CHAPTER FIFTEEN
A VAIN SEARCH
Skirting the ridge from the river bank to the southeast point where Professor Carlton had commenced his survey and where Abner knew he would find the warden’s blaze the three cruisers took advantage of the remaining twilight to proceed towards their destination and put as much distance between them and the hostile camp-fire up-stream as possible.
Needless to say the small campfire built behind the hemlocks was carefully obliterated, Bub taking pains to scatter dried leaves and sticks over the dead embers. The canoe, too, was cunningly concealed a few yards from the bank. With all traces of their arrival thus eliminated the trio believed their presence would be unsuspected till some accident revealed it.
“And we must be mighty careful not to have any accidents happen,” cautioned Abner, who was leading the way.
“If them fellers believe we are at Hood mountain they will keep to the river, waiting
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