“We’ll stay by you, now you are down,” said Dick sympathetically.  “We are not brutes, even though we haven’t any great love for you.”

“Thank you; I’ll not forget your kindness,” returned Jasper Grinder, and for once it must be admitted that he meant what he said.

The wounded man could eat no solid food, so they prepared for him some broth made from bear’s meat, which was very strengthening.  After another examination John Barrow was of the opinion that the wound was not a dangerous one, but that the man would have to keep quiet for several days or a week.

“We’ll have to take turns at watching him,” said Dick.  “It’s too bad, but I see no other way out of it.”

They drew lots, and it fell to Sam to remain with the patient during the afternoon.  An hour later Dick, Tom, and the guide set off to look once more for the treasure.

“Well, I’m tired enough to stay here and rest,” said Sam.  “That walking this morning played me out completely.”

There was not much to do, since Jasper Grinder had brought in sufficient wood to last for a day or two.  For an hour Sam rested and watched the former teacher, who had fallen into a doze.  Then the youngest Rover set to work to improve the shelter, doing several things which the guide had suggested.

The youth was hard at work patching up one side of the improvised hut when he heard a movement in the brushwood not far away.  Fearing some wild animal he ran for his gun, but ere he could reach the firearm a voice arrested him.

“Stop, Sam Rover, stop!”

The voice was that of Dan Baxter, and an instant later the bully came into view, rifle in hand, and followed by Bill Harney.

“What do you want here, Baxter?” demanded Sam, as coolly as he could, although the situation by no means pleased him.

“Are you alone?”

“No.”

“Who is with you?”

“What business is that of yours?”

“I’m making it my business.”

“I reckon he’s alone, right enough,” put in Bill Harney.  “I don’t see anybody else around.”

The big guide rushed forward, and knocking down Sam’s gun placed his foot upon it.

“Give me my gun!”

“Not so fast, my bantam!” cried the guide.  “Baxter, reckon ye had better look into the shack and see what’s there.”

The bully did as requested.  On seeing Jasper Grinder, he started back.

“Grinder!”

“Who calls?” asked the wounded man, and opened his eyes.  “So it is you, Dan Baxter.  What do you want?”

“What did you desert us for, Grinder?”

“I didn’t desert you.  I got lost, and they found me, half starved and frozen.  Now I am wounded.  Are you in possession of this camp?  Where are the Rovers?”

“Sam is here.  I don’t know anything about the others.  Have they found that treasure yet?”

“No.  They went off to look for it.”  Jasper Grinder tried to go on, but fell back exhausted and could say no more.