“We’re a big party to come in unannounced,” objected the colonel.
“No; you will only ease our consciences, for you know one ought not to catch more than is needed for food,” observed Nora.
The coaching party stayed. It was late when they finally got up to resume their journey. It was when they were about to get into the coach that Jim Badger, a look of surprise and concern on his face, exclaimed:
“Say, you’ve lost a nut off this hind wheel!”
The guide set off down the road the coach had come to look for the nut. Hippy followed after, taking a lantern as it was growing dark. The lieutenant had gone but a few yards when he saw the nut lying in plain sight.
“We are certainly in luck that you found this so soon, Lieutenant Wingate,” said one of the party, as, the wheel fixed, they were ready to go on again.
“Yes,” agreed Hippy slowly.
“I’m hungry,” announced Stacy, as soon as the coach was out of sight.
“Hungry!” exclaimed Emma. “Stacy Brown, you ate fish until, in spite of the amount we had, I was afraid it would not go around.” Before Stacy could resent this in words a shrill scream of distress came to the ears of the Overland Eiders. This was followed by a volley of shots.
“That coaching party’s in trouble!” exclaimed Tom. “Come, fellows! Better stay here, girls.”