into trouble, that's what," remarked the pugnacious Steve, with a
determined shake of his head and a gritting of his teeth.

Max saw and heard, and was more deeply bewildered than ever. He could not
for the life of him understand such contrary actions on the part of Steve.

Max could positively declare that he had seen Steve taking something from
the haversack on the preceding night, when their first prize pearl
vanished so mysteriously; and yet here he was apparently aroused over their
loss, and denouncing the thief with greater vim than any of the rest.

"But I'm bound to find out what it all means," Max consoled himself by
saying over and over. "If it takes all summer I'll fight it out on this
line, like Grant did in the Battles of the Wilderness. Steve acts like he
was innocent; but I guess I've got a pair of good eyes, and it was
_him_ I saw fumbling at the haversack, all right."

It had been the intention of Max to try and find a few woodcock in the wet
ground of the marsh.

Other things coming up caused him to put this project off until another
day. It was really no time for hunting, with a hot sun beaming down.
Perhaps later on he might find plenty of chances to indulge in his favorite
sport.

Owen had cleaned his catch, and supper was being started when voices were
heard approaching.

"Here comes Toby and Bandy-legs," sang out Steve, who had at the first
sound made as if to reach for the guns that rested against the tree close