e, and besides, had studied the habits of both
game fishes and the inhabitants of the woods, fur, fin and feather.

It can be readily understood then, how he threw himself heart and soul
into the task of getting Stanhope Troop in readiness for the long trip.
Some of the boys' parents were worried about letting their boys go so
far away; in fact three were sent to visit distant relatives just to
keep them from temptation; but this move made discontented boys during
the entire Summer; for they had set their hearts on being with their
fellow scouts, and felt that they were missing the time of their lives.

When only one more day remained before the time arranged for the
departure of the troop, Paul, on "counting noses," found that he might
expect just twenty-two besides himself to make the grand march.

"It's going to be a success!" ventured Jack, as he and his chum went
over the roster on that preceding night, checking off all those who had
solemnly agreed to be on hand in the morning.

"I hope so," replied Paul, seriously; "but I'd feel better if I knew
what we were going to buck against up there at Rattlesnake Mountain,
and that's a fact."

That was a boy's way of putting it; but perhaps had he been granted that
privilege Paul might have been appalled at the array of adventures in
store for them.

CHAPTER VI

ON GUARD

Just after he had finished his supper that evening, Jack Stormways was
called to the telephone in his house.

"Hello! Jack, this is Paul," came a voice. "Do you suppose your folks
would let you camp out to-night down at the church, along with me?"

"What's that?" exclaimed Jack, more than a little surprised; for it had
been decided, as the boys would be needing a good rest before starting
off on their long and tiresome journey, there was to be no meeting on
this night.

"Bobolink just had me on the wire," went on Paul, quietly; "and what
d'ye suppose he told me? He got a hint that our friends, the enemy, mean
to be at it again. This time they are thinking of doing something that
will upset all our calculations about starting out to-morrow."

"But how--I don't just get hold of that, Paul? Every fellow has pledged
himself to be on hand, rain or shine. How can they hold us back?" asked
Jack, who had been partly stunned by the sudden shock of hearing such
news.

"Oh they won't try to," remarked the scout leader; "but then you see
what would be the use of our tramping away up there in t