," he declared. "Alec and I are responsible for the safety of you
fellows and you'll stay right here and keep this little old cabin from
running away. Besides," he added, noting the disappointment in the three
faces, "this is no play-scouting; it is men's work and only for those
who know the country. Two are all that are needed and more would double
the chances of giving alarm. If Alec and I can locate the camp we may
need your help to-morrow in rounding up the thieves. So you will be good
little boys and stay right here until you're needed. I was thinking of
the moon before Alec spoke. When it is up 'twill be almost as light as
day. 'Twill do no harm for us to have a look around. Alec says true that
he knows every foot of these hills and hollows. I know them pretty well
myself, and if those birds of ill omen, bad cess to the likes of them,
do not fly too soon we'll come pretty close to locating 'em inside the
next twenty-four hours. There's no use in starting before the moon is
well up. Meanwhile we'll have supper. I have no mind to travel on an
empty stomach, and I've the appetite of a lumber-horse this very minute.
Any of that bear-steak left, Alec?"

Alec promptly produced the desired meat and it was soon sizzling over
the fire. While they ate they discussed what should be done in case the
camp of the outlaws was discovered.

"Do you suppose they will fight?" asked Hal eagerly.

"Look at Sparrer there and ask sensible questions," returned Pat
sarcastically. "Is a man who would attempt cold-blooded murder likely
to come at a whistle like a good doggie? We've got to take them by
surprise, or somebody is likely to get hurt. That is why I want you boys
to keep out of it. This isn't your business; it's Alec's and mine."

"How about me? Youse said a while ago that that skin is mine," piped up
Sparrer.

"So it is, me bantam, but your own skin is worth more to you than all
the silver foxes that ever lived, and if you cannot keep it whole
yourself it's up to us to keep it whole for you," retorted Pat. "It
isn't just the matter of that fox skin," he continued. "I'm guessing
that Alec and I have a good sized stake in the skins cached in that camp
right now. We had a little unpleasantness with those sneaking robbers of
honest men to settle as soon as you left and this has simply forced it a
little sooner. It's our job, and you fellows are to stay out. That's
final."

They knew by the tone of his voice that no amount of be