If the robbers knew of its existence, they probably did not think it safe to go there, because it was so far from their hiding-place.
"We don't want those things to go," said Tom, when Hawley drove up and jumped out of his wagon. "We've kept out grub enough for our dinner."
"Ain't you going back with me?" inquired the man.
"What's the use? We would have to come up here again, and we don't care to prance up and down this mountain any more times than we are obliged to. It is understood that we are to stay here during the day. If we didn't, these wood-lots would be black with shooters in less than twenty-four hours."
"Well, I wouldn't stay, day or night," said Hawley. "Them birds ain't worth the danger that you fellows put yourselves in every minute you spend here."
Hawley's anxiety to get through with his work and start for home, was so apparent, that it is a wonder the young game-wardens did not grow frightened and decide to go back with him; but they didn't think of it. They helped him load his wagon, and saw him depart without any misgivings.
"Now, what arrangements shall we make about dinner?" said Bob, as soon as Hawley was out of sight. "I say, let's eat it at once, and be done with it; then we will save ourselves the trouble of packing it around through the woods for an hour and a half."
The boys were all hungry, and knowing by experience that a loaded haversack or game-bag is an awkward thing to carry through bushes, they agreed to Bob's proposition, and set to work immediately.
By their united efforts a substantial meal was quickly made ready and as quickly disposed of, and then they bade one another good-by and separated.