Page:The Outdoor Chums.djvu/210

196 ruined. And from what I know of Pet Peters, I believe he'd do it."

"I just reckon he would, now. All right, I'm off," said Andy.

"Wait, and we'll go with you," declared Frank, quietly.

"I can do it just as well alone; still, perhaps it is good to have you fellers along. But we must run," Andy observed.

"We can do it. Come on, boys!" cried Frank.

They started off through the timber, even Jerry keeping up a rattling pace, although somewhat out of breath.

"Better not talk," admonished Andy, when Will manifested a disposition to continue his doleful wails about his terrible loss.

"That's good advice, Will If you hope to recover your property, better keep a padlock on your lips just now. Besides, you need all your wind," remarked Frank.

They ran on.

The trail was crooked, but kept drawing nearer the lake all the while.

"Just a few minutes more," panted Andy at length.

And when less than that time had passed they could catch glimpses of the cabin in which he and his crowd had taken up their quarters, after