"Who, Chunky?" asked Ned quizzically.

"Certainly not the coffee," replied the Professor in a tone of
reproof.

The meal was finished with many a jest and the pack divided up into
bundles so that each should have his share to carry, after which the
lads took up their return tramp.

They arrived at the mountain trail shortly before noon.

"Where's the guide?" asked Tad, glancing about.

"Probably asleep somewhere," replied Ned. "He's almost as big a
sleepy head as Chunky."

"He is not here, Ned."

"Most unreliable guide we've had. I shall dismiss him immediately
upon our arrival at the Red Star Mine," decided the Professor. "You
are sure he is nowhere about, Tad?"

"You can see. He's not here. I hope he has left the rope. I'll
climb up there and find out. No, he has taken it with him,
evidently."

"Here's the rope," called Stacy, hauling it from a clump of bushes
where it had evidently been dropped.