"I am certain that this is the finest meal I have ever eaten," declared Mr. Page, who, up to the present, had been rather silent. "There is only one thing it needs," rejoined Mr. Ross. "If we had about six roasted ears of corn for each diner then this barbecue would be a huge success." "Not even the corn could improve it," declared Laura Bentley, as Dick helped her to more of the roasted meat. "Don't forget that pudding, ladies and gentlemen!" called out Jim Hornby, from where he sat. "That pudding is my best kind, and the best one of its kind that I ever turned out. When you have the pudding you won't be thinking of a little thing like roasted ears of corn." "No more, thank you," replied Clara Marshall, as Greg tried to secure her plate in order to help her to more food. "Until the pudding comes on," prompted Jim Hornby. "Until the pudding arrives," smiled Clara. "But no one may think of having pudding yet," insisted Mr. Ross, with mock gravity. "I forbid that anyone should have pudding, or even think of it, until we have tried the one really delicious dish of this feast." "And what may that be?" called Dr. Bentley. "The best part of the cow," replied Mr. Ross. "A big rib roast, served with cracked bones with the marrow cooked in them. Come along, Bill. We'll bring back the roast and the marrow." Ross and his man moved briskly out of sight. Only a few moments had passed when Mr. Ross' voice was heard from the clearing: "_Thieves_! The rib roast is gone---so is the marrow!" Dick glanced swiftly at his chums. The same idea was in the minds of all the members of Dick & Co. "Our friend, the prowler, has been here," muttered Prescott, rising hastily. "This thing has got to be stopped. Come along, fellows! Friends, please excuse us for a few moments." At a dog trot Dick led the way to the clearing. There stood Mr. Ross, looking the picture of indignation. "I didn't know there were tramps in these woods," muttered the cattle owner. "Tramp, thief, or whatever he is," exclaimed Dick Prescott, "that fellow must move on out of this part of the country. If he doesn't we'll catch him. After we get through with him, he'll be glad enough to move on." "If he's able," added Dave Darrin significantly. "Oh, what's the use of making a fuss, this time?" demanded Tom Reade good-humoredly. "For once we have so much meat that we could spare a hungry man two hundred pounds and not miss it." "It's the principle of the thing," muttered Dick, who was studying the ground intently. "That big, hulking fellow doesn't care a rap whether we have plenty, or whether he takes all we have. We've got to suppress him. We must catch him, and put a stop to his thieving. See! Here's where he went off through the woods. Come on! We'll trail him!" "And, if we find him?" asked Greg. "We'll try to reason with the fellow," responded Prescott rather grimly.