"If you will stop to think you will see how necessary it is for some
one to do something," urged Tad Butler.

"Yes; don't let me do it all," urged Stacy. "I think I have done my
share already. It is high time some one else got a move on. First
thing we know we shan't know anything. We'll be dead ones, and---"

"Very good. Go on. There will be no peace here unless you have your
way. See to it that you are back here in an hour. If not we shall go
after you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir, I will try to get back on time. If something should occur
to keep us longer than that please don't worry. You know we might
not be able to get away. If we get into trouble I will signal by
firing three shots into the air. Are you ready, Ned?"

"Yes. Do we take our arms?"

"Better leave the rifles here. We don't want to be bothered with them.
We'll take our revolvers. That will be sufficient."

"Now, Tad, be prudent," begged the professor. "I know you have a level
head or I should not permit you to get out of my sight under the
circumstances."

"We will be prudent, sir. Come on, Ned; we mustn't waste a moment now.
If we are seen to leave the camp we'll fail."

For answer Ned swung himself into his saddle, after first having taken
the rifle from the saddle boot and fastened it to one of the packs.