“Overland!” It was the shrill rallying cry of the Overland Riders, and hearing it, they sprang to their feet and ran up, as Grace Harlowe’s cry for assistance was echoing through the forest.
Ham White reached the two girls first, calling out his name as he charged to them.
“What is it?” he demanded.
“Someone was here, Mr. White. At least someone or something snatched a book out of my hands. I saw no one, but am positive that I heard someone just before the occurrence,” Grace informed him.
The rest of the party, with the exception of Stacy Brown, were on the scene a moment or so later, each with an eager question.
“Why, Hamilton, you went out that way a few moments before the girls were disturbed. Didn’t you see anyone?” wondered Emma.
The guide shook his head. He was regarding Grace and Elfreda with a curious expression on his face as they came within range of the campfire.
“Was the book of value?” he asked, meeting Miss Briggs’ eyes. She returned his gaze with a level glance.
“It may have been, Mr. White,” replied the girl, turning away.
Grace laughed. The incident had not disturbed her, but the mystery of it did. That a prowler could get so close to her without attracting her attention hurt her pride. Her companions were much more upset than was either of the two active participants. Stacy slept through it all, and did not awaken until morning.