The flash in the man’s eyes made both boys feel “creepy.”  Thin as he was, there was about him, none the less, a suggestion of great strength and force when put in action.

“We have a right to stay in the woods, Mr. Garwood,” Dick answered.  “I don’t want to seem impudent, either, but I would suggest that if you don’t like to be with us here, then there are other parts of the forest that you can find.”

As Dick spoke he swung one arm, pointing artfully to the woods in the direction that Tom Reade had gone, and where it was believed that Greg and his followers were searching.

“If that’s the way you want me to go,” smiled Amos Garwood darkly, “then I believe I’ll go in the opposite direction.  And, young men, it won’t be wise for you to attempt to follow me!”

With that hint he started.  Dick and Dave waited until they could see only the top of his head.  Then they started on his trail.

For an instant Amos Garwood was out of sight.  Then, with a suddenness that startled both trailers, Garwood stepped out from behind a tree and right into their path.

“I cautioned you both,” he announced sharply.  “I shall not go to that trouble again.  Keep away from me.  Never mind where I am going, or what I am going to do.”

Then a spasm of pain shot across the poor fellow’s face.  Calm as he tried to keep himself, it was plain that his burned hand and arm were causing him great suffering.

“Won’t you come with us,” pleaded Dick, “and get that arm of yours attended to?  We’ll take you to the right place.”

“To the right place?” mocked Garwood harshly.  “Right into the camp of my enemies, I suppose?  Among those who deride my great invention, and yet who would capture me and steal my wonderful discovery from me.  Boys, I have already told you that if you follow me, you will follow me to grave harm.  Beware in time.  Run!  Leave me!  Or your fates be on your own heads, for I am master of the world and can force you to obey me!”

As Garwood spoke the last words another change crossed his face.  He reached into an inner coat pocket.

“You will not obey me,” he remarked.  “Therefore, I must act to save myself and my great discovery.  ’Tis as you would have it!”

“Duck!” gasped Dave Darrin, seizing Dick by one arm.  “He means big mischief!”

What it was for which he had reached in his pocket neither Grammar School boy saw, for both turned at the same instant, beating a swift retreat.  Sixty feet away, however, they halted, wheeling about.

Garwood, seeing the boys run, acted as though he would give them no further thought.  He was already walking in the opposite direction, his back turned to them.

“Ugh!  He gives me cold chills,” cried Darrin.

“He does the same to me,” sighed Dick, “but it’s a plain case of duty to follow him until we can turn him over to those who’ll take good care of the poor fellow.”