isfactory report encouraged the boys to prepare a more than
usually sumptuous supper. They washed the dishes by firelight, and just
as the last one was dried the rain began to fall--at first in pattering
drops, then in a steady, persistent sheet.

A great log was thrown on the fire, and after a short chat in its warm
glow the boys drew the tent flaps, and were soon sleeping soundly on the
soft pine boughs.

Some time in the night Ned awoke, and feeling thirsty sat up and reached
for the pail of water and tin cup which were always kept just outside
the tent door.

He took a drink and was in the act of putting the cup down when he heard
distinct footsteps outside. They passed the tent and went on toward the
creek. Whoever the nocturnal stroller might be he was taking no pains to
conceal his presence.

"Say Ned, is that you?" came in a startled whisper from the rear of the
tent.

Ned recognized Randy's voice.

"Are _you_ awake?" he exclaimed in surprise. "Don't make any noise. Some
one is walking about outside."

"I know it," replied Randy. "That's what wakened me. My gun is missing.
I had it right beside me, and now it's gone."

"By Jove! this looks serious," muttered Ned. "Wait a moment," he added.
"I'll take a peep outside. It's pitch dark and I can't be seen."

He quickly lifted one flap of the tent and crawled under. A few seconds
passed--full of terrible suspense to Randy--and then came a clattering
noise followed by a brief red flash and a stunning report.

CHAPTER XXXI

STORMY WEATHER

It was Ned's intention, when he crawled out of the tent, to dodge behind
the nearest tree, where he could see without being seen. But as he rose
to his feet a dark figure suddenly obscured the faint embers of the
fire, and a second later came the fall and the report which struck such
a terror to Randy's heart as he waited in the darkness of the tent.

Ned understood the situation instantly. The unknown prowler had stumbled
over the fireplace in his retreat, and the stolen gun had been exploded
by striking the stones.

For two or three seconds there was nothing to indicate that the thief
had been hit by the charge. Then a shrill yell rang through the woods
and another and another in rapid succession.

"Randy! Randy! Come out here!" shouted Ned in a terrified voice. "Light
the lantern and waken the boys."

The next instant Randy burst through the flaps.

"Here is the lantern," he gasped. "I have no matches