Jacob inspected the wet ground with interest.
"Here are lots o' footprints," he exclaimed. "Poor Bob's got into trouble, jest as I supposed."
"Some of the prints are of naked feet," put in Leander. "Those negroes with Farvel were barefooted."
"That's true," said Robert Menden. "Can it be possible that Bob has been carried off by Farvel and his tools."
"It looks that way," said Leander. "The question is, what have they done with our chum?"
All stared blankly at each other. Then Don got down on his knees and began another examination.
"If I was an Indian I might follow this trail," he said; "but as it is, I fancy I am not equal to it."
"If only Dash was here," sighed Leander. "What can have become of that dog? Dash! Dash!"
The call was followed by several others. At last came a short, suppressed bark from a neighboring thicket. Instantly Don and Leander made a run in that direction, and arrived just in time to see a big black fellow running away.
"Stop, or I'll fire at you!" cried Don, and
