Читать книгу: «The Outdoor Chums on the Lake: or, Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island», страница 4

CHAPTER VIII – OLD ENEMIES APPEAR

“Bend your head a little. Now, look pleasant, as a fellow should after slaying a couple of ferocious wildcats. Ready? Then here she goes!”

Snap!

Bluff had been posing, with Jerry’s gun in his hands. At his feet, artistically stretched out, were the two defunct invaders of the night camp. Will had his camera in position, and was taking a snapshot of the mighty Nimrod.

“After all it’s only a big fake, for I never had a hand in the killing at all,” declared Bluff, with a laugh.

“Fake? No more than most of the pictures you see, where some well-known person is photographed with a big bear at his feet, or perhaps it’s a moose. I guess I know. But it gives me a picture, and neither Jerry nor Frank would bother posing. You’re really the only accommodating pard in camp, Bluff,” remarked Will.

“Oh, rats! you only say that because you can smooth me over, and get me to consent to helping you out in these dreadful frauds of pictures. I reckon I’ll never hear the last of it if Mame Crosby ever learns how I stood for this, when others claimed the game,” grunted Bluff.

“But I thank you ever so much, old fellow; you’re so obliging,” said Will.

“Well, I’d like to get one of the boats out, and try the fish. What are you going to do, now?” asked the other.

“I’ll tell you. I’ve got some flashlight contrivances here that have been used successfully, they tell me, in making wild game photograph themselves. Just think how great that would be. The thing is set with a sort of trigger, you see. As the ’coon or other beast creeps up along the log to get the piece of meat, he crosses a string that sets the flash afire. It’s all over in a second, and there’s your nice picture of Mr. Coon sitting up and looking startled.”

“Huh! you believe you can do all that, do you?” asked Bluff, the skeptic.

“Why not, when others have met with great success. I’ve read up on the subject, and think I’ve got it all down pat. Anyhow, no harm done in trying.”

“Of course not. Well, I’m going to leave this gun of Jerry’s in your charge, as I’ll hardly need it out on the lake. First I expect to dig some worms, and then try for the perch, just to see if they’ve wakened up from their winter’s nap.”

“You won’t go far away, I hope?” remarked Will, a little nervously.

“See that point yonder? Well, off that I believe the perch are waiting for me. I remember catching a bully mess there last Spring when several of us came down here fishing. If you want me at any time just give a call and I’ll be with you in a jiffy.”

So Bluff went off to dig his worms in a promising spot, while Will began to get things in readiness for the clever little trick he intended to play upon B’rer ’Coon or Mr. ’Possum.

Half an hour later Bluff was anchored off the point. He found the perch ravenous, as they usually are after a winter’s sojourn under the ice; and it kept him busy right along pulling in the wriggling, barred poachers, or baiting the hooks they denuded.

It was getting along toward noon when he fancied he detected the odor of cooking in the air.

“Let him have a try at it; I guess it’s up to Will to show how much he has learned in the cooking line since last Fall. He’s a green hand, and it’s about time he took hold. I’m comfortable here. When grub’s ready he’ll call me,” was what the sly Bluff was saying to himself, as he kept his back turned toward the camp, and continued to tempt the perch.

“Hey! you, Bluff!” came a shout just then.

“What d’ye want, bothering me in that way?” demanded the fisherman.

“For goodness’ sake come ashore and give me a hand. I can’t find any more dishes, and the pesky thing still keeps bubbling over. Come quick, or we’ll be smothered under a mountain of it!” shouted the one on shore.

“Now what under the sun has the fellow been up to?” said Bluff to himself, as he pulled in his anchor, and used the paddle to urge the canoe ashore.

When he strode into the camp a minute or so later he stared, and then burst into a shout of laughter as he dropped upon the ground and rolled about.

“Well, I don’t see anything so funny about it,” declared Will, in an aggrieved tone as he looked at the various kettles and dishes heaped high with boiled rice, and the kettle on the fire still pouring up its white contents like a miniature volcano in action. “I never knew rice would expand like that. Why, it’s dreadful the way it keeps boiling over. What can we do to hold the stuff?”

“Say, how much did you put in the kettle?” gasped Bluff, when he could speak.

“All there was, and even then I wondered if there would be any left for the rest.”

Bluff acted as though he would have a fit.

