kind of wood had been selected, there
was no smoke to mention.

The boys would have given something for their well-remembered frying
pan, just at that time, and some pieces of salt pork with which to
sweeten the dainty morsels which were to constitute their luncheon. They
were true scouts, however, and could make the best of a bad bargain.

"All hunters do not have skillets when they're in the woods," said Rob,
as he took a long splinter he had prepared, thrust it into one of the
saddles, and then, poking the other end into the ground close to the
fire, allowed the meat to get the benefit of the heat. "We must do what
we can in this old-fashioned way. The best sauce, after all, is hunger;
and, from the look on Tubby's face, I reckon he's fairly wild to set his
teeth in the first of the feast."

Pretty soon it was a lively scene, with all those forks having to be
attended to. A tempting odor also began to rise up that made Tubby's
mouth fairly water. He heaved many a sigh, as he waited for Rob to tell
him that the first of his allotment was sufficiently browned to be
devoured.

"Now, let's begin," said Rob finally. "Only look out not to burn your
lips. And, Tubby, take my word for it, you're going to get the treat of
your life!"

CHAPTER XXIV.

THE ARMORED CAR.

"Honest, Rob, I never knew what I was missing when I said toasted frogs'
legs would do for Frenchmen, but none for Merritt Crawford," and, while
making this abject confession, the speaker allowed a look of sublime
content to possess his features, such as would remove any lingering
doubt concerning his sincerity.

"How about you, Tubby?" asked the master of ceremonies.

Tubby had been savagely tearing at his first helping. His eyes were
glued on the various sticks under his charge, at the ends of which the
rear portions of as many frogs were dangling, and turning a delicious
brown under the influence of the heat.

Then Tubby was seen to heave a sigh.

"To think that there are only _six_ more apiece!" he said in a most
solemn tone. But the others laughed softly, because they knew any loud
merriment, under such peculiar conditions, was hardly safe.

"That settles one thing," remarked Rob. "There's going to be a marked
reduction in the profits of this particular frog-raiser this season, if
Tubby has to stay here long."

Tubby was already commencing on his second batch. He could not waste
time in talking when his appetite had been excited to