yell together," suggested Joe.
This was done, but no answer came back.
"Sorry, but I've got a date elsewhere," mimicked Joe. "Be back next month at three o'clock."
"That fellow is no good, and I know it," murmured Frank. "An honest man would come back and face us."
"Listen!" cried Jack, putting up his hand.
All listened with strained ears.
"Don't hear a thing—" began Chet.
"I hear it," interrupted Frank.
A snapping and crackling sound among the bushes ahead lured the boys on and they went plunging through the woods. They failed to catch sight of the quarry, however. Evidently Montrose was well acquainted with this part of the country, for after a while the sounds of his retreat died away.
Frank, who was in the lead, came to a stop, realizing that further pursuit was useless. In a few minutes the others came up, panting.
"Did he get away?" asked Joe.
Frank nodded. "He was too quick for us. When he knew we were after him he didn't lose any time."
