"It may come in handy later." "Let us get some clubs," suggested Tom.

"They may come in handier than the pistols." "Right you are!" cried Dick.

"We don't want any shooting if it can be avoided." "Evidently you think they are close at hand," remarked Sam, while they were cutting stout sticks from among the brushwood.
"They can't have gone so very far, in that dense woods," answered Tom.
"Why, the auto couldn't get through." At last the boys were ready to continue the search, and stick and lantern in hand, Dick led the way, with Tom and Sam close behind.

They had to bend close to the ground, to make sure that they were following the tracks of the touring car.
The trail led among the trees onto what was evidently a road used for hauling out timber.

Following this for about a quarter of a mile, the youths discovered a dark object, resting near what looked to be the end of the road.
"It's the auto!" whispered Dick.
"Anybody around ?" questioned Tom, in an equally low voice.
"I don't know.