“And we get all the chicken meat we want when we are home,” finished Boxy. “We didn’t come out here for that at all, and I wouldn’t touch either chicken or turkey just now, unless I was forced to. We are out solely to hunt and live on game.” “I believe the boys speak the truth,” said Josh Higginson. “They look like an honest set of fellows.” One after another the faces of the horsemen fell. They whispered for a while among themselves, and finally the leader turned to Harry. “What’s this you tried to tell us about yeour traps bein’ stolen?” he asked. In return Harry told their story, to which the others added such details as they saw fit. The tale took some little time, and the boys now found that they had five close listeners. “Wall, thet’s the worst yet, ef it’s true,” said the leading farmer. “An’ I guess it ez true,” burst out Josh Higginson. “Fer I saw them three fellers skulkin’ around my farm only this noon!” “These are all our traps,” said Jack, pointing to the loaded sled. “Their traps are in the shelter yonder.” “Then it’s likely they be coming back,” said the stout farmer. “Supposin’ we stay here an’ lay low for ’em?” “Thet’s the talk,” put in another of the farmers. “An’ if those boys are honest they’ll stay with us.” “We expected to get back to camp before dark,” replied Jack, slowly. “But I’m willing to stay if the others are. I would like to meet those three chaps.” “So would I,” added Harry. “Let us stay.” “We’ll stay and help you give them a warm reception,” said Boxy, with a look that made every one of the farmers laugh. Josh Higginson had come out looking for a sheep that had escaped from his pen, and after a bit he left the crowd. It was now growing dusk, and Harry suggested they leave the vicinity of the lean-to and hide behind some brush that was not far distant. “If we remain here the owners of the camp may see us before they get very close and turn tail and run,” he said. “But their things be here,” said one of the farmers. “Perhaps they would rather lose those than be locked up for chicken stealing,” said Jack, and subsequent events proved that he was right. A few minutes later the entire party withdrew to the bushes Harry had mentioned. Here the horses were tied to several trees, and a fire was built, at which those that felt cold proceeded to warm themselves. An hour went by and still no one came near the lean-to. By this time it was quite dark, and the boys wondered what they should do if they were compelled to remain in the vicinity all night. “I have it!” cried Andy. “We have our traps and can bunk in the lean-to.” “That’s the idea!” said Boxy. “Won’t they be mad when they find we have taken possession?” Jack was on guard at the edge of the brush, with one of the farmers, watching for the return of the camp’s owners. Presently a shout went up, followed by the discharge of a gun. “Something is up!” cried Harry, as he hurried to the front, followed by the others.