“All there was,” he shouted, “that beats anything I ever heard. And Frank said the grocery-man had doubled his order, and put up four pounds! Say, we’ll have rice every way under the sun up to the day we pull up stakes and get out of here. Still she boils! If you don’t take care the blooming thing’ll put the fire out.”

Finally he condescended to help poor Will, and some of the rice was scooped out of the kettle, relieving the congestion. Still, what to do with the vast quantity of half-cooked rice was a question calculated to appall Will during the balance of the day.

He finally compromised by secretly burying a large portion where he calculated none of his chums would find it again.

Bluff assisted in getting some lunch ready, and Will was very meek after that experience. He grimly determined that he would pay more attention to what the others were doing when preparing meals, and by degrees learn the secret of cooking.

“Did you get your little game trap set?” asked Bluff after they had eaten, and lay around taking it easy.

“Everything is ready for the coming of the night. I’ll expect to find the cheap little camera which I brought along for that especial purpose, doing its work. No matter, it’s worth a trial, anyway. Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” remarked Will.

“Rice, for instance,” ventured Bluff, turning his head to look at the great snow-white heap that covered a spread-out newspaper nearby, since they had to empty the cooking utensils which Will had filled one after the other.

“Oh! I admit that was a fine joke on me, all right, and I suppose I’ll have to just stand the digs of the boys for a while. But it’s spurred me on, and sooner or later I’m bound to be a chef worth mentioning. I guess they haven’t found any sort of game on their trip around the island, do you?”

“I heard no shot to tell of it,” admitted Bluff. He was lying on his back and apparently ready for a nap.

“It was some hot out there on the water, son, and I’m inclined to be dopy. Please keep on guard while I take a dozen winks,” he said, pulling his hat over his face.

His dozen winks stretched out for some two hours. During this time Will busied himself in reading a little book on camp cookery which he had brought along. It looked as though he were about to study up on the subject in earnest.

Finally Bluff gave a grunt, began to move and stretch himself, and then sat up.

“Hello! I guess I must have been asleep,” he remarked.

Will drew out his little nickel watch and surveyed it.

“Two hours and thirteen minutes to the dot. A few winks, eh? When am I going to get my chance to indulge?” he demanded, sternly.

“Now, if the spirit moves. But I see you have been busy ‘conning’ that volume of camp recipes. Any dishes that call for rice there, because we’ve got it and to spare. I always liked boiled rice, with sugar and milk, even the condensed kind; but there can be too much of a good thing. I’ll be like the old dominie soon whose people fed him on rabbit every place he went.”

“How was that?” asked Will.

“Never heard that story? Well, you see, they knew he liked rabbit, so every place he ate, his host made sure to have his favorite dish. Of course the good man hated to tell them that he was getting sick of the taste of rabbit; so what d’ye think he finally hit on as a delicate way of getting a change?”

“I give it up; now tell me,” declared Will.

“When he found it before him the next time he bowed his head and this was the grace he said: ‘Of rabbits young, of rabbits old; of rabbits hot, of rabbits cold; of rabbits tender and rabbits tough, I thank the Lord we’ve had enough!’”

“That must have fetched them, all right. Now, if any one puts up a howl here about rice, I’m going to bury the balance of it, mark my words. What ails you, Bluff?” demanded Will, as his companion started half to his knees, and crouching there stared through the leaves of the low-growing trees that concealed the camp from the lake.

“Look yonder, and see! H’sh! not another word!” he murmured.

Will crept to a place beside him, and, finding an opening, also used his eyes to advantage. What he saw would have annoyed any of the boys, considering the fact that they had hoped for a period of peace while camping on Wildcat Island.

A large rowboat was just passing that side of the island. It had come from up the lake somewhere, and was filled with a crowd of rough-looking boys.

“Pet Peters and his crowd again. They gave us all the trouble they could last Fall when we were in camp above the lumber docks, and now they’ve hunted us up again to annoy us,” breathed Will, as soon as he saw who occupied the rowboat. “But Andy Lasher isn’t with them – he’s away on a visit, somebody told me.”

Bluff had reached out and picked up Jerry’s shotgun.

“They seem to be looking in here pretty hard,” continued Will.

“I guess they know we’re here, and they’ve got some mean trick up their sleeve; but possession’s nine points of the law, and we don’t get out to please those rowdies,” said Bluff between set teeth.

CHAPTER IX – GUARDIANS OF THE CAMP

“Do you believe they mean to land here?” asked Will, his voice trembling a bit.

