"I should think the half-breed would have kept them pretty close,"
Sandy observed. "You don't find automatics like those every day!"

"It strikes me," Antoine said, directly, "that you boys would
better settle down for a little rest previous to going out after
your chum."

"Aw, we don't need any rest!" declared Tommy.

"Not while George is out in the cold!" Sandy cut in.

"Just as you please," smiled Antoine. "And now," he went on, "if
you've all had plenty to eat, I'll bring on the tea. Tea always
tastes better to me when there is no food in my mouth to interfere
with the flavor of it. I have a very fine brand here."

"We've been waiting for that tea!" laughed Tommy.

"You can't lose Tommy when it comes to anything good to eat or
drink!" laughed Sandy. "He's always on watch."

Antoine seemed a long time pouring the tea into the tin cups, which
he had placed on the rough board which served as a table. As he
bent over the teapot, a familiar sound caught Will's ears and he
turned his head aside to listen.

"Slap, slap, slap!"

The boy nudged Tommy who sat next to him with his elbow and called
his attention to the sound. Tommy almost sprang to his feet as he