Part 39 (1/2)
”This is leadin' us right out on the pond.”
”I declare, so it is!” murmured d.i.c.k. ”We started due southwest, didn't we?”
”To a hair, lad. To tell the truth, I didn't take much to this trail from the start. To my mind this stream is a new one. I think the next outlet is one of the old-timers.”
Once more they held a consultation, and Tom asked how far it was to the next stream.
”Right over yonder rise o' ground,” answered the guide. ”But hadn't you better wait till after dinner before ye tackle it?”
d.i.c.k consulted his watch.
”I declare! Quarter to twelve!” he exclaimed. ”No wonder I'm feeling hungry.”
”I was getting hungry myself,” said Tom ”But I wasn't going to be the first to stop. What shall we do--go back to camp?”
”Yes,” said d.i.c.k. ”I don't like the idea of leaving Jasper Grinder there all day alone.”
”Nor I,” came from the other Rovers.
John Barrow was asked to lead them back by the shortest route, and they started quarter of an hour later, after all had had a chance to rest and get back their wind.
”I hope we get a chance at some deer while we are up here,” remarked d.i.c.k, as they turned back.
”I'll take you to where there are deer, after this hunt is over,”
replied John Barrow. ”I know a famous spot, and it's not far, either.”
”Hark!” suddenly cried Tom. ”What sort of a yelping is that?”
All listened.
”Wolves!” answered John Barrow. ”There must be quite a pack of 'em, too.”
”I suppose they get pretty hungry when there is such a deep snow,” said Tom.
”They do. More'n likely some of 'em have scented our b'ar meat and they want some.”
”If they are heading for camp, they'll give Jasper Grinder trouble,” put in Sam.
He had scarcely spoken when they heard the report of a gun, followed by a louder yelping than ever.
”They've attacked him, true enough!” cried John Barrow.
”Come on,” said d.i.c.k. ”The sooner we get back the better. Grinder may be having a pile of trouble, and the wolves may tear all our things to pieces if they get the chance.”
CHAPTER XXIX.
JASPER GRINDER AND THE WOLVES.
Left to himself, Jasper Grinder piled the wood on the camp-fire and then sat down to meditate on the turn affairs had taken.