To make sure that he was not mistaken, Harry continued to search in the vicinity of the spot, and presently he discovered the tracks of the sled through a tiny drift of snow on one side of the creek, twenty feet farther on. Without hesitation he fired his gun, and, loading hastily, fired a second shot. Then he sat down impatiently to await the arrival of the others. Jack might have joined him in a few minutes, but he wisely waited at the mouth of the creek for Andy, Boxy and Pickles, that they might not go astray along the shore. Soon the four boys hove in sight, all eager to learn what he had discovered. The top of the coffee pot was exhibited, and Harry’s story told, and then, with their hopes revived, they started up the creek, eager to trace the trail to its end. It was not long before the creek began to narrow, and here the ice was covered with snow, through which it was easy to follow the tracks. “Here’s where they left the creek,” said Harry, ten minutes later. “See, they moved off directly through the woods.” “But it’s a roundabout course,” observed Jack, “and that proves that it was new ground for them to cover.” Presently they came to a deep ravine, and saw that the marauders had walked along this in both directions, looking for a place to cross. Being unable to find it, they had continued along the ravine until its upper end was reached, and then struck out through the thick woods between two hills. “They must have visited the camp early in the morning,” said Boxy. “Otherwise, they couldn’t have come so far before nightfall.” “It’s my opinion they came in right after we went away,” said Andy. “Maybe they were watching for our departure.” “Dat’s de ghost did it!” burst out Pickles. “I’ll bet my ole hat on it!” “I guess the ghost was one of the party,” said Jack, dryly, and Boxy started and suddenly turned red. No more was said just then, Harry at that moment catching sight of a partridge and firing. He caught the bird just as it was going up with a whirr, and brought it down almost at the party’s feet. “There, Andy, now we can have three kinds of meat instead of two,” he laughed, and put the bird in his game-bag. “It must be nearly noon,” said Jack, a few minutes later. “Wait till I look at my watch.” He unbuttoned his overcoat and his jacket. “Quarter to twelve.” “I knowed it was about dat, kase I’m so hungry,” replied Pickles. “We can stop for dinner if you say so,” said Harry. It was so agreed, and, coming to several fallen trees, they rested and ate their venison. Andy wanted to cook his squirrel, but it was voted by the others that this would take too long. “Those fellows can’t be very far off,” said Harry. “And the sooner we overtake them the better. It’s more than likely they’ll use up all our coffee, crackers and other stuff if they are given half a chance.” The midday meal was soon over, and, somewhat refreshed by their brief rest, the boys moved on with renewed vigor.