As they drew nearer to the fire they could begin to make out the identity of those who were moving about.

Andy Lasher could be easily seen, as he always took it upon himself to be the high pin of any gathering of the clans in which he moved; then there was the fellow who had been caught stealing from the traps of Jesse Wilcox that morning, still limping painfully whenever he walked.

Besides these two there were five other boys present

“A tough-looking bunch,” muttered Jerry, as he trailed along after Frank.

“I don’t see anything of Bluff, though,” whispered the other, over his shoulder.

“Perhaps they’ve got him inside the cabin.  If you two would agree to stay here, I’ll volunteer to creep up back of it and find out,” said Jerry.

“You’re all right, old fellow.  Just the kind to tie to,” replied Frank.

“Oh!  I don’t know.  Any one of you would do the same for me.  Besides, I guess—­but then, it doesn’t matter.  Will you wait here, boys?” asked Jerry.

“Draw a little closer.  Then let Will have your gun while you’re away.”

Jerry handed it over a little regretfully; indeed, he had calculated on carrying the weapon himself, though it must have been in the way.

They saw him creep off.

For quite some little time they watched, ready to rush forward if any sound announced that Jerry had been discovered, and was in trouble.

“They’re getting supper.  Don’t look like our outfit, does it?” whispered Will, as he and Frank crouched there in the brush, waiting and watching.

“I should say not; still, the appetite is the main thing in the woods.  A hungry man can forgive anything.  Look behind the shack—­isn’t that something moving?”

What Frank had said was true, for just then Jerry crept across an open space, and for a few seconds they saw him plainly.

Then he daringly slipped in through the open door of the cabin, doubtless taking advantage of the attention of the campers being turned elsewhere.

“Come on, move up a little.  I’m too nervous now to stay quiet,” said Frank.

While they were thus advancing there suddenly arose a tremendous clamor.  It appeared to issue from the interior of the dilapidated cabin in which Andy’s crowd had taken up their quarters.

“Oh! what has happened now?” exclaimed Will, scrambling to his feet.

“Look!” cried Frank.

Something came flying out of the door of the shack, and landing in a heap rolled over and over, clawing at every object within reach.

Then it sat up and looked around in a frightened way.

“Why, it’s Ben Cooper!” said Will, partly relieved.

“And he’s met up with Jerry!” added Frank, grimly, as he watched eagerly to see what else took place in the little opening where the camp had been pitched.

The boys were all on their feet.  They seemed to be staring at their half-dazed comrade as though hardly able to grasp the real meaning of the conditions.