them into the timber, and then
set to work to prepare the midday meal.

It was fully an hour before Jasper Grinder was able to speak, and then
he could say but little. But he explained how it was that he had been
shot. He wanted to know if the wolves had been driven off, and begged
that they would not leave him alone again.

"We'll stay by you, now you are down," said Dick sympathetically. "We
are not brutes, even though we haven't any great love for you."

"Thank you; I'll not forget your kindness," returned Jasper Grinder, and
for once it must be admitted that he meant what he said.

The wounded man could eat no solid food, so they prepared for him some
broth made from bear's meat, which was very strengthening. After another
examination John Barrow was of the opinion that the wound was not a
dangerous one, but that the man would have to keep quiet for several
days or a week.

"We'll have to take turns at watching him," said Dick. "It's too bad,
but I see no other way out of it."

They drew lots, and it fell to Sam to remain with the patient during the
afternoon. An hour later Dick, Tom, and the guide set off to look once
more for the treasure.

"Well, I'm tired enough to stay here and rest," said Sam. "That walking
this morning played me out completely."

There was not much to do, since Jasper Grinder had brought in sufficient
wood to last for a day or two. For an hour Sam rested and watched the
former teacher, who had fallen into a doze. Then the youngest Rover set
to work to improve the shelter, doing several things which the guide had
suggested.

The youth was hard at work patching up one side of the improvised hut
when he heard a movement in the brushwood not far away. Fearing some
wild animal he ran for his gun, but ere he could reach the firearm a
voice arrested him.

"Stop, Sam Rover, stop!"

The voice was that of Dan Baxter, and an instant later the bully came
into view, rifle in hand, and followed by Bill Harney.

"What do you want here, Baxter?" demanded Sam, as coolly as he could,
although the situation by no means pleased him.

"Are you alone?"

"No."

"Who is with you?"

"What business is that of yours?"

"I'm making it my business."

"I reckon he's alone, right enough," put in Bill Harney. "I don't see
anybody else around."

The big guide rushed forward, and knocking down Sam's gun placed his
foot upon it.

"Give me my gun!"

"Not so fast, my bantam!" cried the guide. "Baxt