When the brush was reached the farmers mounted their horses and rode down to the lean-to. Here they overhauled the traps left by the owners of the place and took along all of the blankets and many of the other articles. “If yeou see them fellers, tell ’em tew call on Ira Goodsell, or Dick Pomfett, in Bagsville Deestrict, fer their things,” chuckled one of the farmers to Jack. “If they don’t allow as how they care tew call, let ’em stay about in the cold without nuthin’ tew keep warm o’ nights, ha! ha! ha!” And with a laugh all around, the four farmers bade the boys good-by and rode away as fast as their farm nags would carry them. “That leaves Pete Sully and his followers in a nice stew, truly!” laughed Andy. “I wonder how long they will care to camp out without blankets or cooking utensils?” “It serves them right!” burst out Boxy. “They had no business to go robbing hen roosts and get us into such a mess of trouble.” “Not to mention the fact that they carted our stuff off,” put in Harry. “But they are paid off now.” “And as we have our traps and full possession of their lean-to, we ought not to complain.” “Maybe dey will cum down on us durin’ de night,” suggested Pickles. “I hardly think so,” returned Jack. “However, perhaps we had better stand guard. We can take turns of an hour and a half each, from nine o’clock on.” This was agreed to, and a little later they had made themselves at home in the lean-to and were busy preparing supper. Pickles cooked the partridge to perfection, and this, with tea and crackers, made a very acceptable repast. All of the boys were worn out, and they did not remain awake long after they had finished and the dishes had been cleared away. Jack took the first watch, with Pickles next. Then came Andy, who, in order to keep awake, walked outside and replenished the fire, and then kept on his feet. Andy’s watch was nearly finished when he heard a crackling in the brush some distance to the left of the lean-to. He looked intently in the direction, and presently saw a pair of gleaming eyes bent full upon him. The eyes were those of some wild animal, which had been attracted to the spot doubtless by the scent of the dead game. The animal uttered no sound, but continued to glare at Andy in a manner that caused the young boy’s blood to run cold. The fascination of that look was so intense that Andy was for the time being transfixed to the spot. He stood motionless, making no movement toward getting his gun or arousing his sleeping companions. The animal, apparently satisfied that there was no danger to be encountered, moved forward slowly, until its entire body was exposed in the glare of the campfire. Then it again paused, and its short, powerful tail began to sweep quickly from side to side, as it prepared for a spring. It was at this critical moment that Andy came to himself, and he let out a shriek that could have been heard for a quarter of a mile.