“I shouldn’t tell Runnell. He might want to stop us.”
So it was agreed to tell the other boys. All were much interested and did what they could to make Harry and Link look like Indians.
First some reddish dirt was dug up and thawed out, after which it was mixed with a little rabbit grease and smeared on their faces. Then some feathers were put in bands and stuck around their heads, and each wrapped himself in a camp blanket, in true Indian style.
“You’ve got to have weapons,” said Joe. “Here, each take a hatchet.”
“I brought along a bow and some arrows,” said Bart. “Link can take that.”
“And I’ll take my gun,” put in Harry.
“See that it is empty first,” said Joe, warningly. “We don’t want any accident.” And the weapon was discharged on the spot.
All these preparations were made in secret, while old Runnell was out looking for game. The boys had persuaded Teddy to go out, too.
When Joel Runnell and the Irish lad returned to camp Link and Harry were missing.
“They went up the north shore,” said Joe. “Teddy, they wanted to know if you wouldn’t follow them up. I think they have something they want you to help carry home.”