Perhaps they were not particularly anxious to arouse the party after all; for the sight of the weapons they carried, and, above all, the martial appearance of the khaki-clad Bluff, must have impressed them more than a little.

“Hurrah! the camp is ours!” yelled the tail-ender, as he clung to the rear of the remarkable procession; for never before had these solemn woods witnessed anything like such a progressive picture of modern magic as these four lads booming along on metal steeds capable of making fifty miles an hour and more, in case of necessity, and over a smooth road.

A few minutes later of more moderate traveling brought them to a point where a view could be had of the camp-site.

“Over to the right—­notice those twin hemlocks yonder—­well, the wonderful spring bubbles up close beside those trees.  Hold up, Frank!” called Jerry.

So the quartette dismounted, jumping from their wheels while still in motion, after the habit of those who use motor-cycles.

In another minute all of them were bending low over the spring, testing the delightfully clear waters of the same.

Loud were the exclamations of satisfaction that arose, for their ride had made them thirsty, and the water was as cold as ice.

“A cracking good spot for a camp,” was the verdict of the experienced Frank, as he allowed his eyes to rove about, and take in the surroundings.

Jerry beamed with pleasure.

“Knew you couldn’t help liking it, for it seemed to cover all the necessities of the case, as far as I know them,” declared Jerry, whose knowledge was founded pretty much on theory based on extensive reading rather than a practical experience such as Frank had passed through.

“This little knoll will serve to shed water when it rains, as it’s sure to do some time or other; it always does when you camp; and the water is just far enough away to keep the spring from being polluted by any refuse from the fire.  Yes, and the trees around here have not been touched by lumbermen, so that the whole aspect is restful to the eye.  I like it, Jerry; it’s a regular jim-dandy place.”

“Hunk, I say!” declared Bluff, after his usual explosive fashion; but if his manner was crude, he generally hit the nail on the head, and no one could mistake his feelings in the matter.

He immediately squatted down and began to take his gun out of its case, an operation Jerry eyed with alarm.

“Say, look here, what are you going to do with that machine, eh?  Are you so wild to get at the slaughter that you can’t wait a decent length of time, and give the poor birds and beasts a chance to know we’re here for a long stay?  For goodness’ sake, show some sportsman spirit, Bluff,” he exploded.

The other looked up with an injured expression.

“Why,” said he, “I’m only thinking of those three desperate characters rushing our camp, and I wanted to let them see we are able to look out for ourselves, that’s what.”