As it happened, when they had almost forgotten all about the hovering peril that had given them so much concern a month and more previously, it was fated to once more awaken into life to annoy them.
It was Paul this time who made the discovery. He had been unfortunate on this visit to Rockspur, in having sprained his ankle, which was slow to heal. This had kept him in the background at times when his two chums were meeting all sorts of lively adventures.
Frank and Lanky had retired to the room which they shared in common, and chose to confer regarding what they should take with them and what leave behind. Paul was in the bunk-house listening-in, there being something in the air that night which he particularly wished to hear.
"Well, here's our corrected list," Lanky announced, holding up a bit of paper. "I reckon we've cut it down as close to the bone as we can, and everything I've not crossed off we believe we'll need. Dad will do the same, for I happen to know he always used to travel light when years ago he went into camp. But here comes Paul, so now we can hop into bed and get some sleep.
"Oh! will you?" said Paul, entering in time to overhear this last remark from Lanky. "As our old chum, Jack Eastwick, used always to say, 'maybe, maybe not.' I'm bringing you news that may make you sit up and take notice. That sly little rascal with the bushel head is skulking around again! I glimpsed him while crossing over from the bunk-house!"
CHAPTER VI
ON GUARD
"Douse the glim, first of all, Lanky!" said Frank Allen without a second's hesitation. Frank seemed always ready for action, which was one of his strong points.