?" questioned Hippy solemnly.

"Well," answered the ranger, stroking his chin reflectively, "being as
its you and further, being that I've broken bacon with you and heard a
real funny joke from Miss Dean here, I reckon I don't. 'Bye, folks. See
you some other time." The ranger led out his horse, mounted and rode
away.

"That obstacle overcome," announced Miss Briggs in a tone of relief, "I
wonder what next."

"If you will kindly cast your eyes downstream I think you will discover
three more obstacles on the way to the Overland camp, and, from the look
of them, I am inclined to feel that they are not harbingers of delight.
Girls, this really seems to be our 'Day at Home,'" said Grace Harlowe
laughingly.

"Good night!" exclaimed Hippy Wingate after a quick glance downstream.
"Give Henry a poke in the ribs, Joe. Here's more trouble!"

CHAPTER XV

THE WAY OF THE BIG WOODS

Three horsemen were seen approaching as rapidly as the uneven going
would permit. Two of the trio were holding their rifles under their arms
at a position indicating readiness for instant action.

The Overlanders were observing them narrowly, and especially Joe Shafto,
who, having seen them first, and being suspicious of the newcomers, had
run for her rifle and thrown herself down behind a log, commanding Henry
to follow. The only other member of the Overland Riders who had a weapon
handy was Lieutenant Wingate, who wore the heavy service revolver that
he had carried while a fighting air pilot in France.

Hippy's hand was close to the butt of his revolver, but he made no
effort to draw it, even though he believed that he and his party were
about to have trouble.

"Keep clear, girls, and give me room," he warned. "May have to shoot."

As the three strangers, one leading the way, reached the edge of the
camp, the two rear riders threw up their rifles and covered the
Overland party with them.

"Put up yer hands!" came the command, sharp and incisive.

"Put up your own," flung back Lieutenant Wingate, and the newcomers
found themselves facing his weapon. "Tag! You're it. What is this,
anyway?"

"Drop that aire gun or I'll let ye have a hunk of lead!" threatened one
of the strangers.

"No you won't. You haven't the nerve. I'll tell you what I will do. I
will put my revolver back in its holster provided you put down your own
weapons. If you make a move to shoot I will draw and wing you before you
can pull a trigger. If you don't beli