"Now, then," went on the colonel, "we don't want the enemy swooping
down on us again. Don't you think it would be a good plan to throw
out a picket to keep guard?"

"I think it would," replied Rand, "although I don't think that he
will come back."

"You mustn't depend upon that," cautioned the colonel. "Always think
he will do the most unlikely thing. A good scout is always on the
alert, especially in the enemy's country."

"We didn't know we were in the enemy's country," said Rand, "but
I guess it is the enemy's country, wherever Monkey is. I'll take
the first turn," going off and circling about the place. "I guess
he's gone," he said to himself, but no harm looking!"

"Now," said the colonel, after a time, "I think our fish must be
pretty nearly cooked. Rake one of them out, Don, and try it, but
don't disturb the others until you find out. How is it?"

"Fine!" cried Pepper, who had assisted in the operation. "Couldn't
be better. Hadn't we better put on some more?"

"You will have to build another fire," replied the colonel. "Now,
see how well you can do it. Do it just as I did and light it from
this fire. We had only one match, you know."

"But what do you do when that is gone?" asked Pepper.

"Oh, that's a different story," laughed the colonel. "We'll come