and on
his mouth.

It was dark, save for the twinkling stars, and silent, except when the
leaves were swayed by the gentle wind.

"Don't speak," Bill whispered as he removed his hand. "I can see the
light of a fire over there to the right, an' it's well for us to know
who are campin' so near."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Follow me. We'll creep up far enough to see what's goin' on, an' then
come back, unless there's reason for changin' our lodgings."

"I'll keep close behind you," and Fred rose to his feet, Bill parting
the bushes with both hands to avoid the slightest noise.

The glow of flames could be seen a long distance away, evidently on the
opposite edge of the grove, and the two approached it as rapidly as was
consistent with silence.

Soon the hum of voices was heard, and after a short time Bill stopped
suddenly, gripped Fred by the hand, and pointed ahead.

Around a camp-fire, over which pieces of meat were being cooked, sat Gus
Dobson and the friend who had caused him to distrust Fred and Skip.

"There may be a chance for us to find out a good deal of what we want to
know," Bill whispered, and once more he advanced, moving with the utmost
caution.

It was possible for the spies to creep within five yards of the
encampment, thanks to the bushes, and when this had been accomplished
the boys were eating supper.

"I don't believe in stayin' here too long," Gus was saying when Fred and
Bill were near enough to distinguish the conversation.

"Nobody 'd think of huntin' for us in this place," his companion
replied, "an' it ain't safe to take the cars yet a while, for them boys
from Farley's have got men to back 'em."

"S'pposen they have? How can anybody find us if we walk up the track to
the next station?"

"It's easy enough to send word all around, an' then we'd be nabbed the
minute we showed our noses in a town."

"It will be jest as bad if they come here huntin' for us."

"You're a reg'lar fool, Gus Dobson. So long as we can keep the stuff
where it is, what'll be gained by arrestin' us? We've got to take it
with us when we leave, an' then whoever catches us will have the thing
down fine."

"But we can't stay here forever."

"A couple of weeks won't hurt us, an' by that time folks will give up
lookin' so sharp. They'll think we got away."

"We're too near Farley's."

"Then make a move. We can keep on a dozen miles or so through the woods,
an' bury the stuff agin."

"I wanter get to