or
against him," answered Spouter.

Feeling certain that William Pollock would be unable to do anything that
afternoon, the boys got a hasty lunch, and late in the afternoon went
out for some more hunting. They tramped a distance of over two miles
through the snow, and managed to bring down several rabbits and likewise
a pheasant and some smaller birds.

"I hope we don't see any more of those wolves," said Fred, when they had
started to return to the Lodge.

"Look! look!" cried Gif suddenly.

He had scarcely spoken when Jack raised his gun and fired. Then the
oldest Rover boy fired again, both shots being taken before the others
could get their guns into action.

"It's a fox!" cried Randy. "Jack, I guess you got him, too!"

"I hope so," was Jack's answer as he stopped to reload his weapon.

The animal he had fired at had been running across a small opening
between the trees. At the first shot the game had made a turn, and at
the second had given a leap and disappeared into a small hollow filled
with snow.

When the boys reached the hollow all they could see at first was the
snow which had been kicked in several directions. But then they caught
sight of a bushy tail peeping forth from the white covering.

"It's a fox, all right enough!" exclaimed Gif.

"Look out there! He may not be dead," warned Fred. "If he's alive and
you touch him he may give you quite a bite."

They advanced with caution, and Gif turned the animal over with the end
of his gun barrel. He exposed a large fox of a silvery grey color. It
was quite dead.

"A silver fox!" came from Andy.

"Jack, you've had your wish," said Gif. "It's a silver fox, all right
enough."

They dragged it forth from the hollow and examined the animal with much
interest. The fur was somewhat reddish next to the hide, but the tips
were white and silver grey.

"A beautiful piece of fur, that's certain," said Gif. "Your folks will
be glad to get it."

"How about Ruth Stevenson getting it," said Randy, with a grin; and at
this remark Jack blushed.

A part of the next day was spent in skinning both the fox and the wolf.
The boys wondered if they would see anything of the Secret Service
agent, but he did not show himself.

"They may take their own time about working up this case," remarked
Spouter. "They may want to get just the right kind of evidence before
they close in on the rascals."

Another day went by, and again the lads went forth to try their skill