The scouts were ordered back to their blankets, and once again did the camp relapse into silence, save for the grunting of the satisfied Diablo, as he continued to feast upon the sweet cakes with which he had been supplied.
In this manner, then, was the last source of trouble laid low. Ghosts and thieves they had encountered, but in the end success had rewarded their efforts, and it began to look as though the balance of their stay in camp might be more in the nature of a picnic than the first few days and nights had proven.
When morning came the boys were early astir, and crowded around to stare at the prisoner. But with his stomach comfortably filled Diablo was lazy and good natured. He refused to be bothered, and curled up on the ground like a dog, made out to sleep, though a careful examination might have disclosed the fact that one eye was partly open, and as soon as a boy entered the store tent he was on his feet, begging.
But Ginger would be the one who must feel the most satisfaction over the capture, for it would ease his mind concerning the necessity for cutting his stay on the earth short, and accompanying the Evil One in a "chariot of fire."
So that day passed very slowly as they awaited the coming of the scout master and his "ebony galley slave" who was to row the boat up-stream.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE LAST FLICKERING CAMP FIRE DIES OUT.
"There's the outpost making signals, Elmer," said Mark, about three o'clock in the afternoon.