The two boys, who strode into the camp just then, eyed the warlike group with positive surprise.
"What's going on here?" asked the one in the lead, who seemed to be a well-put-up lad, with a bold, resolute face, clear gray eyes, and of athletic build.
"Why, you see, Max," began Steve in his usual impetuous way, "Toby here thought he saw a hungry cat sizing us up, being in want of a dinner; and so we got ready to give him a warm reception."
"Y-y-you b-b-bet we did!" exclaimed the party in question, shaking his hatchet ferociously.
The boy called Max turned and looked toward his cousin Owen, and there were signs of amusement in his manner.
"D'ye suppose it could have been a bobcat?"
Steve went on, he having his own opinion, which was to the effect that Toby had imagined things.
"Suppose we find out?" suggested Max, promptly.
"Oh, no use asking him!" declared Steve. "As soon as he tries to tell he gets to tumbling all over himself. He saw a pair of staring eyes, and imagined the rest. For my part, I've made up my mind 'twas only a little old owl."
Bandy-legs laughed, while Toby grunted his disgust.