“I did; but it looks as if they’ve thought better of it, for now the old boat’s moving on. They’ll land, all right, and try some game on us to-night, likely,” answered the other, who had pushed the gun forward as if meaning to make use of it should the necessity arise.

Bluff was a reckless fellow at times, and inclined to be fiery, though, like most of his kind, his temper was quickly subdued, and he easily became repentant.

“But perhaps they’re only down here for a row; or, it may happen that they mean to get a mess of those fine perch,” suggested Will.

“Perhaps, but all the same, I saw that old tent of theirs sticking up in the bow of the boat,” declared Bluff, positively.

“Oh! then that settles it. Well, it looks as though we might have a lively enough time of it, after all. What with the wild man, those two thievish tramps, the wildcats that live on the island, and now, last but not least, the Pet Peters crowd that used to train with Andy Lasher. Can we ever go anywhere and be let alone?” complained Will, who loved peace above all things.

“Well, I don’t mind it much. We came out for some excitement, and it looks as if we were going to get our fill,” said Bluff, who was built more upon the adventurous model than his companion.

They watched the boat as long as it remained in sight.

“Seemed to me they were heading in for the shore just before they disappeared,” suggested Bluff, finally, as he turned and looked at his mate.

“I admit that it looked that way to me. Then we might as well take it for granted that they’re going to make camp on the island. I wonder – ” mused Will, fingering his pet camera reflectively.

“What now?” demanded the other suspiciously.

“The idea struck me that perhaps I might creep close enough to their camp to get a snapshot. You know those I have of that crowd are in sections, either running away, or doing some sort of stunt. I’d like to have one that showed them up seated around their fire, and planning mischief.”

“You’ll do nothing of the sort, my lad, at least not while I’m left in charge of the camp. What sort of fellow are you, anyway? You profess to be afraid of the crazy man that is said to be on this island, and you know those brutes yonder would be only too glad to beat you up if you fell into their hands; yet you propose spying on them without a thought of the danger.”

“Oh! but that was to get a picture, you see,” explained Will, as though such a laudable motive might be sufficient to make any one valiant.

Bluff looked at him, and shook his head.

“They’ll sure have you over in that sanitarium at Merrick, before long, for you show all the signs of getting looney. I tell you what I’m going to do,” he said.

“Well, go on. You’re hardly complimentary, you know; but I consider the source.”

“While you remain here, I’m going to climb up to the top of this bluff. Perhaps I can get a sight of their landing-place. It may even be that I shall discover signs of our two pards making their weary way around the end of the island, yonder.”

“And if there is a good chance for a view, call me up with my camera, will you?”

“Sure. You settle down here. I’ll take the gun along. I can defend the camp just as well up there as below. Don’t worry about that, my boy.”

And Bluff started off.

When he reached the top of the abrupt rise he did have a splendid view of the lake and the distant shore, but could see little of the island.

“No good for taking pictures, pard. Just you stay down there, and I’ll join you after I’ve looked through my marine glasses a little,” he called down.

Frank had brought along a good pair of glasses belonging to his father; and with these Bluff now scanned the shore line as far as he could see it. He was in hopes of discovering some sign of the two explorers around the point; or possibly locating the camp of the Peters crowd.

The big rowboat he did see on the beach, and there were signs of smoke among the trees close by, so that he decided where the town bully and his followers had taken up their temporary quarters.

“Wonder if they dare attack us in the night?” was what Bluff was saying to himself as he once more commenced to descend the bluff.

His mind went back to their previous experiences with these same boys. The rowdies had tried to burn their camp; they had stolen whatever they could lay hands on, and made themselves disagreeable until the conversion of their leader, at that time Andy Lasher, by Jerry, who had saved his life when he was caught under a fallen tree, had changed the complexion of things.

Under the rule of the new leader, Pet Peters, these fellows would be equal to any deed of misconduct just so far as they dared. The fact that the four chums never went into camp without guns of some sort might make them cautious; but that would be the only thing.

Will bombarded him with questions when he came down.

“Did you see Frank and Jerry? – was the camp of those fellows in sight? – could I get any sort of picture, if I climbed up?” so he went on until Bluff called a halt.

“Nothing doing at all. Just stay here where you’re well off. We’ve got our hands full to guard this camp. I’m wondering what keeps the boys so long, that’s all,” he said.

