CHAPTER XI 

A MIDNIGHT SCARE 

The Rovers reached Cottonton without catching sight of Dan Baxter again, nor did they locate him while stopping at the town. 

"He knows enough to keep out of our way," remarked Dick. "Even now he may be watching every move we make." 

They did not remain in Cottonton long, and that night found them once more on a trail leading to another patch of timber. All were in excellent spirits, and Hans enlivened the time by singing a song in his broken English in a manner which convulsed them all. 

"Hans would make his fortune on the variety stage," remarked Fred. "His manner is too funny for anything." 

"Vot you said apout a stage?" demanded the German youth. "I ton't vos ride on no stage ven I got a goot horse alretty." 

"Fred wants you to go on the stage," said Sam, 

"He thinks you might play Shakespeare," said Tom. 

"Vot kind of a play is dot Shakespeares?" 

"It's a farce in 'steen acts and twice as many scenes," said Dick. "You might play the double-tongued mute." 

"I like not such a blay. I like dot blay vere da vos all killed off kvick." 

"Good gracious! Hans wants to go in for tragedy!" ejaculated Tom. "Who would think he was so bloodthirsty. If you keep on like that, Hansy, dear, I'll be afraid you'll murder us in our sleep." 

"I like dem murders. Da vos alvays make dem goose skins mine back town." 

At this there was a general roar. 
In what location/village?
The Rovers reached Cottonton without 