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diff --git a/29859-h/29859-h.htm b/29859-h/29859-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..850e1b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/29859-h/29859-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11927 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dave Porter at Bear Camp, by Edward Stratemeyer. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + p { margin-top: .5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .5em; + text-indent: 1em; + } + h1 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + h5,h6 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + h2 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + h3 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + h4 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + a {text-decoration: none} /* no lines under links */ + div.centered {text-align: center;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 1 */ + div.centered table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 2 */ + + .cen {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} /* centering paragraphs */ + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} /* small caps */ + .noin {text-indent: 0em;} /* no indenting */ + .blockquot {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} /* block indent */ + .right {text-align: right; padding-right: 2em;} /* right aligning paragraphs */ + .totoi {position: absolute; right: 2%; font-size: 75%; text-align: right;} /* to Table of Illustrations link */ + .img {text-align: center; padding: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} /* centering images */ + .tdr {text-align: right;} /* right align cell */ + .tdrb {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;} /* right align cell */ + .tdrp {text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;} /* right align with padding */ + .tdl {text-align: left;} /* left align cell */ + .tr {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; margin-top: 5%; margin-bottom: 5%; padding: 1em; background-color: #f6f2f2; color: black; border: dotted black 1px;} /* transcriber's notes */ + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; right: 2%; + font-size: 75%; + color: silver; + background-color: inherit; + text-align: right; + text-indent: 0em; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal;} /* page numbers */ + + .poem {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + .poem span.pn { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; right: 2%; + font-size: 75%; + text-align: right; + text-indent: 0em; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + color: silver; background-color: inherit; + font-variant: normal;} /* page numbers in poems */ + + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Dave Porter At Bear Camp, by Edward Stratemeyer + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Dave Porter At Bear Camp + The Wild Man of Mirror Lake + +Author: Edward Stratemeyer + +Illustrator: Walter S. Rogers + +Release Date: August 30, 2009 [EBook #29859] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP *** + + + + +Produced by David Edwards, Barbara Kosker and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h1>Dave Porter at Bear Camp</h1> + +<div class="img"> +<img border="0" src="images/cover.jpg" width="50%" alt="Book Cover" /> +</div> + +<h2>Edward Stratemeyer</h2> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<div class="img"><a name="frontis" id="frontis"></a> +<a href="images/frontis.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/frontis.jpg" width="45%" alt="Out came a kettle, a frying-pan, some knives and forks." /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><span class="smcap">Out came a kettle, a frying-pan, some knives and forks.</span><br /> +<i>Page 293.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<p class="cen"><b>Dave Porter Series</b></p> +<hr style="width: 85%;" /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h1>DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP</h1> + +<h3>OR</h3> + +<h2>THE WILD MAN OF MIRROR LAKE</h2> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h2>EDWARD STRATEMEYER</h2> + +<h4>Author of "Dave Porter at Oak Hall," "The Old Glory Series,"<br /> +"Colonial Series," "Pan-American Series,"<br /> +"Soldiers of Fortune Series," etc.</h4> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h3><i>ILLUSTRATED BY WALTER S. ROGERS</i></h3> +<br /> +<br /> + +<div class="img"> +<img border="0" src="images/deco.jpg" width="10%" alt="Publisher's Mark" /> +</div> + +<br /> +<br /> + +<h4>BOSTON<br /> +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.</h4> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h5>Published, August, 1915</h5> +<br /> +<br /> +<h5><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1915, by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co</span>.</h5> +<hr style="width: 5%;" /> +<h5><i>All rights reserved</i></h5> +<hr style="width: 5%;" /> +<h5>DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP</h5> +<br /> +<br /> +<h5>Norwood Press<br /> +BERWICK & SMITH CO.<br /> +NORWOOD, MASS.<br /> +U. S. A.</h5> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Dave Porter at Bear Camp</span>" is a complete +story in itself, but forms the eleventh volume in +a line issued under the general title of "Dave +Porter Series."</p> + +<p>As I have mentioned several times, this series +was started a number of years ago by the publication +of "Dave Porter at Oak Hall," in which my +young readers were introduced to a typical, wide-awake +American lad at an up-to-date American +boarding school.