Young Hunters in Porto Rico/Chapter 26
CHAPTER XXVI.
LOOKING FOR THE CAMPING OUTFIT.
For the moment, all stood aghast over the discovery which had been made.
"This is Joseph Farvel's work!" cried Robert Menden, when he could speak. "He means to make us quit the search and go back to San Juan."
"The pesky rascal!" muttered old Jacob. "Jest wish I could lay hands on him, thet's all!"
"What is we ter do?" queried Danny. "I can't git, no supper wid nuthin' ter work wid."
"This is certainly a bad fix," said Don. Then he looked at Dash. "Too bad, eh, old boy?"
"I forgot Dash!" cried Dick. "I wonder if he can't follow the trail of the thief?"
"To be sure he can," ejaculated Leander. "Can't you, Dash?" And the dog wagged his tail.
"Do we want to follow him?" questioned Menden.
"We want our stuff back," answered Dick, determinedly. "Besides, we can't do anything in the cave without those other ropes."
"Yes, let us follow the trail right now—if we kin do it," said old Jacob.
They were all out of humor, being tired and hungry, and had Joseph Farvel crossed their path just then, it would have gone hard with the man. But our friends had made a great mistake, as we shall presently see.
It took some little time to make Dash understand what was wanted. But when Bob took a bone and pointed at the fire, and at one plate that had been left behind, the canine knew what was wanted, and set off on a trot that made them all hustle to keep up with him.
The trail led over the very top of the mountain and to a little bamboo shack on the other side.
Nobody was in sight and they rightfully guessed that the bamboo shelter was deserted.
Entering, they found all of their traps piled up in a corner, together with some things which did not belong to them.
"Here's our stuff, and more," cried Don. "Good for Dash! He makes the best kind of a detective."
While they were sorting out their goods, old Jacob, who was at the doorway, announced that somebody was approaching.
"It's a man, but who, I can't tell, it's that dark," he said. "Better prepare to give him a surprise."
"I believe it's Farvel, and that this other stuff is his," said Robert Menden.
But as the newcomer came closer, all were surprised to see, not Joseph Farvel, but Bumbum, the good-for-nothing Carib.
"We've made a big mistake," murmured Menden. "I'd almost forgotten about this fellow."
"Well, I've not forgotten him," said Leander, grimly.
"Nor I," added Dick. "If he took this stuff, let us bring him up with a round turn."
It was agreed to hide, and they did so without delay, behind a bush back of the hut.
Bumbum approached rapidly, and lighting a torch, entered the clumsy shelter.
Then taking a rope he began to tie together all the articles belonging to the Dashaway's party, as well as the other things.
"Drop those, you rascal!"
The command came from Dick, and turning, the Carib found himself confronted by two men, five boys and a dog.
The articles in his hands fell to the dirt flooring with a bang, and he staggered back in terror.
"Americano—" he began, but could get no further.
"So we've caught you in the act," said Leander. "Pretty business for you to be in, isn't it?"
"Bumbum no understand," stammered the native.
"You stole our outfit," came from Robert Menden.
"Bumbum no steal anyt'ing, señor. Bumbum find t'ings on de mountain."
"You can't make us believe that yarn," cried Bob. "You knew the things belonged to us when you took them. You're a first-class sneak."
"Bumbum very honest, señor—nefer take not'ing, nefer!" And the Carib nodded earnestly.
"You took our ten dollars fast enough," said Dick. He turned to the others. "Hadn't he better give that money up?"
"Yes, make him give it ye back," said old Jacob. "He don't deserve a cent." And the others agreed with him.
When the Carib was made to understand what was wanted, bis face grew as dark as the night outside. "You rob poor man—dat no fair," he muttered.
"You are a rascal and ought to be in jail," answered Robert Menden. "Give the boys their money back and be quick about it."
But Bumbum was a miser, and rather than part with a single peseta, he determined to try running away. With a bound he reached the outside of the shack and started to run, when Don tripped him up and sent him headlong.
A short struggle ensued, but the Carib was speedily overpowered, and then his hands were bound behind him. In his pocket he had not only the money Dick and Leander had been forced to give him, but also the wallet stolen from Joseph Farvel.
"Here is your money, lads," said Robert Menden, as he handed the silver to the two boys. "I must say I don't know what to do about Farvel's wallet."
"Keep it, until you have the chance to give it back to him," suggested Bob; and this advice was acted upon.
"And now what's to do with this critter?" put in old Jacob.
"He ought to be handed over to the authorities."
This was certainly true, but the nearest alcalde was the one located at Aguas Buenas, over five miles distant and they had no desire to make such a trip that night.
"Let him go," said Leander, at last. "Boot him out of camp, and tell him we'll have him arrested if he ever shows up again."
"All right," answered Robert Menden, and Bumbum was released. A sharp quarrel of words followed, and then the Carib slunk away in the darkness, more bitter against the entire party than ever.
"We want to keep our weather eyes open fer thet chap," was old Jacob's comment. "He's the sort as would knife ye in the back if he got the ehance."
It was decided to remain at the bamboo hut over night, and a blaze was speedily started and supper prepared. Everybody was too tired to go hunting or fishing, and the evening meal was, consequently, a scant one.
It is doubtful if any of the boys slept very soundly that night. Each head was filled with visions of the golden treasure, and each tried to calculate mentally how much his share of the expected find would amount to, after the necessary expenses were paid.
Each had to stand guard for an hour, but nothing happened to disturb them, and by sunrise the camp was in motion.
"A hasty breakfast, lads," cried Robert Menden. "And then, ho! for the treasure."
"And may it prove to be twice as large as expected," added Don.