fference to Jet what the fellow did so long as he
left him free to think the matter over, and he paid no attention to his
movements.

After an hour had passed the stranger invited Jet to "fill up" from his
own stock of provisions, and as he accepted the invitation the boy
discovered that whatever this man might think of his abilities, he was
certainly a very poor cook.

"I'd a-done better if you'd had more stuff," he said,
half-apologetically, and then he began an attack on the food which
speedily emptied the dishes.

The visitor made no move toward clearing away the cooking utensils; but
leaving them where they were last used, proceeded to fill his pipe.

Then he stretched himself out inside the shanty, and took, as he said,
"solid enjoyment."

"I allow there's no reason why I can't stay here till morning, eh?"

Much as Jet disliked the proposed companionship, he could not well
refuse the request, therefore he gave consent with rather an ill-will.

"Seen anybody else huntin' 'round here?" the fellow asked, after a
pause.

"There were two men camping down there a bit, but they left yesterday."

"When did they come?"

"Three or four days ago."

"Do you know where they went?"

Jet fervently wished he did; but he simply answered "no."

The visitor appeared deeply interested in these men; but his host
showed such a disinclination to talk that he finally relapsed into
silence.

Jet soon fell asleep, and was so tired that he did not awaken again
until an hour or more after sunrise.

To his delight the stranger was no longer, there.

He glanced around leisurely, and to his surprise found that more than
the man had disappeared.

The boat, his gun, the store of provisions, and even the pot and
frying-pan had taken their departure.

"The thief!" he cried, leaping to his feet, and then a thought which
was little less than an inspiration came to him.

"He is one of Bob's gang. That is why he wanted to know so much when I
spoke of two men. Jabe probably told him where Bob and Sam were bound
for, and he came here hunting them."

CHAPTER XXV

JIM

The idea that he had been tricked by one of the gang he was hoping to
run down seemed particularly humiliating, and during at least five
minutes Jet stood silent and motionless gazing across the lake.

Then anger took the place of bewilderment, and he managed to say some
very vigorous things which might have excited the ire of the gentleman
who claimed