CHAPTER X.

HOW THE TRAP WORKED.

"There's only one thing about it that I object to on general
principles," remarked Mark.

"What's that?" asked Elmer.

"You shouldn't think to stay here alone," the other went on. "Perhaps
one of the men might return with the woman--if she does come."

"Yes, that's true; there is a chance," Elmer admitted.

"Well, you see how you'd be up against it then," Mark went on,
earnestly. "A savage Italian woman, who might have a knife along, would
be bad enough for one fellow to handle."

"That's so, Mark."

"And should there be a dago man along, why, I guess you'd just have to
sit sucking your thumb and not making a move," Mark continued.

"I reckon I would," laughed Elmer. "All of which means that you think I
ought to pick out a couple of husky fellows to keep me company."

"That's what I'd do."

"And that you wouldn't mind being one of the same guards, eh, Mark?"

"I'd enjoy it all right, Elmer."

"Well, I'm thinking that way myself now. You can hold over with me,
then. I'll want another fellow, too. Let's see," and he glanced at the
eager faces by which he was surrounded: "oh, well, Lil Artha will be the
other."

"Oh, shucks!" grumbled Red, bitterly disappointed, because he dearly
loved action.

"Matty," said the acting scout master.

"On deck," replied the leader of the Beaver Patrol, saluting.

"You might try and see how far you've gone in the art of following a
trail. I don't believe these rough fellows know the first thing about
trying to hide their tracks, so you oughtn't to have a great deal of
trouble."

"Oh, I guess I'd be equal to the job so long as they keep down on the
low ground. But if they once start up the side of the hill, where it's
all rocky, I reckon my cake will be dough, then, Elmer."

"Do your best, anyhow, Matty," the scout master went on; "nobody can do
more. But to tell you the truth, I believe the first chance lies here."

"You really think, then, the woman will return?" queried Mark.

"I am almost dead certain of it," Elmer replied. "I've been among the
Italians some in the colony they have on the outskirts of our town. And
I've studied them more or less. They seem a queer people to us, but
their religion is a big part of their lives--at least that goes with the
women part of the settlement."

"I think you're right, Elmer," remarked George, who had not spoken up to
now; "I happen to know a little about the Italians, too, becau