</p> + +<p>The publication of this first volume was followed +by that of "Dave Porter in the South +Seas," whither the lad journeyed to clear up a +question concerning his parentage. Then came +"Dave Porter's Return to School," telling of +more doings at Oak Hall; "Dave Porter in the +Far North," in which he went on a second journey +looking for his father; "Dave Porter and His +Classmates," relating more happenings at school; +"Dave Porter at Star Ranch," in which our hero +participated in many adventures in the wild West; +"Dave Porter and His Rivals," showing how he +outwitted some of his old-time enemies; "Dave +Porter on Cave Island," giving the particulars of +a remarkable voyage on the ocean and strange +doings ashore; "Dave Porter and the Runaways," +in which the youth taught some of his +chums a much-needed lesson; and finally "Dave +Porter in the Gold Fields," in which the lad and +a number of his chums went in quest of a gold +mine, all traces of which had been lost through a +landslide.</p> + +<p>The present volume tells the particulars of a +thrilling rescue from fire at sea, and how the boys +and girls, along with some of the older folks, +went for a vacation in a camp on the shore of a +beautiful lake. Here, most unexpectedly, Dave +fell in with one of his old enemies. The youth +and his chums had some strenuous times, the particulars +of which are given in the pages which +follow.</p> + +<p>Once again I avail myself of the opportunity +to thank my young readers for all the pleasant +things they have said regarding my stories. I +trust that the reading of this volume will benefit +them all.</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Edward Stratemeyer</span>.</p> +<p><i>March 1, 1915.</i></p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" width="60%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> + <tr> + <td class="tdl" width="10%" style="font-size: 80%;">CHAPTER</td> + <td class="tdl" width="80%"> </td> + <td class="tdr" width="10%" style="font-size: 80%;">PAGE</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">I</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Boys on Shipboard</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">II</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Something About the Past</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">III</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Rescue at Sea</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">IV</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Back to Crumville</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">V</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Dave at Home</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">VI</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">News of Importance</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">VII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Link Merwell Again</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">VIII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Off for Bear Camp</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">IX</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">On the Road</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">X</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Caught in a Storm</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XI</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">From One Hardship to Another</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">A Stroke of Lightning</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XIII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">At Bear Camp</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XIV</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Something of a Quarrel</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XV</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Visitors</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XVI</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">A Strange Communication</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XVII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Swimming Race</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XVIII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">A Cry from the Cliff</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_180">180</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XIX</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Capture of Link Merwell</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_191">191</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XX</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Back in Camp</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXI</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Escape</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">More of a Mystery</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXIII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Shooting a Wildcat</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXIV</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Man at the Cabin</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXV</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Two Deer</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXVI</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Startling News</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXVII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">What