irst
encountered the day before.

His black-moustached face was toward them, and Brandon gave a start of
recognition, while his fingers tightened on his pistol. For a few
moments he stood tense, evidently deciding what to do. Then he beckoned
to Bob to follow, and made for the path where the others anxiously
awaited them.

"I know that man in there!" exclaimed Brandon excitedly. "He is known as
'Black' Donegan, on account of his black hair and moustache. He's wanted
by the police of New York and Chicago, and I guess other cities, too. We
could easily get him now, but if we did, the chances are the rest of the
gang would take alarm, and we'd miss the chance of bagging them and
getting back Mr. Fennington's stolen property. It's hard to say what is
the best thing to do."

But on the instant a plan occurred to Bob, and he lost no time in
communicating it to the others.

CHAPTER XXII

A NEFARIOUS PLOT

"If this fellow in the cabin is such a bad man, we can't afford to risk
losing sight of him," said Bob. "Suppose Joe and Jimmy and I stay here,
while Herb goes back with you, Mr. Brandon. We can stay here until your
two regulars show up, and Herb can then bring them here to relieve us.
How does that strike you?"

"It's a way out of the predicament," answered Frank Brandon, his frown
vanishing. "You fellows are apt to have a long vigil, though. My men
won't get to the camp until this afternoon, and after that it takes
quite a while to reach this place."

"I guess we can stand it," said Bob. "Can't we, fellows?" he asked,
glancing at the others.

Both Joe and Jimmy agreed, although the latter had secret misgivings as
he thought regretfully of the dinner he would miss. However, such
considerations were of little weight just then, and it was finally
decided to adopt Bob's plan.

"I'll leave my pistol with you," said Brandon, as he and Herb prepared
to leave. "But whatever else you do, steer clear of this gang and don't
use firearms unless as a last resort. Remember, that if they once find
out their hiding place is discovered, our whole scheme will be ruined."

The boys promised to exercise the greatest caution, and then Mr. Brandon
and Herb started back toward camp.

Bob, after a brief inspection, dropped the deadly automatic pistol into
his pocket, and then the three friends considered how they might best
keep watch on the cabin without being discovered. First of all, at Joe's
suggestion, they armed them