in a
minute. Suppose you attend to those lads yonder. They might make
trouble and upset everything."

Accordingly Sparwick crossed the room and sat down at the foot of the
bed.

"The first one of you that utters a sound," he whispered, savagely,
"will get his face smashed. Mind that."

Under these circumstances, the boys were helpless. With tantalizing
emotions they listened to the audible conversation outside. They heard
Raikes summoned, and saw him hurriedly leave the cabin.

The next instant Bogle entered. He snatched up a lantern and a pair of
gloves.

"That's right, Sparwick," he whispered. "Don't let those chaps utter a
sound. So far we're all right. Raikes will be back in a minute."

Then he left the cabin and closed the door tightly.

It was only a few seconds later when Raikes returned. He called Sparwick
over to the fireplace, and there they conversed in low tones until long
after dark. Finally they prepared supper and unbound the boys long
enough to allow them to eat.

It was nearly midnight when Bogle returned. His boisterous entry wakened
all three of the lads, who had dropped asleep. They lay still, however,
and pretended to be still sleeping.

"It took you long enough," grumbled Raikes. "How did you make out?"

"It was a matter of four miles each way," replied Bogle. "I'm lucky to
get back so soon. As for making out--well, I'm afraid Mowry has his
suspicions. It couldn't be otherwise. We didn't ask him in or offer him
a bite to eat. He knew there was something back of it all. I went clear
to his camp with him. He was grateful for that, but there was a sort of
a chilling coolness about him."

"It's hard luck," muttered Raikes. "He's a nosey old chap, and may come
spying around here, now that he's found the way. What had we better do?"

"I'll tell you," whispered Bogle, as he glanced across the cabin. Then
he added, in a tone that did not reach half-way to the boys: "At
daybreak you will start on your journey, Raikes. After dinner Sparwick
and I will move boys, luggage, and all to the Rock House. You will find
us there when you return."

"By Jove! that's a clever thought," said Raikes. "Mowry will be neatly
tricked."

"Where is the Rock House?" asked Sparwick.

"You'll find out soon enough," replied Bogle. "There are places in these
woods that you never dreamed of. And now let's turn in. We've talked
enough."

"Yes, and I need sleep for to-morrow's journey," added Raikes.

As has been