Happened in the Night</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXVIII</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Della Ford's Statement</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_275">275</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXIX</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">The Big Bear</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_284">284</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdrp">XXX</td> + <td class="tdl smcap">Good News—Conclusion</td> + <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_295">295</a></td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<a name="toi" id="toi"></a><hr /> +<br /> +<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" width="80%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Illustrations"> + <tr> + <td class="tdl" width="80%">Out came a kettle, a frying-pan, some knives and forks (Page 293)</td> + <td class="tdr" width="20%"><a href="#frontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"> </td> + <td class="tdrb" style="font-size: 80%;">FACING<br />PAGE</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Dave caught her under the arms, and, treading water, brought both her and + himself to the sursface</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep024">24</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Then, as Dave went after him, he broke into a run</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep064">64</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">And then all the young folks fell to eating with great gusto</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep102">102</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">"Hello! hello! Where are you going?"</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep154">154</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">"It's a snake, and a big one!"</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep180">180</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">"You just said that I was not Dave Porter. What do you mean by that?"</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep202">202</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl">Crack! Bang! The two pieces rang out in quick succession</td> + <td class="tdrb"><a href="#imagep254">254</a></td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<hr style="width: 75%;" /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span> +<h1>DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP</h1> +<hr style="width: 75%;" /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h2>THE BOYS ON SHIPBOARD</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Phil, your father seems to be a good deal +worried this morning. I hope it isn't on account +of the way we cut up on this ship last evening."</p> + +<p>"Not at all, Dave," returned Phil Lawrence. +"I don't believe he noticed our monkey-shines. +He is worried over the letter he received in the +mail we got at our last stopping-place."</p> + +<p>"No bad news I hope?" said Roger Morr, another +one of the group of boys seated on the forward +deck of a small coastwise steamer.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think it is rather bad news," answered +the son of the vessel's owner. "Poor dad stands +to lose between twenty and thirty thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"Twenty or thirty thousand dollars!" exclaimed +Dave Porter. "Why, how can that be, +Phil?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>"Did he make a bad investment?" asked Ben +Basswood, another youth of the group.</p> + +<p>"You can hardly call it a bad investment, Ben," +returned Phil. "Buying the land was all right +enough in the first place. It's trying to get rid of +it that's the sticker."</p> + +<p>"You are talking in riddles, Phil," said Roger +Morr. "Won't you explain?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe Phil doesn't care to explain," broke in +Dave Porter, quickly. "It may be his father's +private business, you know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't think he'll object to my telling you +the details," responded the shipowner's son. "It +isn't very much of a secret where we live, or in +East Haven."</p> + +<p>"East Haven? Is that the place across the +river from where you live?" queried Dave Porter.</p> + +<p>"Yes. It's quite a bustling little town, too, although +when my father and his older brother, +Lester Lawrence, bought the tract of land there it +didn't amount to much, and they got the ground +for a song."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to buy some land for a song," put in +another youth of the group. "Then I might sell +it and make a handsome profit. Say," he continued, +his face brightening up, "that puts me in +mind of a story. Once there was a man who +wanted to——"</p> + +<p>"Hold on, Shadow. It isn't your turn to tell +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>stories now," interrupted Dave. "We want to +hear what Phil has to say."</p> + +<p>"This story wouldn't take but a minute," +grumbled Maurice Hamilton, otherwise known as +"Shadow." "It's a dandy one, too."</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll listen to it later," returned +Roger Morr. "Let us first hear what Phil has +to tell."