"I can see the glow of a fire ahead," announced Will, presently.
"That's the place we're aiming for; the lake lies beyond. I've fished from the point many a time," pursued Jerry.
"And when are we going to try for fish; I brought my rod and lines along, thinking we'd have a fish dinner some fine day?" complained Will.
"Wait, there's plenty of time. The season is nearly over, but if a warm day comes along we ought to be able to get some bass, I think," remarked Frank, who was something of an authority in that line.
"I can see figures moving about like black ghosts," announced Jerry. "Say, fellows, this is getting real exciting, creeping up on a rival camp with the intention of holding up the whole kit at the muzzle of our guns."
"Oh! I hope it won't come to such a desperate point as that. I'd rather not have any trouble with that Lasher if it can be avoided," ventured Frank.
"But if they've got our chum tied to a tree a prisoner?" demanded Jerry.
"In that case we'll make sure that he's set free, no matter what the consequences," was the immediate response from the leader.
As they drew nearer to the fire they could begin to make out the identity of those who were moving about.
Andy Lasher could be easily seen, as he always took it upon himself to be the high pin of any gathering of the clans in which he moved; then there was the fellow who had been caught stealing from the traps of Jesse Wilcox that morning, still limping painfully whenever he walked.