It must have been midnight again when Owen felt the hand of his cousin
shake him, and, raising his head a little, he saw that there was something
doing.



CHAPTER XV.

THE MYSTERY SOLVED--CONCLUSION.

Steve was on his hands and knees, and apparently in the act of getting to
his feet.

Strangely enough he did not seem to show any sign of nervousness or
caution; and Owen looked in vain to see the suspected thief glance
suspiciously around, as though to observe whether his comrades were all
sound asleep at the time.

Bandy-legs did not stir, and, judging from his heavy regular breathing, he
must have dropped asleep, despite his intention of staying awake.

The exertions and excitement attending that afternoon tramp had proven too
much for Bandy-legs, and neither of the others thought it worth while to
awaken him.

Truth to tell, both Max and Owen were staring at Steve, holding their very
breath with surprise.

The other had by now reached the pole of the tent to which the strap of the