</p> + +<p>"It isn't so much of a story," said the shipowner's +son. "You see, years ago my dad and +his older brother purchased a tract of land at East +Haven, along the waterfront. For some time it +was idle, and then it was leased to a lumber company, +who used it for a number of years as a lumber +yard. At that time East Haven had no railroad, +but the L. A. & H. line came through +that way and wanted to cross the river at East +Haven, and wanted to locate their railroad repair +shops along the waterfront there. They have +made my father an offer for the land, and if that +tract could be sold my folks would stand to make +a profit of twenty to thirty thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"Well, why not sell the land then—unless +you think it is worth more than the railroad company +is willing to pay?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"My father is willing enough to sell, and has +been for some time; but he can't give the railroad +a clear title, and consequently the deal is at a standstill."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>"Oh, I see, Phil," said Roger Morr. "That +is the worst of buying land that has a flaw in the +title."</p> + +<p>"There wasn't any flaw in the title when my +father and my Uncle Lester purchased the +ground," returned the shipowner's son. And +now his face clouded. "The trouble has all come +up within the last five years—that is, it wouldn't +have come up at all if it hadn't been for what happened +about five years ago."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think I know to what you refer, Phil," +cried Dave, quickly. "I remember now that you +told me about your old Uncle Lester. Didn't you +ever hear from him?"</p> + +<p>"Not a word, Dave. And that is why my +father can't sell the land."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand this," said Ben Basswood.</p> + +<p>"And neither do I," added Shadow Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's this way: About five years ago my +folks were connected with a trust company in the +town where we live. My Uncle Lester was +one of several men who had charge of certain +funds, and these funds were kept in a safe-deposit +vault belonging to the company. One day it was +found that some of these funds had disappeared. +Suspicion pointed to my uncle, and although he +protested his entire innocence, some of the other +trust company officials were in favor of having +him arrested. A warrant was sworn out, but +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>before it could be served my uncle left home and +went to another State. Then the local paper +came out with an article which stated that the +bank officials had evidence that Lester Lawrence +was undoubtedly guilty. My uncle got a copy of +this paper—it was found later in the room +he had occupied at a hotel—and this evidently +frightened him so much that he disappeared."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say that he disappeared for +good?" queried Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he took a train out of town, and that was +the last seen or heard of him. My father did all +he could to locate Uncle Lester. He had men +searching for him, and he advertised in the newspapers. +But up to the present time he hasn't +heard a word from him or of him. He is half inclined +to believe that my uncle is dead."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he went to some foreign country," +suggested Dave.</p> + +<p>"But how does that affect the title to the land?" +questioned Shadow Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Easily enough," was the reply of the shipowner's +son. "My uncle held a one-quarter interest +in the tract. In order to give a clear title +to the railroad company it would be necessary for +Uncle Lester to sign the deed. The railroad company—nor +any one else for that matter—won't +buy the land without a clear title."</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder that your father is worried," +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>said Dave, sympathetically. "I suppose he feels +just as bad over the continued absence of your +uncle as he does over the fact that he can't sell the +land and make a profit on it."</p> + +<p>"That's just it, Dave," answered Phil. +"We'd give a good deal to know what has become +of Uncle Lester."</p> + +<p>"I suppose he doesn't dare come back for fear +of being arrested," was Shadow's comment. +"Even if he is innocent they may be able to convict +him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I forgot to tell you about that," burst out +Phil. "Less than four months after my uncle +disappeared, some men were arrested in Springfield, +for a theft committed at one of the banks +there. During the trial it came out that one of +these criminals had been in our town during the +time when the funds disappeared from our trust +company. This rascal's movements were traced +by the authorities, and then he was given what they +call 'the third degree.' At that examination he +broke down, and admitted that he had taken the +funds which my Uncle Lester was supposed to +have stolen. The affair created a great stir, and +those who had proceeded against my uncle made +all sorts of apologies to my father. They also +did their best to locate Uncle Lester."</p> + +<p>"And didn't they hear anything at all?" asked +Ben.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>"Not a word. We got what we thought were +clues, but every one of them proved false."</p> + +<p>"Maybe he is dead."</p> + +<p>"That may be. But if we can't prove it, it +leaves the matter of the land just as unsettled as +before."</p> + +<p>"If your uncle is alive he must remember about +the land, and must know that the matter will give +your father a lot of trouble," suggested Roger.