"Yes, in union there is strength. But don't forget, all of you, that one of the main objects in our selecting the Sunset Mountains for our present vacation trip was the hope of discovering the truth about that same ghost. Hello! I declare if here isn't another visitor!"
All of them jumped as Frank uttered these last words. Poor Jed gave a piteous little whimper, as though his fears had not wholly subsided by any means.
Some one was seen striding boldly toward the campfire, coming from the direction of the road. Immediately Jerry gave utterance to an exclamation.
"Why, as sure as I live, I believe it's Andy!" he said.
"That's who it is—Andy Lasher," echoed Will.
"Now what do you suppose that fellow wants here?" muttered Bluff, who was not so thoroughly convinced of the reform of Andy as some of his chums.
The advancing form drew rapidly near.
"Hello, Andy!" said Jerry, holding out his hand.
Jerry had saved the life of the town bully the previous fall, when during a storm a great tree had fallen and pinned him to the ground. Ever since Andy had tried to show his gratitude toward his benefactor. At the same time he would not make friends to any extent with the other three boys.
"Howdy, Jerry," said the newcomer gruffly, as he accepted the offered hand.