"However," said the scout master, as they were ready to leave, "I am in hopes that we can take the rascals by surprise, so that there will not be any real necessity for violence. The rest of you stick by the camp while we are gone. You can wait up for us, if you want."
"Sure we will, sir!" declared one. "We couldn't any more sleep than water can run up hill."
"And don't any of you meddle with the little trap we've got set by the store tent, remember, please," Elmer flung over his shoulder as he was marching away.
Then they were off.
Counting Mr. Garrabrant and Ginger, they were eight in all, surely a strong enough bunch to overcome two men, if only they might take the ruffians by surprise. Ginger was far from being a coward when it came to things he could understand. This fact was known to Mr. Garrabrant, which was the reason he took the colored man and brother along. Besides, his heft might have considerable influence in causing the two men to submit.
As before, they carried a couple of lanterns. The light from these came in very handy to save the boys from many an ugly tumble, where roots lay across their path or rocks cropped up in the way.
They conversed in whispers only. And as they finally drew near the lone cabin, even this style of talk was stopped by order of Mr. Garrabrant, so that they now crept along in absolute silence.
He had told the boys of his plans, so that each member of the little party knew just what was expected of him.
Presently they caught sight of a dim light ahead. Then came the sound of loud and gruff voices. This convinced them that the two rascals had not left the cabin.
Creeping closer, they could finally see through the little opening. And thus the scout master was enabled to complete the plan he had arranged.