"I reckon it's time we were going," announced Lilly. "We have a long hike."
The boys were willing, so the party packed up, and, after herding the dogs, started on their return journey to camp, whence they were to start on the second morning after that for the most exciting bear hunt in their experience.
They reached their permanent camp shortly after dark. Ichabod had a warm supper ready for them, and after having eaten, all gathered about the campfire to discuss the incidents of the eventful day.
[CHAPTER XIX]
WHAT TAD FOUND ON THE TRAIL
"Venison steak and boiled bayou water doesn't go so badly after all," observed Stacy Brown wisely.
"Especially when you have had a hand in getting the steak," laughed Walter.
"That's the idea," agreed Chunky. "We know how we got him, too, don't we, Tad?"
Butler nodded absently. His mind was not on that particular subject at the moment. There was that on his mind which he was trying to solve, in order to get a clear understanding, but reason as he might he was not able to work the problem out to his own satisfaction.
"Mr. Lilly, you don't think for a moment that this man who stole the doe could have been responsible in any way for the attack of the pack on our hounds, do you?" questioned the Professor.