“I do believe that’s our chum, Bumpus;” whispered Giraffe, eagerly, showing that he too had been watching the figure.
They all used their eyes to advantage, as they cautiously crept along. Presently they would have gained a point so near the fire that it would be necessary for them to change their mode of locomotion. Instead of walking, even as they were doing now, in a bent-over attitude, they must get down on all fours, and creep, just as a panther would do when approaching a feeding deer which he hoped to pounce upon unawares.
It was one of the most exciting and thrilling moments in the lives of Step Hen and Giraffe. Possibly they could not conceive of anything more typical of what must go hand in hand with scouting business, than this creeping through the woods, and constantly drawing closer and closer to a fire, about which enemies would most likely be seated, all unaware of their presence.
They felt proud of the manner in which they were accomplishing these things. It reflected great credit upon their ability as scouts.
Nearer they crawled.
Why, Allan was actually down on his stomach now, and he seemed to “wiggle” along just as they had seen an angle worm do, or a snake. Yes, and there was Thad copying the example of the expert Maine boy.
It would seem to be up to Giraffe and Step Hen to do likewise. They were quick to learn, once they had a pattern to go by. And in another minute the whole four of the scouts lay fully extended on the ground, clawing their way along as best they might; satisfied to advance, even though it be inches at a time.
There was no longer any doubt in connection with what might be going on just beyond. Even Giraffe and Step Hen understood it now.
First of all they saw the lost tenderfoot; and it did them great good just to feast their eyes upon the portly figure of Bumpus, after all this searching for him, day after day.
Then there were Hank and Pierre, too, just as hulking, and ugly as ever, or even more so.