188 ALONG THE FLORIDA BEEF. 



tracks grew more distinct the bush grew 

 higher. 



"I don't know which way we are going," 

 said Tom, " but I think I hear water." 



" Yes, and I see it," said Harry. " The trail 

 leads out to the beach here. Whoever it is proba- 

 bly has a boat, and we shall come out where it is 

 hauled up. Here we are," he added, coming to 

 a halt ; " let's all push out at once." After wait- 

 ing a moment for Long John, the party moved 

 quickly forward and came suddenly out upon 

 the beach. 



" Why, it's our camp," exclaimed Tom, evi- 

 dently dumfounded ; " we've come back to it." 



He stood still a moment ; then, hearing a snort, 

 turned his eyes upon the tall figure of Long John, 

 who was standing with his back to him, sup- 

 porting himself upon his bending grain-staff and 

 evidently laboring under some strong emotion. 



Tom walked quietly up to him, and, after 

 one glance at his face, redder than ever, he burst 

 into laughter, in which all joined at his expense. 



" Then it was you," he said, throwing down 

 his gun. 



