The middle of the forenoon found them on the grounds occupied by the various shacks belonging to the French-Canadian. They were small structures, built for the most part of slabsides, and each contained but two windows and a door.
"I wonder which shack is that used by Glutts and Werner," remarked Randy, as they looked around.
Nobody was in sight. There were five of the shacks located several hundred feet apart, and each with some timber around it.
"We'll try the nearest place," said Gif, and, going up to it, he knocked sharply on the door. He waited for fully a minute, but there was no reply.
"Seems to be empty," remarked Jack, after looking in through one of the windows. "There is no sign of a fire in the fireplace."
They tramped on to the next shack, and found that was likewise vacant.
"I think we'll find somebody at home in the third shack," announced Spouter. "Anyway, I see smoke coming from the chimney."
They were approaching the doorway of this rude structure when it was suddenly flung open and a man stepped into view. He wore a hunter's outfit, and carried a double-barreled shotgun in his hands.
"Who are you?" he questioned, and his tone had a strong French accent. "What do you want here?"
"We are looking for a fellow named Werner who hired one of these shacks," answered Gif.