</p> + +<p>"That is true, Roger. But when a man is accused +of a grave crime like that, he isn't apt to +think about other things."</p> + +<p>"You say he is older than your father?" +queried Dave.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, a good deal older—ten or twelve +years, at least. If he is still alive he must be well +advanced in years."</p> + +<p>"What does your father propose to do about +the land?" questioned Ben, after a pause in the +conversation.</p> + +<p>"He doesn't know what to do. He's at a complete +standstill."</p> + +<p>"Won't the railroad company lease the land?" +questioned Dave.</p> + +<p>"No. They told dad that they wanted to buy +and build. They prefer his land to any other in +East Haven, but at the same time, if they can't get +his property, they are going to look elsewhere."</p> + +<p>"Twenty or thirty thousand dollars is a heap +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>of money to let slip through one's fingers," was +Shadow's comment. "It's a shame you can't find +out where your uncle is, or what has become of +him."</p> + +<p>"Why not advertise again?" suggested Dave. +"If your uncle is still alive he must read some +newspapers, and he might possibly see the notice."</p> + +<p>"Father thinks something of doing that, Dave, +but it looks like rather a hopeless case," returned +Phil Lawrence. He arose from the camp-chair on +which he had been sitting, and stretched himself. +"But come on, fellows," he continued. "There +is no use of your worrying over our troubles. We +came on this little trip to enjoy ourselves, and I +want all of you to have the best time possible."</p> + +<p>"And we certainly have had a good time!" +cried Dave. "Just as good a time as we had out +in Yellowstone Park."</p> + +<p>"That is, Dave, considering the girls are not +along," remarked Ben, with a wink at the others.</p> + +<p>"Well, of course that makes some difference, +Ben," returned Dave, his face flushing a trifle.</p> + +<p>"Sure it does! A whole lot of difference!" +declared Roger. "Just the same, we are having +a dandy time, Phil," he added hastily. "The first +outing of the Oak Hall Club is a big success."</p> + +<p>"It sure is!" broke in Shadow Hamilton. +"Only I did hope we'd see a whale or some sharks +or something like that," he added, regretfully.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>"I suppose if you saw a shark, Shadow, you'd +jump right overboard to interview him, wouldn't +you?" queried Ben, and gave a snicker.</p> + +<p>"Say, speaking of sharks puts me in mind of a +story!" cried Shadow. "Once there was a sailor +who had traveled all around the world. He met +a lady in Boston who wanted him to tell her a +shark story. Says the sailor: 'Madam, I've +seen sharks in the Atlantic an' the Pacific an' the +Indian Oceans, but all of them sharks wasn't a +patch to the shark I once met on land.' 'On +land!' cried the lady from Boston. 'Do you +mean to say that you met a shark on land?' 'I +did, Madam,' answered the sailor. 'I met a +shark right in New York, and he did me out of +every copper I had in my pockets. He was a +hotel-keeper who played cards.'" And at this +little yarn there was a general smile.</p> + +<p>"Pretty good for a fish story," was Roger's +comment. "Just the same, I don't want to fall +in with any sharks whether on land or at sea."</p> + +<p>"Before we land to-night, I want to settle about +this outing we expect to take at Mirror Lake," +said Dave. "If you fellows are going along, +we'll have to make the necessary arrangements."</p> + +<p>"Well, you can count on me, Dave," returned +Roger, promptly. "I told you at the start that +I'd be glad to go with you."</p> + +<p>"And so will I be glad to go," added Phil.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>"I've got to find out what my folks want me to +do first," said Shadow. He looked curiously at +Dave, who was gazing far out to sea. "What are +you looking at, Dave?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I'm watching that smoke out there," was the +answer.</p> + +<p>"That's only the smoke from some incoming +steamer," returned Ben. "I noticed that a few +minutes ago."</p> + +<p>"Maybe it is from a steamer," returned Dave, +"but I don't think it is coming from any funnel."</p> + +<p>"What do you think it is—a fire?" cried +Phil. And at these words all the boys on the deck +rushed to the rail.</p> + +<p>"It looks that way to me. Let us get the +glasses and find out."</p> + +<p>"I'll get them!" cried Roger; and lost no time +in disappearing into the cabin.</p> + +<p>A minute later he reappeared with a pair of +powerful marine glasses which he handed to Phil. +The glasses were quickly adjusted, and the shipowner's +son took a hasty look seaward.</p> + +<p>"It's a small steamer, all right," he announced. +"Just as sure as you're born, there's a fire on +board."</p> + +<p>"Fire!" repeated Roger.</p> + +<p>"If she's on fire we ought to go to the rescue!" +exclaimed Dave.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h2>SOMETHING ABOUT THE PAST</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"What's this I hear about fire?"</p> + +<p>The question came from a burly, pleasant-faced +man, who had just appeared on deck, close to the +boys. It was Mr. Lawrence, the owner of the +steamer.</p> + +<p>"Why, Dad, there's a steamer out there, and +we think she's on fire," answered Phil, quickly. +"Here, take a look at her." And he handed over +the marine glasses.