THE MYSTERY OP EAST KEY. 187 



" Here are a man's tracks leading into the 

 bush ! " cried Dick. 



" Let's follow them up," said Tom, excitedly, 

 and into the bush they pushed, Indian file. 



There had evidently been a path here at 

 some time made by egg collectors, but the bush, 

 nearly ten feet in height, had grown together, so 

 that it was necessary to push it aside ; but as 

 the tracks were distinct they went ahead rap- 

 idly. 



" What do you suppose is the matter with 

 Long John ? " whispered Tom to Harry after 

 they had gone a hundred yards. " Do you see 

 how he lags behind ? He can't be afraid, can 

 he?" 



It apparently looked as if Long John did 

 consider discretion the better part of valor, as 

 nothing but the top of his grain-pole could be 

 seen. 



" What should we do if the man should at- 

 tack us ? " asked Tom of his father. 



" Better try arbitration first," answered the 

 latter. 



The path wound in and out, and as the 



