“There they go—right past the place!” exclaimed Paul, pointing to three men who were keeping in the trail, passing to the east.
“Maybe they’ll meet those tramps and make a happy family reunion,” laughed Lanky, and with that the subject was changed.
CHAPTER XII
JEEK MEETS THE TRAMPS
Jeek, Fallon, and Carey, pals of several years standing, and birds of a feather, made their way along the lake trail steadily, their packs not so large as those carried by the boys, for the reason that they had already been to their camp once and had gone back to Todds to get more food.
“Those kids are not in sight,” muttered Fallon as they passed the Parsons’ camp, the fellow looking out of the side of his eye at the place.
“They’re there, though,” answered Jeek. “See the smoke pouring from that chimney? Chances are they are out hunting or fishing on the lake.”
Nothing more was said about the boys, while the trio proceeded along the trail, knowing it well.
“Hay!” suddenly called Jeek, as he lifted his head upon reaching the crest of the trail and looked down to see smoke issuing from one of the two cabins by the lake.
“What’s all this? Somebody in there? Fallon, I thought you locked that place,” cried Jeek, turning accusingly on his friend.
Fallon admitted that he had not locked the place, not thinking it necessary in view of their being away but a few days at Todds.