It took Hen Dutcher, after he got started, considerable time to eat his fill. In the meantime the others, restrained by a sense of what was due from hosts, held back their curiosity.
"There, I don't believe I could eat another mouthful," declared Dutcher, at last, pushing back from the table.
"Now, Hen," invited Dick, "come over to the fire and tell us how you came to be here."
"Why, I just naturally was hereabouts," declared Hen evasively.
"That won't quite do," replied Dick, shaking his head. "What brought you into these woods to-night? Did you expect that we'd invite you in to join us?"
"Nope. Not quite," Hen replied, a crafty look in his eyes.
"Then out with the truth, Hen Dutcher!" broke in Dave.
"I don't have to tell you fellows, do I?"
"Yes, if you want to stay here to-night!" blurted Tom Reade.
"You fellows wouldn't put me out in the cold again!" dared Hen.