He had evidently fetched his double-barrel shotgun along with him, since it stood in a corner; and he was evidently cooking a brace of fat quail which he must have managed to knock down on his trip up here.

From the way he cocked his head just then it seemed as though Ralph must have thought he had heard some strange sound.  Perhaps Bud had spoken louder than he had meant to do.  But then there was no need of further holding back.  Ralph was a member of the same troop as themselves, and while perhaps Bud would have preferred not increasing the number of witnesses to his own triumph or rank failure, he saw that it could not be helped.  And Bud was one of those who can make the best of a bad bargain.  Besides, Ralph was a good fellow, and generally well liked by his companions.

Instead of calling out and telling the boy inside the shack that a couple of weary wayfarers had arrived and meant to join him, Hugh saw fit to give the recognized signal of the Wolves:  “How-oo-oo!” twice repeated.

Then as Ralph sprang to the door to take away the prop with which he had secured it, Hugh and Bud pushed into the interior of the cabin.

Ralph stared at them but seemed decidedly pleased, for he instantly thrust out his hand in friendly greeting.

“Well, well, who’d think you would drop in on me as if you came from the skies?” he was saying as he worked Hugh’s arm like a milkman’s pump handle.  “You see, I’ve been coming out here for several years every Thanksgiving afternoon to set my first traps of the season; and while I don’t expect ever to do it again, I just couldn’t keep from spending one night in the woods to revive old recollections.  But I’m tickled to death at the idea of having company, for it does get mighty lonesome sometimes.  Whatever are you doing up here, Hugh and Bud?”

So, as Hugh waited for his companion to explain, Bud began to tell how he had been up to his old tricks again and believed that he had invented something that was going to be a stunning success; also, that he had coaxed accommodating Hugh to go off with him in order to try it out in secret.

“Of course, since we find you in possession of the shanty where we meant to put up for one or two nights,” Bud continued, with a grin, “why, I’ll have to let you share my secret tomorrow when we start to try it out.  Till then don’t ask questions and I’ll tell you no lies.  And I want to inform you right now that what you’re cooking for supper sets my nerves on edge, it smells so good.”

“That’s lucky,” remarked Ralph, “for I have just four more fat juicy quail on hand.  I made a double shot into a covey that got up in the brush.  If you fellows say the word, I’ll start right away to get them ready for the pan.”

“You’ll do nothing of the kind,” chuckled Hugh, who, like Bud, had deposited his burden in a corner, “we’re only too glad of a chance to help pluck a few feathers ourselves.  It’s enough that you make us a present of what you meant probably to take home to your mother.”