THE BITE FROM THE BUSH From the time that they parted in the morning, until they started to go back to camp in the afternoon, Tom and Harry did not meet the next day.

Each, with his chainmen, was served from Bob's burro train at noon.
"Did you see Bad Pete today ?" was Harry's greeting, as they Started back over the trail.
"No." "Did you hear from him or of him in any way ?" pressed Hazelton.
"Not a sign of any sort from Peter," Tom went on.

"I've a theory as to what's keeping him away.

He's on a journey." "Journey ?" "Yes; between you and me, I believe that Peter has gone in search of someone who can sell him, or give him, a few forty-five cartridges." "He'd better apply to you, then, Tom," grinned Harry.
"Why, I couldn't sell him any," Tom replied.
"What did you do with those you had last night ?" "You remember the unfordable pond that came in one of my courses yesterday ?" "Yes." "To-day I threw all of Peter's .45's into the middle of the pond.
They must have sunk a foot into the mud by this time." "Seriously, Tom, don't you believe that you'd better take one of the revolvers that I bought and wear it on a belt ?" "Not I," retorted Reade.

"Harry, I wish you could get that sort of foolishness out of your head.