Allan had started to take a look around the vicinity, and it was hardly more than ten minutes when he was heard calling:
“Hello! Thad, come here, and give me a hand, will you? I’m caught fast in a trap!”
CHAPTER XXII.
THE CRIPPLE BUSINESS SEEMS TO BE CONTAGIOUS.
Of course these words from their comrade gave the other three Boy Scouts quite a shock. Giraffe was on his knees by the fire, and he immediately started to crane his neck, twisting his head in every direction. Step Hen very wisely first of all removed the little extra coffee-pot they had brought along, and set it safely on the ground, before scrambling to his feet.
Thad was already hurrying off. Not knowing what Allan meant by being in a “trap” the sagacious scoutmaster made sure to carry his gun along with him. And seeing this, the other two did likewise. In that wonderful country so close to the mountains, there was no telling what sudden necessity might arise for a means of defense.
“Where are you, Allan?” called Thad.
The woods were partly in darkness. It was possible to see the tree trunks, but all else seemed vague. This, of course, was partly caused by the fact of the boys having had their eyes dazzled by the glowing fire. Had they stood there for ten minutes, until used to the semi-gloom, doubtless they could have distinguished objects around them much more readily.
“This way!” came in Allan’s voice, and rather close by. “No great hurry, boys; but I’ve tried to get out myself, and can’t turn around so as to reach the spring, and step on it with the other foot.”
“Spring!” echoed Giraffe.
“Yes, because I’m held fast in the grip of an old rusty bear trap, that must have been left here last season by the trappers,” said Allan.