Josh Higginson had come out looking for a sheep that had escaped from his pen, and after a bit he left the crowd.
It was now growing dusk, and Harry suggested they leave the vicinity of the lean-to and hide behind some brush that was not far distant.
“If we remain here the owners of the camp may see us before they get very close and turn tail and run,” he said.
“But their things be here,” said one of the farmers.
“Perhaps they would rather lose those than be locked up for chicken stealing,” said Jack, and subsequent events proved that he was right.
A few minutes later the entire party withdrew to the bushes Harry had mentioned. Here the horses were tied to several trees, and a fire was built, at which those that felt cold proceeded to warm themselves.
An hour went by and still no one came near the lean-to. By this time it was quite dark, and the boys wondered what they should do if they were compelled to remain in the vicinity all night.
“I have it!” cried Andy. “We have our traps and can bunk in the lean-to.”
“That’s the idea!” said Boxy. “Won’t they be mad when they find we have taken possession?”
Jack was on guard at the edge of the brush, with one of the farmers, watching for the return of the camp’s owners. Presently a shout went up, followed by the discharge of a gun.