th Bumpus and Giraffe are too tired after what they went
through with the day before yesterday, to want to wander; the game
warden is well on his way with his two prisoners; and everything looks
just fixed to carry out your little plan."

"It does thet," returned the other, eagerly. "Seems like things happened
jest tew suit me. I calls it 'Little Lina luck,' fur they nigh allers
turn thetaways when I'm tryin' tew please her. I worried a heap over
them tew critters, Si Kedge an' Ed Harkness; thinkin' thet w'ile I mout
convince dad, they was apt tew give me a lot o' trouble. An' see haow
they was kerried off tew jail tew clar ther field fur me! Oh! sumpin'
tells me hit's goin' tew be awl rite yit."

"Is there anything we ought to take along with us besides our guns, and
some grub, enough for several meals, because we won't have any time for
hunting?" asked Thad.

"Nawthin' as I knows on; I'm makin' sure to kerry ther life preserver,"
and as he said these mysterious words, Jim pressed his hand against his
breast, where in an inner pocket _something_ undoubtedly snuggled
unseen; but somehow Thad never once dreamed that the guide could refer
to a pocket flask, because he happened to know Jim did not drink.

However, Thad did not bother about trying to fathom Jim's little secret.
He fancied that it would all be made plain shortly; certainly when they
happened upon the stern old man who was day after day cheating himself
out of happiness, by refusing to let bygones be bygones, and accept
things as they were.

Of course the balance of the Silver Fox Patrol showed great interest
when they heard what was the plan. Thad could read a trace of
disappointment on more faces than one when he announced that he meant to
go alone with Jim. A larger detachment would do more harm than good,
since Old Cale might be angry at having his solitude invaded by a party
that Jim was piloting through the piney woods. And besides, Allan was
needed to take charge of the camp while the leader was away, Step Hen
had had his outing in the company of Thad, himself; Bumpus and Giraffe
were fairly saturated with adventure, and still feeling the effects of
their experience; while Davy was needed in camp, and complaining of a
lame foot besides.

So within the hour that had been set for the start, Thad and Jim left
camp, with many hearty wishes for their success.

"Be sure and tell us all about it when you get back!" called Bumpus; for
some of the boys