Upon which burning bunches of dead grass were thrown in. The brush took fire fairly well, being pretty dry, and presently a leaping furnace of flames announced the end of the snakes' paradise. Possibly not one of them could escape the terrific scorching, unless their holes ran deeper into the rocks than the boys imagined.
"That job is done, and well done. Now what?" asked Bluff.
Frank announced that he had several small tasks which he wanted to attend to. Jerry threw his gun over his shoulder and sauntered forth for a ramble, but did not mean to shoot any game he might happen to run across, being a believer in the laws that protect deer, grouse, rabbits, and such, for the better part of the year.
On his part, Bluff had some work to do in connection with the bearskin which he was trying to cure, after certain directions given by old Jesse Wilcox, the veteran trapper, whom the boys had visited the preceding fall.
Will, of course, could always find something to do in connection with his photographic work, for he carried a little tank along with him into the woods, and in this he developed his films, day or night.
Jed seemed quite satisfied to keep busy around the fire. He assisted Adolphus, and, indeed, was ready to anticipate the needs of any of these fine fellows whose kindness to a poor waif would never be forgotten.
It was about an hour before sunset that Frank called out to him:
"Jed! Come here, please!"
The lad saw a smile of satisfaction on Frank's face, and somehow he seemed to be thrilled with a sudden hope.
"You never knew that the back of this locket could be detached—that is, removed—did you?" asked Frank.