"I don't think we would be safe in taking that for granted. He did not
see us, but he will be on hand before long. I'm going back there
before he does see us. If he starts any more shooting you all lie low."

"Where are you going?" demanded the professor.

"On a scouting trip."

"I cannot consent to any such foolhardy business," answered Professor
Zepplin sternly.

"It is not foolhardy. We've got to clear up this mystery. Don't you
see, we shan't dare go any farther---we simply cannot go into the
mountains knowing there is some one there waiting to riddle us the
first time he gets a clear sight at us?"

"But what do you propose to do?"

"I don't know, beyond finding out what is up."

"Yes, let him go," urged Stacy. "He's looking for trouble. I'm the
only one who has had any experience thus far. It's time some one
else made a mark of himself."

"I was thinking of taking you with me," laughed Tad.

"No, you don't! Not if I see you coming," objected Stacy.

"Yes, take him along," urged Ned.