gh drawn by a pair of
powerful horses. The sleigh was driven by a man who looked as if he
might be a German, and on the back seat, wedged in by a number of
packages, were two other German-looking individuals.

"One of those men on the back seat is that Herman Crouse, the fellow we
rescued from the burning car," said Jack to the others.

"Yes, and that driver and the other man are two of the fellows we met on
the road when we were trying to locate the Lodge," added Randy.

"It's queer that that Herman Crouse should be up here," said Fred.

"Oh, I don't know. He said he worked a small farm somewhere in this
vicinity."

"I thought it was down near Enwood," remarked Spouter.

"One thing certain--I don't like the looks of those other Germans," came
from Gif. "They look like mighty suspicious characters to me."

Even had the boys wished to do so, they got no opportunity to speak to
the man they had rescued from the burning railroad car. The sleigh had
stopped at a house in Henryville, and now it passed on around a corner
of the road, and was soon lost to sight in the woods.

Now that they knew their letters were on the way, the cadets were in no
hurry to get back to the Lodge. They had brought along a few sandwiches
and now purchased some fresh doughnuts, in case they stayed away from
the Lodge during the lunch hour.

"Let's take our time and skate up one or two branches of this river,"
suggested Gif. "It will be easier than walking, and we may have a chance
at some game."

All were willing, and it was suggested that Gif led the way, which he
did. They left the main stream and started up a smaller watercourse
leading directly into the forest.

"I just saw a rabbit!" exclaimed Randy presently. "There he is now!"
and, raising his gun, he fired quickly. But his aim was not good, and
the bunny hopped behind a tree and out of sight.

"Too bad you had to take a shot for nothing," remarked Fred. "That may
put the other game in this vicinity on the alert."

Soon they came to a point where skating was not so easy. At first they
thought to go back, but then it was suggested that they tramp along the
frozen-up watercourse on foot.

"I was thinking we might run across some brook mink up here," said Gif.
"Or some ducks."

"Oh, I'd like to get a mink or a duck if there are any in this
vicinity," answered Jack.

On they tramped until a good quarter of a mile had been covered. Then
they caught sight of several rabbits, an