"And we might have been on our way while they were devouring them!" wailed Thede.
The tree was now virtually a pillar of fire, and the boys moved out from under it. They found the Indian standing, stolid and indifferent, just out of the circle of light.
"Just think of all that funny thing happening and he never seeing any humor in it!" exclaimed Sandy.
The Indian lifted his hand for silence, and pointed off toward the hills. Then, motioning the boys to follow him, he led the way into a thicket and crouched down.
Directly the panting and puffing of a man exhausted from a long run, was heard, and the familiar figure of Antoine dashed into the circle of light! He glared about for a moment and then dropped down on the snow, evidently completely exhausted.
CHAPTER XIX
THE SIGNAL FROM THE HILLS
"That's a funny proposition, too!" whispered Sandy.
"That's the gink who tried to feed us poisoned tea," Thede whispered back. "I wonder what he's running for."
The Indian drew at the boys' sleeves to enforce silence, and all three sat perfectly still for some moments. Then Antoine lifted himself to his feet and looked cautiously about.