Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness he stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in his pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark interior of the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.

“Bicycles,” he muttered.

“What?” demanded Hal.

“Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?”

“Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a scouting expedition,” said Hal.

“By George!” exclaimed Chester suddenly.

“What is it now?” demanded Hal.

Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.

“Have you a knife?” he asked at length.