anded the professor.

"On a scouting trip."

"I cannot consent to any such foolhardy business," answered Professor
Zepplin sternly.

"It is not foolhardy. We've got to clear up this mystery. Don't you
see, we shan't dare go any farther---we simply cannot go into the
mountains knowing there is some one there waiting to riddle us the
first time he gets a clear sight at us?"

"But what do you propose to do?"

"I don't know, beyond finding out what is up."

"Yes, let him go," urged Stacy. "He's looking for trouble. I'm the
only one who has had any experience thus far. It's time some one
else made a mark of himself."

"I was thinking of taking you with me," laughed Tad.

"No, you don't! Not if I see you coming," objected Stacy.

"Yes, take him along," urged Ned.

"No, I think I'll take you, the Professor being willing," answered Tad
nodding at Rector.

Ned stopped smiling, gazing at Tad to see whether the latter were in
earnest. Tad was.

"All right, I'm willing, Tad."

"How about it, Professor?"

"Provided you do not go into the mountains I will agree to your plan.
But I cannot consent to your taking further desperate chances."

"I hope you will not hold me to that, Professor."

"To what?" demanded Professor Zepplin shortly.

"To not going beyond the edge of the mountains."

"Plainly, what is it you are planning to do, Tad?"

"I want to find out who it is that is shooting at us and why. That is
all, sir."

"You don't suppose it possibly could be the Germans attacking us, do
you?" questioned Walter apprehensively.

The professor shook his head.

"If you will stop to think you will see how necessary it is for some
one to do something," urged Tad Butler.

"Yes; don't let me do it all," urged Stacy. "I think I have done my
share already. It is high time some one else got a move on. First
thing we know we shan't know anything. We'll be dead ones, and---"

"Very good. Go on. There will be no peace here unless you have your
way. See to it that you are back here in an hour. If not we shall go
after you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir, I will try to get back on time. If something should occur
to keep us longer than that please don't worry. You know we might
not be able to get away. If we get into trouble I will signal by
firing three shots into the air. Are you ready, Ned?"

"Yes. Do we take our arms?"

"Better leave the rifles here. We don't want to be bothered with them.