Page:Boy scouts in the White Mountains; the story of a long hike (IA boyscoutsinwhite00eato).pdf/123

 Art and Peanut both stammered, rather uncomfortable.

"Why, that's all right, sir," Art finally said. "We just did what seemed right—had to do something quick. We're camped just up the road, with a party. We're going over Liberty and Lafayette to-morrow, and then on to Washington. We're much obliged, but I guess there's nothing we could use. You see, we're on a schedule."

"Take me back to your camp," said Mr. Goodwin, with a smile toward his son.

"Gosh, I don't know whether we can ever find it in the dark!" cried Peanut.

They got into Mr. Goodwin's car, with Rob.

"Let me ride in front," said Rob, "and go slow. There will be wheel tracks where the car turned in to pick me up just now."

"Well, that's an idea!" said Mr. Goodwin. "You boys seem to be ready for anything."

"Be prepared—that's our motto," Peanut replied, proudly.

The car moved slowly back up the road, and Rob and the driver kept their eyes open. Soon Rob signaled to stop. The driver took a pocket electric flash lamp from under the seat, and handed it to Rob, who led the way through the bushes, and across the brook. He flashed it up and down the wall of bushes and trees, and suddenly, out of the