But the minutes lengthened into hours and still there were no signs of the explorers. Bluff and Will started to get supper ready. Neither of them felt very gay, for a shadow seemed to be resting upon the camp.

The sun had set behind the mountains in the west, and with the gathering of the dusk their fears increased.

“Something dreadful must have happened to them,” said Will, looking alarmed.

Bluff tried to laugh it off, saying:

“Humbug! What could happen to those two chaps? They’re up in all that pertains to the forest, and they’ve got a gun along, too. It’s you and I that may well be called the babes in the woods. We know precious little between us; but you just bet nobody can give us points on how to cook rice.”

But Will was too much worried to even show signs of anger or reproach.

“What if they don’t come at all? What if both fellows disappear mysteriously as if they were swallowed up in the earth? We’ll feel pretty tough telling their parents the sad news. I kind of wish now we hadn’t come,” he remarked dolefully.

“Just let up on that tune, will you? Think of the pictures you have already secured, and the others coming. Why, the boys might have been delayed by a dozen things. Make up your mind they’re all right and will pop in on us at any minute.”

But despite Bluff’s attempt to cheer his mate up, Will kept watching the bushes in the light of the rousing fire they kept going, as if hoping against hope that his prediction of evil might not be fulfilled.

They waited until the supper began to get cold.

“We’ll have to eat by ourselves, I reckon, partner. Those other chaps have given us the cold shake for just now. But they’ll be along after awhile, never fear,” said Bluff, putting on a bold face, even while his heart was troubled.

Will was seriously alarmed, but he tried not to show it, out of pride. So there the two poor fellows sat as the time passed, trying to assume a nonchalance that neither of them really felt.

Twice they started up as some sound arose to startle them. Once it was a shrill cry from the neighboring woods, and Bluff laughed to recognize the solemn “whoo-whoo” of an owl; the other time it was some equally harmless source from which the alarming sound sprung.

The idea of spending the night by themselves was far from pleasant. Neither of them wanted to sit up, and yet they dared not lie down and try to sleep.

“This isn’t so very much fun,” grumbled Bluff, as he held on to the gun and continued to stare about him at the changing shadows that seemed to flutter around the outskirts of the camp.

It had been a question of dispute between them as to whether they should keep up a good fire or allow it to dwindle down. Will was for having a roaring blaze that would serve to warn all evildoers and trespassers that they were awake and on the watch. On his part Bluff declared it would draw trouble; so they compromised by allowing the fire to die partly down.

“Say, it must be getting awful late,” remarked Will, stifling a yawn.

“Why don’t you lie down and get some sleep, then?” expostulated the other; “I’ll stand guard, and nothing is going to happen.”

“Of course not, but you see I know I couldn’t sleep a wink thinking about those two poor fellows, and wondering what has happened. Do you suppose they could be drowned, Bluff?” asked Will, in an awe-struck voice.

“Aw, get out with your gloomy ideas. Drowned – those fellows drowned – not on your life. They have some good reason for not showing up. I don’t know what it is, but you’ll see when they do come. Don’t get timid, Will.”

“Timid! Who’s showing the white feather, I’d like to know. Why, I’m not afraid of anything that could happen here. You never saw me shake unless it was with the cold. What is there to fear, after all? Just lie down if you feel like it, and – What’s that?”

Will gave vent to a half-muffled yell when a sudden vivid flash dispelled the darkness around them, as if lightning had cut the gloom of night.

CHAPTER X – FRANK TRIES TO FIGURE IT OUT

Frank was sorely perplexed. He felt sure that Jerry must have fallen into the hands of some enemies while he was busily engaged in examining the second Indian mound. Perhaps it might be that he had even heard the low cry of his chum when the others seized upon him, but in his ignorance had supposed it to be the call of a bird in the brush.

He tried to read the signs the best he could.

“There’s that same small footprint, showing that the two tramps have been here. Were they watching for us, or did we just happen to drop in upon some favorite hiding-place of theirs? They saw a chance to get my pard while I was away with the gun. And now what will they do with him?”

So he pondered as he stood there looking around at the dense foliage that gave no hint as to where these lawless characters could have taken poor Jerry.

Frank searched high and low as the minutes passed, but without any success. He saw the coming of night with uneasiness.

