While picking their way through the valley, they lost sight of the wavering column of vapor, except once or twice when they were able to catch a glimpse of it through the tree-tops. Jack's exclamation was caused by another sight of the murky column, which, as he suspected, proved to be little more than a hundred yards distant.
There was so much undergrowth that nothing of the fire itself could be observed, though the smoke showed itself distinctly in the clear air above.
"Vell, vot does we does now?" was the natural query of Otto, as he placed himself beside his young friend.
"I guess we may as well keep on, until we find out who they are."
"After we finds out vot we does den?"
"We shall see—come on."
It was simple prudence that they should speak in whispers, and step with as much care as if they were scouts entering the camp of an enemy. It would have been rashness to neglect so simple a precaution, no matter how favorable the circumstances.
"Holds on!" whispered Otto, "I dinks I goes around the oder side while you takes a look on dis side."
"There is no need of doing that," interposed Jack; "we found out the consequence of separating when in danger. You needn't keep behind me, but you may walk at my side."
"All right," responded Otto, obeying the suggestion.