another storm," said one of the boys. "I think it
will rain to-night, and rain hard."

"Won't those other fellows enjoy it---if they can't find their things!"

"The things will get wet."

"Humph! what do we care?" grumbled Ham Spink.

"Maybe they'll make us pay for anything that is spoiled."

"I shan't pay a cent!"

"Nor I!" came from several.

The walk through the brushwood and over the rocks was not so pleasant,
and all of the dudish boys were glad when they at last came in sight
of the spot where their own camp was located.

"It's growing awfully dark," said one. "And just listen to that
wind! It's a regular gale!"

The wind was indeed blowing a gale and all of the boys hurried
forward faster than ever, until they stood in the midst of their camp.
Then, with startled eyes, they gazed around quickly, and a howl of
dismay went up.

"What does this mean?"

"All of our best things are gone!"

"Yes, and the best of the eating, too!"

"Somebody has been here while we were away!"

"I see what it means !" cried Ham Spink, in a great rage. "While we
were at the other camp those fellows came here and fixed things up as
you see!"

CHAPTER XIX

ANOTHER HUNT AFTER DEER

All unconscious of what was taking place during their absence, Snap
and his chums went on their way, in the direction in which Shep had
spotted the deer.

Having learned a few points from Jed Sanborn, they kept to the trail
and made sure that the wind was not blowing from them to the game
they hoped to lay low.

It was a rough and laborious climb up the mountainside, and once
they missed the trail and got into a pocket so that they could go
no further. Then, on turning back, Shep saw two magnificent wild
turkeys and was strongly tempted to bring one of them down.

"If you do, you'll scare the deer sure," said Whopper.

"I know it but if we miss the deer I'll be sorry I didn't take
this shot."

"Well, that's the gamble in hunting," put in Giant. "I saw a
rabbit awhile ago I could have had for the asking."

Having gotten out of the pocket, they went on once more, and shortly
before noon reached a knob of the mountain. From that point they
made out nine or ten deer a distance to the north of them.

"This is certainly a great chance," said Snap, enthusiastically. "We
don't want to miss it by carelessness. Remember what Jed Sanborn
told us."

All looked to their firearms, and then went forward with scarcely a
word.