The walk through the brushwood and over the rocks was not so pleasant, and all of the dudish boys were glad when they at last came in sight of the spot where their own camp was located.

“It’s growing awfully dark,” said one.  “And just listen to that wind!  It’s a regular gale!”

The wind was indeed blowing a gale and all of the boys hurried forward faster than ever, until they stood in the midst of their camp.  Then, with startled eyes, they gazed around quickly, and a howl of dismay went up.

“What does this mean?”

“All of our best things are gone!”

“Yes, and the best of the eating, too!”

“Somebody has been here while we were away!”

“I see what it means !” cried Ham Spink, in a great rage.  “While we were at the other camp those fellows came here and fixed things up as you see!”

CHAPTER XIX

ANOTHER HUNT AFTER DEER

All unconscious of what was taking place during their absence, Snap and his chums went on their way, in the direction in which Shep had spotted the deer.

Having learned a few points from Jed Sanborn, they kept to the trail and made sure that the wind was not blowing from them to the game they hoped to lay low.

It was a rough and laborious climb up the mountainside, and once they missed the trail and got into a pocket so that they could go no further.  Then, on turning back, Shep saw two magnificent wild turkeys and was strongly tempted to bring one of them down.

“If you do, you’ll scare the deer sure,” said Whopper.

“I know it but if we miss the deer I’ll be sorry I didn’t take this shot.”

“Well, that’s the gamble in hunting,” put in Giant.  “I saw a rabbit awhile ago I could have had for the asking.”

Having gotten out of the pocket, they went on once more, and shortly before noon reached a knob of the mountain.  From that point they made out nine or ten deer a distance to the north of them.

“This is certainly a great chance,” said Snap, enthusiastically.  “We don’t want to miss it by carelessness.  Remember what Jed Sanborn told us.”

All looked to their firearms, and then went forward with scarcely a word.  Coming to the last fringe of brushwood, they got down on their hands and knees and moved on until the game was brought once more into view.

The shot offered was certainly a good one, and in a few whispered words the young hunters decided what they would do.  Each was to aim at his own deer and fire as many shots as he pleased.  They took their positions, and Snap asked if they were ready.  A dead silence followed.

“Fire!”

All of the shotguns went off in a volley, and then the shots came scatteringly.  Three of the deer went down, dead, and one was mortally wounded.  A big buck got a glancing shot in the flank, and, mad with pain and terror, turned and leaped in the direction of the young hunters.