“Well, me and my side partner,” commented the taller guard, with a wink at his companion, “wouldn’t mind if a prisoner managed to break away every day in the week if we could be sure of getting such a fine treat as this, eh, Pete?”

Pete declared that he could truthfully echo that assertion, though his mouth being so full at the time he could hardly more than mumble his sentiments.

The two men did full justice to the meal, and then announced that, much to their everlasting regret, they felt compelled to bid the friendly scouts good-bye, though they would like nothing better than staying over the night with them.

It was hardly full noon when they took their departure, waving a farewell from the edge of the thick brush before plunging into the same.  They had another clue that was worth following up, for those who were fortunate enough to recapture the escaped prisoner would be in line to receive some satisfying sort of reward, either in the shape of money, or a betterment in their condition of employment at the asylum.

“Well, they’re gone!” remarked Alec, as he busied himself with his development tank, anxious to find out how his films were going to turnout.

Billy heaved a sigh that seemed to come from the soles of his feet.

“To tell the honest truth,” he admitted, “I ain’t sorry a bit.  Those fellows could give me points about how to stow stuff away, and then not half try.  Why, they acted as if they were hollow clean down to their shoes.  I guess they told the truth when they said they hadn’t had a bite of breakfast this morning.”

“But, Billy,” interposed Arthur, “I thought you loved to see people eat heartily all the time?  We’ve always believed you were the most hospitable fellow going.”

“Huh!  I used to think the same,” grunted Billy, scratching his head, “but then you know there’s such a thing as piling on the agony.  Those fellows weren’t just hungry men—–­they were cannibals, regular human graveyards, I should say, by the way the stuff disappeared down their throats.  If they drop around again to-night I reckon our stock of grub will be lowered so much we’ll all of us have to go on half rations the rest of the time we stay here—–­something I don’t look forward to with much joy.”

“Don’t worry, Billy,” Hugh told him.  “They said they would be miles away long before night set in.  The country is safe, and we’re not likely to starve.”

Alec interrupted the conversation to call out exultantly: 

“Oh! this first roll is coming along dandy, let me tell you!  It’s going to be the best thing I ever did; and my stars, but that lens does cut fine!  It was a lucky day for me when Aunt Susan got track of this old castle up here in the woods, for it’s given me a regular jewel of a camera outfit.”

Every one felt pleased on hearing this, since it would save Alec the trouble of snapping the pictures over again.