Tommy. "When we came in here, there wasn't a
soul in sight in the valley. And then the robbers came, and the
detectives came, and the cowboys came, and Johnson came, then we got
next to Chester, and now these two strangers come butting in. If this
isn't the center of population, I'd like to know where it is."

"It's a good thing we've got those old burros picketed out on the
grass," George observed. "In about two days more, we'll have to set sail
for Green River and load up with provisions. We've been running a public
eating house ever since we struck Wyoming. I wonder how long these
fellows are going to stay. If they remain more than one day, I'm going
to charge 'em for board or send them out fishing."

"When you want any fish," Tommy exclaimed, "you needn't send any strange
guys out to get 'em. I'll bring in all the fish you want!"

George chuckled, and Tommy threw an empty can at his head.

"When you go out fishing," George said in a moment, "just let us know,
and we'll send a guard out with you."

"Oh, just because I had a little trouble up on Lake Superior and down in
Florida, you think I can't catch fish!" complained Tommy. "You just wait
until we get this rumpus with the cowboy officers settled and I'll show
you whether I can catch fish or not."

"I wish we had some of that bear steak!" George suggested. "We're eating
the ham and eggs all up, and we're right in the middle of a game country
at that."

"Look here," Tommy suggested, "you go right on cooking ham and warming
up those shoestring potatoes, and I'll sneak over the ridge and bring
back about fifty pounds of bear." Besides, he went on, "I want to get
those hides before the wolverines get them, or any one sneaks them off."

Just as Tommy disappeared up the slope the cowboy officers were seen
rushing toward the camp, their weapons ready for use.

"I guess they think the train robbers are here," commented Will.

CHAPTER XII

AN INTERRUPTED WIG-WAG

The boys gathered in a little group not far from the fire and awaited,
with what excitement and anxiety may well be imagined, the arrival of
the officers. Their automatics were in their hands. A short distance
from the camp the cowboys paused as if for a consultation, although the
show of weapons made by the boys may have had something to do with their
quick stop.

As the boys stood ready to defend themselves if attacked, they noticed
that the two strangers who had recently arrived at the cam