nd sure enough Waffles did,
rushing away as only a good healthy fright could urge on a tired man.

Nor did any of them see him again, or either of the other two for that
matter. They must have made up their minds that the region around
there was unhealthy for fellows of their stamp, and that the sooner
they turned their faces toward civilization the better for them.

Joined by the Fox, Thad and Aleck continued to walk toward the distant
camp of the scouts further up the valley.

The night was getting well along when they halted to rest, having gone
as far as was deemed advisable. They had talked it well over, and the
Fox had even told them what he knew about Sheriff Bob. This
information was of so pleasing a nature that it seemed apt to have
more or less influence with regard to making their final decision, as
to what their plan should be in the morning.

They were up early, and had a bite to eat, a little food having been
brought along by the far-sighted scoutmaster, who when he and Aleck
cleared out, did not know when they would get back again.

Again they talked matters over. Thad was of a mind to betake himself
back to the camp, leaving the others in hiding; but where they could
see a signal he would make, if so be he wanted them to come in.

"This thing of your hiding out like you're a common criminal is all
wrong," the scoutmaster had declared, somewhat angrily. "And I'm going
to put it up to that sheriff in a way that must convince him he's been
humbugged by your scheming old uncle. Then we can get him to go with
us, to see you put up your notice, and claim the mine your father
originally discovered. After that you can go with him to the place
where you have to file your sworn declaration of entry, and have
things all done according to law. The Silver Fox Patrol will meanwhile
camp in front of that wolf den, and hold it secure for you! Understand
all that, Aleck?"

"Indeed, I do; and no fellow ever before found such grand good friends
as you and the rest of the scouts have shown yourselves to be to me,"
and as he shook hands with Thad, on the latter's leaving, Aleck had
tears in his eyes.

"Oh! that's what scouts are for, you see; to be a help to each other,
and to anybody that's in trouble, when they can lend a helping hand.
Now, watch for the signal; for if I give it, you can feel satisfied
you have nothing to fear from that sheriff."

With that Thad strode away, heading in a roundabout way for the ca