“It might be an Impevan pheasant,” Dan said doubtfully. “That green crested head and red neck feathers would make me think so.”
“For all of me, it could be a grouse,” Brad chuckled. “Wonder why these birds are cooped up here without any food or water, and not too much air?”
“Brad, you don’t suppose—”
Dan did not finish what he had intended to say, for at that moment running footsteps pounded on the path.
“Someone’s coming—but fast!” Brad muttered, shoving the crate back into the lean-to. “Hide!”
He drew Dan back deep into the bushes behind the building.
Scarcely had the two taken cover, than a bedraggled figure bounded into view. In relief, the pair saw that it was Red who had followed them.
“Brad! Dan!” he hissed in a stage whisper.
Mystified by his secrecy, the pair stepped from their hiding place.
“Quick! Duck back out of sight!” Red muttered in warning. “They’re coming this way!”