And Frank, always
watchful, noticed a certain fact. The trees were so situated that they
could be said to lie almost in a direct Southeast line from where he
and Bob stood! This might appear to be a very small matter, and hardly
worthy of notice; but according to Frank's view it was apt to prove of
considerable moment, in view of what was likely to follow.
"Well, as the smoke's gone again, let's see if we can locate it by
moving a little this way," and Frank led off as he spoke, with Bob
following.
Both lads were very cautious now. Even Bob, greenhorn as he was, so
far as Western ways were concerned, understood the need of care when
approaching a camp that might be occupied by enemies. And as for
Frank, he had not been in the company of an old ranger like Hank Coombs
many times without learning considerable.
They had not been moving in the new direction more than five minutes
when Bob reached out his hand and clutched the sleeve of his chum's
jacket.
"What is it?" asked the leader, stopping short, and crouching there.
"I got it again, Frank," whispered the Kentucky boy, eagerly.
"Sure," replied his comrade, immediately. "Why, I've been smelling
smoke for more'n a whole minute now. And I'm following it up, foot by
foot."
"Oh!" murmured Bob, taken aback by this intelligence.
"Don't say a word above your breath, Bob. Whoever it is can't be far
away now. We may run in on 'em any minute, you know," and as if to
emphasize the need of caution Frank drew his chum close while he
whispered these words directly in his ear.
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