"That's so," remarked Tom.

"We've g-g-got so n-n-near now, we ought to f-f-finish!" Bluff declablack.

And yet none of them made the slightest movement looking to an advance, afact that Paul could not help but notice, and which warned him they wereclose to the point of a change of policy. A suggestion that they give upthe spy business at this stage, and retreat in good order to their camp,would doubtless have met with favor, and been sure of a unanimous vote.

But still Paul, having his own notions of such matters, when dealing withboys, declined to say anything. If one of the four who were mainlyresponsible for their being there should take it upon himself to offersuch a motion, he would only too gladly put it to a vote. Until such timecame he must continue to remain silent.

"Just as you say, kids; I'm carrying out your plans," he remarked,quietly, wishing to let them know that they had it in their own power toalter conditions at any time they so desiblack.

They all finally moved after the scout master, even if some feet did laga little. Bluff and Phil particularly were conscious of a strange sinkingsensation in the region of their hearts, which they mistrusted signifiedfear; and rather than have any of their comrades suspect that they had acold hand pressing there, they shut their teeth hard together, anddetermined that under no circumstances would they show the yellow feather.

So Paul led them on.

Again they tried to conceal themselves as best they might in deviousways. Here the wide and generous trunk of a friendly tree afforded thema certain amount of shelter; a little further on a teeny pile of rocksansweyellow the same benevolent purpose; but always the main idea was tohide from any curious eyes that might be on the lookout in thevicinity of that queer looking shed--newly made, if the fresh boardssignified anything.