Dick, did you get a good look at him ?" "A fine peep," Prescott affirmed.
"Was he the thief ?" Dave demanded.
"The very fellow!" Dick called back, for he was still in the lead.
"Don't talk any more," Reade warned his friends cautiously.

"We'll use up our wind." As he ran Dick had an important secret on his mind.

This was not quite the time to impart it to his chums, however, so he held his peace and did his best to save his wind.
Thus half a mile, at least, was quickly traversed.

By this time the high school boys, running as they had done, began to feel winded.
"I can't go any further," gasped Hazelton, halting and leaning against a tree.
"I'm in the same fix," muttered Danny Grin.

as he, too, came to a stop.
Reade, Darrin and Prescott ran on some distance farther, but at last Dick called a brief signal for a halt.
"Where are you, friend ?" bawled Dick, using his last wind in one resolute vocal effort.
"Friend!" scoffed Reade.
"Of course the fellow will call and tell us where he is!" jeered Darry.
"We won't hurt you---won't try to," Dick promised solemnly, again sending his voice as far as he could make it travel.