Garry and Phil wondered who they were and what their business was,—whether they were hunters or what.
A fire was built and a meagre breakfast made. Phil and Garry were glad of the food, for they were both hungry and tired. The eating done, evident preparations were made to continue the march. Both boys were cruelly tired. They had passed a strenuous day and night, and now they wanted to sleep. But this was evidently not to be.
They were slightly surprised also when they learned from the conversation that LeBlanc was not to continue to the destination of the others.
“Now, King, you will take these boys to Misery Camp, and keep them until you hear from those who have given you instructions. They will let you know what to do, and you will be ver’ careful not to let them make the conge, to get away, for then you will have me, Jean LeBlanc, to deal with.”
“I’ll keep my bargain, fer the fact that I give my word, an’ a King allers keeps his word; but never think that I fear ye, Frenchman, fer I fear no man livin’!”
LeBlanc kept silence, and took his way back to the camp, while the weary march forward was resumed. Short rests were given at long intervals and the boys were thankful for the scant few minutes that were allowed.
The men walked with the long swinging lope of the true woodsman, and often the boys thought they would drop by the side of the road from weariness.
At noon a halt was called, and one of the men disappeared, to return after several minutes with a half dozen grouse. The boys then knew immediately that these men were outlaws of some sort, who paid no attention to the law, for the close season was on all grouse and pheasant.
A fire was built and one of the men skinned the birds preparatory to roasting them over the coals. Coffee was made and they were about to drink it black, when Garry bethought himself of the sugar and condensed milk in his knapsack. Thinking that a few favors on his part would perhaps return to them later on, he offered it to the men. The boy’s hands were untied, and he rummaged through his pack until he found the articles.
The men took them without a word and used them. They divided the food fairly with all present.