Just as they stepped out into the clearing, they sighted a rubber-coated
party of three men entering the clearing from the direction of
the road.
"Why, that must be our friends, Hibbert, Colquitt and Mr. Page!"
announced Prescott, halting, then running forward. "They must
have gotten our note at last. Oh, Mr. Hibbert!"
The three travelers waved their hands. Then it was the oldest
of the trio who ran at top speed in an effort to reach Prescott
quickly.
"My boy!" panted Mr. Page, seizing Dick by the shoulders. "You
have found him? We received your note this morning, and have
been breaking the speed laws ever since in our effort to get here.
My boy! You know where he is! Perhaps he is now one of your
own party? You have told him, and have kept him here against
my coming?"
"No, sir; he's not here just now," Dick answered, shaking his
head. "But come into the tent, sir. There is a lot to tell you."
"I can hardly contain myself to wait for the news!" cried the
eager father tremulously.
Nevertheless, silence was preserved until the tent had been entered.
Mr. Page, Hibbert and Colquitt were given seats on camp stools,
some of the boys finding seats on empty boxes.
"Now, my boy---my son! Tell me all about him," pleaded Mr.
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