Meanwhile, Tom Reade explored the thicket where Dave had seen the plate of steaks.

There was no sign of the food taken from the camp.

This Tom made out by the aid of lighted matches, as the long shadows were now falling in the woods.
"I'm glad, now, that you didn't cut the rope," said Dave, as at last he stepped free.

"We'll save his rope, for I hope to find that fellow again." "What will you do to him if you catch him ?" grinned Reade.
"Maybe I'll need the rope to lynch him with," uttered Darry grimly.
Tom threw back his head, laughing heartily.
"Our dear, savage, blood-thirsty old Darry!" Reade laughed.

"You talk as vindictively as a pirate, but if you found your enemy hurt you'd drop everything else and nurse him back into condition.
Darry, you know you would!" "Let's get back to camp," urged Greg.