Accordingly they stepped out in the roadway almost directly in front of the on-coming boxsled. The driver, who was crouched down with the big collar of his overcoat turned up around his ears, had evidently been in deep thought, for when he noticed them he straightened up in surprise and brought his team to a sudden halt.
"Why, if it isn't our friend from the railroad train!" remarked Jack, with a smile.
"Well, I never!" declared Herman Crouse, with a momentary look of pleasure on his face. "How did you young gentlemen get up here?" And then, of a sudden, a cloud came over his features.
"Can't you see we're out hunting?" answered Fred, pointing to the guns and game in their bags.
"Yes, yes! To be sure! I forgot that you came up here to go hunting. Have you had much success?"
"A little," answered Gif. "We've got a fox, and we've had quite a few rabbits, squirrels, quail and partridges."
"Not so bad." Herman Crouse looked anxiously at the boys and Jed Wallop. "Where are you staying?"
"At Cedar Lodge. It's several miles from here," answered Jack. And then he continued: "You belong around here? I thought you said you had a farm near Enwood."
"So I have. But during the winter I make a little extra money trucking. That's what I am doing now. I am feeling pretty good again."
"Where are you bound?" questioned Randy.