"What?" demanded Hal.

"Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?"

"Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a
scouting expedition," said Hal.

"By George!" exclaimed Chester suddenly.

"What is it now?" demanded Hal.

Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.

"Have you a knife?" he asked at length.

Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend's hand, Chester stepped
to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made a neat
incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square. Then he put
his eye to the hole and peered out.

There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro in
front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.

Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal's side.

"If we can get two of these bicycles out here," he whispered, "we may be
able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a chance?"

"Sure," agreed Hal. "Anything is better than sitting here and waiting for