"No, I think I'll take you, the Professor being willing," answered Tad
nodding at Rector.

Ned stopped smiling, gazing at Tad to see whether the latter were in
earnest. Tad was.

"All right, I'm willing, Tad."

"How about it, Professor?"

"Provided you do not go into the mountains I will agree to your plan.
But I cannot consent to your taking further desperate chances."

"I hope you will not hold me to that, Professor."

"To what?" demanded Professor Zepplin shortly.

"To not going beyond the edge of the mountains."

"Plainly, what is it you are planning to do, Tad?"

"I want to find out who it is that is shooting at us and why. That is
all, sir."

"You don't suppose it possibly could be the Germans attacking us, do
you?" questioned Walter apprehensively.

The professor shook his head.