ive us a long lead, Paul," Jack ventured.

"Shucks! what would nine miles be to fellows on wheels? They could just
eat up that distance, and not half try," answered his chum.

"But somebody said they meant to take the other road that winds around
so, and joins this one ten miles further on. Do you believe that, Paul?"

"I just think that was said to pull the wool over our eyes. Those chaps
have started out with the one idea of bothering us all they can,"
answered the scout leader.

"Now look here; what's the use of beating about the bush like that,
Paul? You've got some reason for being so dead sure. You've seen
something, haven't you?" and Jack pressed still closer to the other as
he waited for a reply.

"Well, yes, I have," came the low response.

"Please tell me what you saw then!" asked Jack, almost holding his
breath in suspense.

"Just before dark a boy on a wheel came around the bend, and then,
seeing our tents, dropped off to hide in the brush along the side of the
road," replied Paul.

CHAPTER XIII

WHEN THE MOON WENT DOWN

"Did you know who it was, Paul?" asked Jack, after making sure none of
the others were noticing that he and the leader of the troop had engaged
in such a serious conversation.

"It was getting dusk, and I couldn't see very well on account of the
trees, you know; but something about the way he ducked made me think it
was Ward Kenwood."

"Well," chuckled Jack, "you've seen him duck often enough to know the
signs. Suppose it was Ward, then the rest of the bunch must have been
only a little way behind. He's got a motorcycle, you know, and would be
apt to pace them. But what became of him then?"

"I don't know," replied the patrol leader, rising. "Perhaps he left his
machine in the bushes, and crept away to warn the rest before they
exposed themselves. I'm going to find out if my eyes deceive me. Want to
go with me, Jack?"

"Count me in. Shall I get a lantern; and do you want any more along?"
asked his chum, preparing to get up from the ground.

"Two ought to be enough. Yes, bring a glim along; we may need it, for
that moon isn't very bright to-night, and the trees make considerable
shadow."

Speaking in this fashion Paul left his position, and sauntered away.
Possibly a few of the jolly company noticed his action, but took it for
granted that he was only intending to make the rounds, and see that the
sentries were on post; for they had already stationed a couple of s