Paul had evidently been thinking seriously over the matter, and had arrived at some conclusion.
"I guess they didn't want to see us very bad.
Look here, Paul, do you think the man who drove along in that rig is one of these two men?" demanded Jack, suddenly.
"Now you're getting close to what I mapped out myself," smiled Paul.
"Perhaps Ted and his crowd had an ugly experience with those men?" suggested Jack, following up his train of thought.
"I can't imagine what else could have given them such a scare," returned the patrol leader. "When they came in sight they looked rattled for keeps. I noticed too, that Ted seemed to hold his left arm half dangling at his side, as if it had been hurt."
"Well, anyhow, if they've scared the Slavin crowd out of this region we'll have to take off our lids to the unknown gentlemen," laughed his chum.
The balance of that day passed off pleasantly. Many things occupied the attention of the campers; and all the while they were learning more about the secrets which a bountiful Nature hides in her solitudes away from the haunts of men.
"Thank goodness," declared Nuthin, as he rubbed his side with considerable feeling, "no more of that guard duty up on the side of the mountain after this. Since Ted and his bad lot have skipped out, there's no need of expecting a shower of rocks at any time during the night. I'll sleep like a brick to-night, boys, you bet!"