With care, they advanced on the trail of those ahead. This was a rather difficult task, for the lantern had been put out, and it was pitch-dark under the trees. More than once their steeds went into a hollow with a jounce that threatened to throw one or another to the ground.
"If only James Monday would appear with about ten men," sighed Tom. "Couldn't we make it warm for those chaps!"
"He won't be coming back for a long time," said Songbird. "He is no wizard, even if he is a detective. It is only in the sensational, five-cent libraries that the noble detective turns up every time he is needed."
"Yes, and kills about ten men hand-running," added Tom with a laugh.
At the end of an hour's ride through the forest, all of the boys were so fagged out they could scarcely keep on horseback. It must be remembered that they had to take turns at riding, tkere not being enough steeds to go around.
"I wish they'd come to a stop," muttered Songbird. "I declare, if I ever get the chance, I'm going to rest for a week!"
"Ton't say a vord," groaned Hans. "I vos so lame I can't most sit up alretty!"
"Let us be thankful if they don't discover that we are following them," said Dick. "If they did
