“Not he.  Such a cunning fellow would know how to escape a wet back.”

“Is he considered dangerous?” Bluff inquired, a little anxiously.

“Well, not particularly, although he can look mighty fierce, and would terrify a timid person, possibly.”

“And I guess Uncle Toby fills that bill, all right,” said Bluff; “but there’s our camp through the trees, Mr. Smithson; and, as sure as you live, there’s a stranger standing poking at the fire where our cook is bending down.”

“Bismarck is making himself at home, all right,” laughed the warden.

CHAPTER XVIII

A STRANGE VISITOR IN CAMP

“What can we do about it?” asked Will, looking alarmed.

“It’s up to Mr. Smithson,” remarked Frank, in a low tone.

“Look here, boys, you understand that I want to capture the gentleman very much indeed.  Are you willing to give me a little assistance?” asked the warden.

“Why, to be sure we will.  It looks as though we might have some interest in his capture, too, judging by the way old Toby is loading up our good grub in those frying pans to suit his appetite.  He threatens to eat us out of house and home unless something desperate is done.  We’ll help capture the escaped lunatic, eh, fellows?”

“Sure we will, Frank.  Let Mr. Smithson tell us what to do, that’s all,” said Bluff, readily.

“Well, I hardly think he’ll take the alarm at sight of any strangers, so long as he doesn’t get a glimpse of me.  Now, if you three just saunter easily into camp, and pretend to treat him in a friendly way, you’ll find he can be a fine gentleman.  Humor his failing as much as you can, boys.”

“And what else, sir?” asked Frank, who was listening intently.

“Meanwhile I’ll be creeping closer all the while.  After he has been fed he may feel sleepy, because he must have been up all night.  The heat of the fire and a good feed will make his eyes heavy,” continued Mr. Smithson.

“I guess you’re right, sir.”

“Very good.  Suppose you propose that he lie down by the fire and take a nap.  Rig him up a sort of military bed.  He imagines that Bismarck is with the old emperor, off in France on the war campaign.  When he’s fast asleep I’ll creep into camp and get him secure.  It will be easy, boys, believe me.”

“Say, is he the only one loose?” asked Will, just then, his voice showing alarm.

“Why, yes, so far as I know.  Why do you ask?” demanded the warden.

“Because there’s some one else crawling through the bushes over yonder.”

“Are you sure?” asked Mr. Smithson.

“I saw his head pop up.  He’s looking in at our camp.  Get your gun ready, Frank.  Some of these crazy people are said to be dangerous,” continued Will.

“Humbug!  If you saw any one at all it must have been a scout from Andy Lasher’s camp, snooping around,” commented Bluff, disdainfully.