“This is a nice pickle for me. Trying to warn the others, and I fall into the pit myself the first one. But they wouldn’t dare hurt Jerry. We haven’t done them any harm. What they really want, I imagine, consists of our guns and food. Then they could hold out for a long campaign in the woods, and snap their fingers at the sheriff and his posse. Like as not, in the morning they’ll try to open communications with us and offer Jerry in exchange for our things.”

The thought gave him pain. Never before had he known just how much he thought of the missing boy.

Then he remembered that he had two other chums.

“They’ll be worried too. Perhaps I’d better be getting back to camp to relieve their distress of mind. It will be all right in the morning, no doubt. And there’s always a chance that Jerry may be able to give the rascals the slip. He can duck first-class when he wants to, whether it’s playing hockey or prisoner’s base.”

Getting what small consolation he could out of this, Frank now set about heading for the camp. He had ventured far into the interior of the island, and only for the fact that the stars were shining brightly above, he might have further mixed matters up by getting thoroughly lost himself.

There were times when he found it all he could do to push his way through the dense vegetation which obstructed his passage on every side.

But having taken his bearings, he knew he was slowly but surely drawing nearer the point where their camp lay. The bluff stood up against the star-bedecked sky at such times as he found a clear spot and could catch a view.

Frank happened to have an unusually large supply of matches with him. He always carried some when in the woods, but that morning he had taken up quite a bunch from the receptacle Jerry had made to hold them near the entrance to their tent.

Consequently he was able to strike one every little while when some peculiarly knotty problem presented itself for solution.

It was while standing in a little glade that he ignited one of the matches in order to glance at his watch, more than anything else. His attention was immediately attracted toward something on the ground.

“The ashes of a fire, without a doubt. That proves the presence of human beings on the island; and I guess an escaped lunatic would never be guilty of making a fire. Oh! those two hoboes are here, all right. If I could only get word to Mr. Dodd now, he would surround the island, and capture them easily. But if they hurt my chum they’ll pay dear for it,” he muttered.

The ashes were stone cold, as he discovered upon placing his hand upon them, Indian style. Perhaps a red native of the North Woods could have even told just how long it had been since fire lingered among the dead embers; but it was more than the boy was able to do.

Again he pushed forward. Rounding the bluff, he now headed straight for the camp.

Perhaps he found himself entertaining a desolate hope that, after all, Jerry might have played a little trick on him, running off, and making camp while he lingered. Frank knew about the old game of “holding the bag,” where boys coax a green comrade to go out into the dark woods far from home, and leave him holding a sack over the end of a hollow log while they pretend to scare up the rabbits or other game, but in reality go home; but he did not think Jerry would play such a lark when things looked so serious around them.

He wondered why he did not see something of the fire.

Surely nothing could have happened to the two in camp? That would be worse and worse, for it was bad enough to think of Jerry in the hands of those rascally hoboes, without adding to the horror.

Now he was crawling up near the place under the shelter of the bluff, craning his neck eagerly for some sign of the boys. At first he could not see them. The fire was burning low, and that was a sign he did not like.

Frank began to feel a cold sensation creep over him. It was beginning to seem so sinister and awe-inspiring that he was deeply impressed.

Then he caught the low buzz of voices, and, listening, was cheered to recognize the tones of Will as he made his boast.

When that sudden amazing flash came, Frank crouched there as if transformed into a pillar of salt, like Lot’s wife. For the life of him he could not understand what had happened. He thought he heard a scuffling sound on the other side of the camp, but was not sure. Then Will spoke up, his voice quivering with alarm:

“Oh! what was that, Bluff? Did any one shoot, or was it lightning? I didn’t hear the thunder, did you?”

“Hang the luck, that gave me a bad start, as sure as you live. And to think, after all, it was only that beastly old flash you arranged to make some animal take a photograph of himself! A few times like that and we’ll both be fit to go over to the Merrick Asylum, that’s what.”

“My camera set for a flashlight picture? Why, of course! How silly for me to be startled! But I should have remembered it in a few seconds, anyhow. Thank you for reminding me of it. And it worked, you notice, Bluff. You laughed at the idea, but I guess I’ve got the ’coon’s picture, all right,” laughed Will, hysterically.

“What’s that over on the other side, yonder? I would swear I saw something moving there. Listen, and tell me if you can hear him breathing before I let go!” exclaimed Bluff, excitedly.

