and held fast to him while the others went by.

Sandy was certain that he heard Tommy's voice as the two passed, but was
not certain that he recognized the voice of his companion in the low
reply which was made. The boy realized that he must have occupied
considerable time in his return to camp, after leaving his chum.

"And so, one of your chums was prowling around in the darkness, too,"
snarled the detective. "Who is that person with him?"

"I don't know," answered Sandy.

"Yes you do know, too!" gritted Katz, "You just came from that direction
yourself, and you probably left the two together when you came away."

"You're off there," Sandy answered.

"I'll tell you what I think," the detective went on, "and that is that
you boys have been out after that Wagner kid. I believe he's going into
the camp with your chum right this minute. Anyway, I'll take you in and
find out about it."

As the two advanced toward the campfire they watched in vain for the two
figures which had gone on ahead.

"You walk in there and see whether that boy thief is there or not,"
commanded the detective. "And remember," he went on, threateningly,
"that I'm waiting here in the darkness with an automatic revolver in my
hand, so you'd better not attempt any funny business!"

When he reached Tommy's side he saw that the boy was frying bacon and
eggs and making coffee. The large skillet used by the boys contained at
least half a dozen eggs and about half a pound of breakfast bacon.

"Where's your friend?" Sandy asked in a whisper.

Tommy laid a finger on his lips as a request for low-voiced
conversation. All the time he kept busy with the skillet.

"He's back there watching us with a loaded automatic in his hand,"
whispered the boy. "I wish one of the boys would get up and put a bullet
through his head. That's what he deserves!"

"Who is it?" whispered Sandy.

"One of the train robbers!" was the startling reply.

"Where'd you get him?"

"He geezled me out here on the slope!"

"And came in with you and ordered his dinner?"

"That's it!" was the reply.

Sandy sat down on the grass beside the fire and chuckled until he was
red in the face. Tommy almost permitted the bacon to burn while he
watched his chum with wide-open eyes.

"If that train robber should send a bullet out this way, you wouldn't
think it so funny!" Tommy declared. "He's a mighty suspicious fellow. He
wouldn't permit me to wake any of the boys to help get supper.