"Great Scott!" he cried. "What—what—"
As he sprang to the fire, uttering a shout, seized a partly-consumed branch and waved it aloft, the sleepers awoke on the instant.
Tom Clifton jumped up and dived for his gun.
"Now, what's the matter?" he gasped, excitedly.
Dick, without replying, seized his own weapon, and holding the firebrand aloft boldly pushed out into the darkness. Tom, not to be outdone, sprang quickly to his side.
"What in the world is it?" he muttered, in a voice that trembled.
"We may soon find out," answered Dick, softly.
He waved his blazing torch high aloft, turned abruptly, and the animals, straining at their ropes, fell into gloom again. In a few moments the boys had reached the gully. Bob Somers and Sam Randall, clutching burning brands, crept cautiously beyond the circle of light, the others following close at their heels.
"Watch yourself, Dick!"
Bob Somers' voice vibrated over the air in a thrilling undertone.