t that tempted him to pay a visit to his old camping grounds
during the short Thanksgiving holiday season.

"Think what I would have missed if I'd told myself it was foolish to
waste my time out here, when I never expected to set a single trap
again!" he declared, as the signal was given to tell them that dinner
was ready and they prepared to join the two officers at their mess.

"It's been one of the greatest times of my whole life," admitted Bud,
a happy grin on his face as he looked over at his crude but effective
model of a monoplane, all done up, waiting transportation again; and
Hugh could easily guess what delightful dreams must be crowding
through his chum's mind, which later on it must be his painful duty
to dissolve.

They certainly did enjoy that meal, eating heartily of the camp fare.
At least Uncle Sam provided bountifully for those whom he employed in
his new Flying Squadron, the boys told each other; for one of the men
in camp was a real _chef_, and could get some mighty appetizing
dishes together on occasion.

As there were several pack animals available, Lieutenant Fosdick
proposed that they load the model upon one of these. A soldier
would accompany them as far as the nearest farm house on the road
to town, where they could hire a vehicle, and then bring the animal
back.

When the time came to say good-by to the aviators, the boys all
expressed their gratitude on account of the kindnesses they had
received.

"Don't mention it," Lieutenant Fosdick replied, shaking each of the
scouts by the hand; "the pleasure has all been on our side. And
besides, you did us a great favor by warning us about those foreign
spies. Some time I hope we'll meet again. Until then, the best of
luck attend you, Hugh, Ralph and Bud! Goodby, lads!"

CHAPTER XII

HOME AGAIN

The three scouts intended stopping long enough at the lonely shack in
the woods to look about, and see that they had forgotten nothing. All
of them declared they had had the time of their lives, and would
certainly never be apt to forget the remarkable experiences that had
come their way.

"There she is!" exclaimed Bud, pointing ahead.

"The cabin, you mean," Ralph added, as he, too, caught a glimpse of
the familiar shack which had given them such friendly shelter. "And
it looks as quiet and peaceful as can be, too."

"Why, what else would you expect?" Bud asked him. "Hugh, didn't we
close that door when we came away; seems to