started the several fires that had been laid
for an emergency. They were doubtless more or less worried about his
continued absence; but did not know which way to start the search.

So Paul, to relieve their anxiety, sent out a call that would reach
their ears and tell them that he was coming. And presently he walked up
to the fire, where he was immediately surrounded by the excited scouts,
all clamoring to know what he had discovered.

"First tell me what Monkey Eggleston threw into the fire, that made such
a flash," Paul insisted, turning to Wallace.

The other held something up. It seemed to be a tin box, with a string
attached.

"What's all this?" asked Paul, and then, as he took it in his hands, he
gave a cry of astonishment, adding: "why, I declare, if it doesn't look
a little like one of those bombs you read about. And this is supposed to
be the fuse, isn't it? Well, those fellows are getting along pretty
swiftly when they try to blow up our supplies."

Of course the "bomb" was not such a dreadful affair. True enough, the
tin box contained quite a quantity of powder, but it was a question as
to whether the explosion would have done very much damage, even had it
occurred.

No doubt it might have scattered things somewhat, and possibly a fire
would have resulted, unless prompt measures were taken to stamp the
sparks underfoot. What astonished the young scout leader, however, was
the strange method of introducing the fake bomb among the supplies, and
leading the end of the slow match to the smouldering fire.

"What won't they try next?" said Jack, looking serious, as he took the
contrivance once more in his hands.

"Goodness knows," remarked Wallace; "but tell us about your adventure,
Paul. We heard an awful shouting in the woods over yonder, and some of
the boys wanted to start out hunting for you, but the racket stopped
just then. Besides, Jack said that he believed you were getting the best
of it."

"Do you know why I said that?" interrupted Jack; "well, you see, I knew
it was those fellows doing the hollering, and they sounded as if they
were mad; so I made up my mind they wouldn't yelp _that_ way if they had
their hands on Paul."

"Which was clever reasoning, Jack," declared his chum, instantly. "You
had your wits about you that time. I'm glad the whole camp didn't take
to rushing through the woods, chasing a jack-o'-lantern. What a jolly
time we'd have had rounding up the bunch again. Now, sit down