and I guess he'd go out of his way to
help me," he said.

Frank looked at him, and opened his mouth to speak, but on second thought
changed his mind.

Jerry seemed to know more about the woods than either of his chums. He
had little trouble in guiding them across the territory that separated
the rival camps, which was not more than a mile or so.

"I can see the glow of a fire ahead," announced Will, presently.

"That's the place we're aiming for; the lake lies beyond. I've fished
from the point many a time," pursued Jerry.

"And when are we going to try for fish; I brought my rod and lines along,
thinking we'd have a fish dinner some fine day?" complained Will.

"Wait, there's plenty of time. The season is nearly over, but if a warm
day comes along we ought to be able to get some bass, I think," remarked
Frank, who was something of an authority in that line.

"I can see figures moving about like black ghosts," announced Jerry.
"Say, fellows, this is getting real exciting, creeping up on a rival
camp with the intention of holding up the whole kit at the muzzle of
our guns."

"Oh! I hope it won't come to such a desperate point as that. I'd
rather not have any trouble with that Lasher if it can be avoided,"
ventured Frank.

"But if they've got our chum tied to a tree a prisoner?" demanded Jerry.

"In that case we'll make sure that he's set free, no matter what the
consequences," was the immediate response from the leader.

As they drew nearer to the fire they could begin to make out the identity
of those who were moving about.

Andy Lasher could be easily seen, as he always took it upon himself to be
the high pin of any gathering of the clans in which he moved; then there
was the fellow who had been caught stealing from the traps of Jesse
Wilcox that morning, still limping painfully whenever he walked.

Besides these two there were five other boys present

"A tough-looking bunch," muttered Jerry, as he trailed along after Frank.

"I don't see anything of Bluff, though," whispered the other, over
his shoulder.

"Perhaps they've got him inside the cabin. If you two would agree
to stay here, I'll volunteer to creep up back of it and find out,"
said Jerry.

"You're all right, old fellow. Just the kind to tie to," replied Frank.

"Oh! I don't know. Any one of you would do the same for me. Besides,
I guess--but then, it doesn't matter. Will you wait here, boys?"
asked Jerry.

"Draw a little closer. Then