Two collapsible tables had been brought along, and these were placed under the raised fly of one of the tents, so that the warmth of the open fire could be enjoyed; but the whole supper had not been cooked after the old fashion, for Frank had a little outfit that burned kerosene, making its own blue flame, and which the other boys declared to be the finest thing of the kind they had ever seen. A set of aluminum ware went with it, the kettles nesting in each other; there were cups, dishes, knives, forks and spoons for four persons; besides, Frank had added a lot of kitchen things from the house, so that they were amply supplied. The supper was almost finished when something crashed through the branches of a tree and fell at Frank's feet. "What's that?" exclaimed the boy. Crash! came another object. It landed on a platter and bounded off into Bluff's lap. "A rock! Somebody is throwing rocks at us!" cried Will, starting to scramble to his feet in wild excitement. "It must be one of that Lasher crowd," ejaculated Jerry; "come on, boys, and let's get hold of the fellow!" CHAPTER VI BLUFF MEETS WITH A LOSS The wildest excitement ensued. Jerry met with a mishap right in the beginning of the hunt, falling over the long box in which much of their camp material had been carried. It happened to lie just back of the tent, empty save for a few fag-ends of canvas brought along in case of need, and with the cover in place. "Talk about your obstacle races!" he shouted, as he scrambled up, and went limping after the others; "this has 'em beaten to a frazzle." The hunt for the offender was without result. He had evidently made haste to scuttle off, after heaving the stones at the camp. Frank and Will, after searching for some little time, started to return to the camp, and on the way overtook Bluff. "Where's Jerry?" asked Frank, as they joined forces. "Don't know," came the answer, as Bluff pushed on eagerly ahead; "last I saw of him he was taking a header over that long coffin-box back of the tents." "I hope he didn't hurt himself badly, that's all. What's your hurry, Bluff?" continued Frank, noticing that the other seemed particularly anxious to get along. "Why, I left my gun standing against a tree," replied Bluff. "Well, we all did about the same thing. I forgot I had a gun, in fact, being so anxious to get my hands on that chump who bombarded our camp. I guess you'll find the gun safe. Uncle Toby stayed in camp," said Frank, nudging Will. "He did not. I saw him scooting off like a scared dog. Like as not that coon is hiding somewhere under the bushes at this very minute," declared Bluff. At which both the others laughed. Presently the cheery blaze was seen through the trees. Some one was there, for they could see him bending over as though busily engaged. "It's Jerry, all right," said Bluff, over his shoulder.