It was the deep bay of the bloodhound, apparently at a great distance.

I hurried on until I came to a creek about fifteen yards wide, skirted by an almost impenetrable growth of reeds and cane.

Plunging into it, I swam across and ran down by the side of it a short distance, and, in order to baffle the dogs, swam back to the other side again.

I stopped in the reed-bed and listened.

The dogs seemed close at hand, and by the loud barking I felt persuaded that Crop's hounds were with them.