the Captain were not taken into the three scouts' confidence, but
they must have suspected where Julie proposed going, for soon after she
had gone Mrs. Vernon said:

"Girls, if we expect to entertain the Grey Fox boys at dinner this
afternoon, we'd better go back now and begin work."

"Without a clue to any wild animal we tracked?" sighed Judith.

"Oh, yes, Judy--we've got some fine clues, and by the time we're at camp
and have our books out, Julie will be back with proofs! Come on," was
Joan's assurance to the girls.

On the way, the scouts discussed the last track they had discovered. "I
was sure it was a crow's," asserted Amy.

"No, it was more like a chicken-hawk's," Hester added.

"There wouldn't be any chicken-hawk around here in these woods," said
Joan.

"Maybe it was the American Eagle," laughed Mr. Gilroy.

"Yes, it got tired of sitting on the flagpole where the colors have hung
for four days without being taken in at night, as they should be,"
remarked the Captain.

"Dear me, Verny, there is so much to remember in camp. We always
remember the flag after we are in bed at night," complained Ruth.

"The Orderly will have to appoint a flagman for each day after this,"
said Mrs. Vernon.

They finally reached camp, and had a light luncheon ready before Julie
returned. She came down the trail sprightly, with one hand holding
something behind her, and singing as she came.

"Where have you been, Julie?" asked several of the scouts.

"Did you find out what you went for?" asked others.

"Yep! I learned that we have among us the queerest sort of creature,
girls. It really walks on two legs, holds its head upright, and belongs
to the fox class. I tracked it right to our midst," laughed Julie.

The scouts seemed perplexed, and Julie, too full of her discoveries to
tease very long, said, "His name is 'Foxy Grandpa,' and you all know him
well!"

Every eye glanced at Mr. Gilroy, and he laughingly replied, "Why do you
all seem to think I am that animal?"

"Because you are, Gilly!" retorted Julie. "And I'll prove it now, to
every one's satisfaction."

"First, then: Did Hiram miss any calves or pigs or other domestic
animals from his barnyard yesterday?"

Mr. Gilroy threw up both hands in submission when he saw the knowing
look in the leader's eyes.

"Because here are the molds we made of the tracks found in the forest,
girls. And here are molds I made of the heifer, a pig, the Great Dane,
and a chicken,