“Hold on there, Bluff, don’t you dare fire! It’s me, and I’m hiding behind this tree for fear of being punctured by a load of shot!” called a voice.

Will gave vent to a gurgle of delight, and seemed to try to hug himself.

“Thank goodness, it’s Frank. They’ve returned at last to a cold supper. Welcome home, boys. We’ve been looking for you this long while,” he said.

“Why, he’s alone!” exclaimed Bluff, in surprise.

“Yes, and I’ve got some bad news for you, fellows,” said Frank, coming up.

“About Jerry?” demanded Bluff.

“Yes, he’s gone!” continued the newcomer, dejectedly.

“Gone!” echoed Bluff.

“Goodness gracious! what’s happened?” ejaculated Will, clutching hold of the newcomer’s sleeve, as though his knees suddenly grew weak.

“Disappeared, and I’m seriously afraid that those miserable hoboes have caught him,” declared Frank.

“Caught him – but they’re not cannibals – they couldn’t eat poor Jerry!” came from the bewildered Will, at which Bluff gave a contemptuous laugh.

“Why, of course not, silly. Frank means they’ve caught Jerry, intending to make him valuable some way; ain’t that it, Frank?” he said.

“Just what I mean. They may try to dicker with us for some provisions. I rather guess they’re some shy in that line. Or, it may be they want us to clear out. Any way you fix it the thing has a bad look, and promises to break up our pleasant little outing.”

“It’s a beastly shame. I’d just like to get hold of those tramps. Wouldn’t they be headed for the lock-up in Centerville in a hurry!” growled Bluff.

Frank looked at him seriously as if contemplating some move.

“Well,” said he presently, “I don’t know but what it will come to it that you can have a hand in their removal.”

“What d’ye mean?” demanded the other, instantly.

“It may be that between now and morning I’ll ask you to make a little journey.”

“Looking up the hoboes?” asked Will, aghast.

“Well, hardly. This trip would be by water, and in a canoe,” replied Frank.

“Oh! I catch on, all right. You think some one ought to go back to town and let the sheriff know that his game can be found here on Wildcat Island?” said Bluff.

“Just so, but please lower your voice; there’s no telling who may be hiding in the bushes around here. Those hoboes want something we’ve got, and they mean to have it if possible. Perhaps it may be food, and, again, I’ve thought, they may envy us the possession of guns.”

“Well, I think the idea is a good one; somebody ought to go,” pursued Bluff.

“Then it ought to be you. Who can paddle a canoe better than you, Bluff? Besides, Frank is needed here on the island. Something might come up that neither you nor I could settle,” remarked Will.

“I suppose so. Let me know what you decide, Frank, and you’ll find me willing,” continued Bluff.

For answer the other simply squeezed his hand. He was considerably worried over the mysterious absence of Jerry, and realized that the game they were playing was a much more serious one than any that had as yet claimed their attention. These disreputable rascals were desperate; they had done something calculated to send them to the penitentiary for a term of years, and would try their best to avoid punishment.

“There’s one thing good, Bluff, if you do go: you won’t have to paddle along in the dark,” said Will, presently.

The others glanced toward the east, where the light of the moon was just beginning to appear along the horizon.

Even as they stood there and talked in low tones the silvery face of the moon pushed up into view. Being some days past her full, she was shorn of a portion of her circuit; but still promised a flood of light during the balance of the night.

Somehow even this circumstance seemed to give the boys new encouragement.

“Things never look quite so bad when you can see what’s what,” was Will’s way of mentioning this circumstance.

“Suppose you come and sit down, Frank. Both of us are just dying to hear all about what happened to you and Jerry,” said Bluff, presently.

“There’s precious little to tell, but what there is you shall hear, boys. I’m ashamed to say that it was while I was a little ways off, examining some curious mounds, made perhaps by the old Indians, that this thing happened to our chum. But let’s sit down here, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

In a low tone he started to detail the few things that had marked the circuitous journey of himself and Jerry, while the others hung upon every word, anxious to hear the thrilling dénouement where he found the comrade who had shared his adventures, missing.

Just as he reached this point, and they were all worked up over it, Bluff gave a sudden jump. On the spur of the moment Frank supposed he had become so nervous over the description that he could no longer sit still. He was therefore astounded to hear his chum cry out:

“Looky there, boys! As sure as you live, some miserable reptile is getting away with the canoe I used in fishing, and left pulled up on the beach!”