</p> + +<p>"On fire!" exclaimed Mr. Lawrence, and +raised the glasses to his eyes. "By Jove, boys, I +think you're right! Phil, call Captain Bradley, +and be quick about it. You'll find him in the +after cabin. I just left him there."</p> + +<p>The son darted off, and while he was gone Mr. +Lawrence and the boys took turns in looking +through the glasses at the distant vessel. The +smoke was now increasing, and as it did not come +from the funnel of the steamer, there was no doubt +but that the vessel was on fire.</p> + +<p>"You sent for me, Mr. Lawrence?" inquired +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>the captain of the steamer, as he hurried up with +Phil at his heels.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Captain. There's another steamer out +there, and we are pretty sure she's on fire," answered +Mr. Lawrence. "Change your course +and put on speed." And as he spoke the shipowner +turned the glasses over to the captain.</p> + +<p>Captain Bradley gave one searching look. +"It's true! She's on fire, and we had better get +to her as soon as possible!" he cried, and then +hurried away to give the necessary directions. +Soon the bow of the <i>Eaglet</i>, which was the name +of the steamer, was headed in the direction of the +craft that seemed to be in trouble.</p> + +<p>"If she's really in danger, I hope we get there +soon enough to help those on board," said Dave.</p> + +<p>"Captain Bradley will do his best; you can rely +on that," answered Mr. Lawrence, gravely. +"But that steamer is farther off than some of you +may imagine. Distances over the water are rather +deceptive."</p> + +<p>Many of my young readers are doubtless already +well acquainted with Dave Porter. For +the benefit of those who are now meeting the youth +for the first time, something of an introduction +may not be out of place.</p> + +<p>When but a child of tender age, our hero had +been found one day walking along the railroad +tracks near the town of Crumville. He could +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>tell nothing about himself or where he belonged, +and was taken to the local poorhouse, where he remained +for a number of years, finally being bound +out to a retired college professor, named Caspar +Potts, who was then running a small farm for his +health. The professor did what he could for the +lad, giving him a fairly good education. But Professor +Potts was no farmer and soon got into financial +difficulties with a mean money-lender, named +Aaron Poole, and would have lost his farm had +it not been for something out of the ordinary happening.</p> + +<p>One of the main industries of Crumville was a +large jewelry factory, owned by Mr. Oliver Wadsworth. +Mr. Wadsworth had a beautiful young +daughter, named Jessie, and one day through an +explosion of an automobile gasoline tank, the +young miss was in danger of being burned to death +when Dave came to her rescue. This so pleased +the Wadsworths that they came not only to the aid +of the boy, but also assisted Caspar Potts, who +was discovered to be one of Mr. Wadsworth's +former instructors at college.</p> + +<p>"The lad shall go to boarding-school and get +a good education," said Oliver Wadsworth. And +he accordingly sent Dave away from home, as related +in the first book of this series, entitled "Dave +Porter at Oak Hall." At that school our hero +made many warm friends, including Phil <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>Lawrence, +the son of a wealthy shipowner; Roger +Morr, the offspring of a United States senator; +Shadow Hamilton, who was known far and wide +for his yarn-spinning qualities; and many others.</p> + +<p>In those days the great cloud resting over Dave +had been the question of his identity, and when +some of his enemies spoke of him as "that poorhouse +nobody," he resolved to find out who he +really was. Getting a strange clue, he set out on a +remarkable ocean voyage, as related in "Dave +Porter in the South Seas," and was gratified to fall +in with his uncle, Dunston Porter, a great hunter +and traveler. Then the lad came back to Oak +Hall, as related in "Dave Porter's Return to +School." He next went in quest of his father, as +told in "Dave Porter in the Far North."</p> + +<p>"Now they can't say that I'm a 'poorhouse nobody,'" +he told his chums, after having met his +father. And then, with a light heart, he came +back to boarding-school once again, as related in +"Dave Porter and His Classmates." Here he +made more friends than ever, but likewise some bitter +enemies, including one Link Merwell, the son +of a ranch-owner of the West. Merwell did all +he could to cause Dave trouble, but in the end was +exposed and had to leave Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"I hope I never fall in with Link Merwell +again," Dave said to his school chums, but this was +not to be. Dave had not only found his father +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>and an uncle, but he had also found a sister, Laura +Porter, who was very dear to him. Laura had a +young lady friend, named Belle Endicott, who +lived in the Far West, and through this friend +Dave and his chums, and also Laura, as well as +Jessie Wadsworth, received an invitation to spend +some time at the Endicott place. They had a +great deal of fun and not a few adventures, all of +which have been set down in "Dave Porter at Star +Ranch." Not far from the Endicott place was +the home of Link Merwell, and that young man, +as before, tried to make trouble, but his efforts +were frustrated and he left home under a cloud.</p> + +<p>From the ranch Dave and his chums returned +again to Oak Hall, as recorded in "Dave Porter +and His Rivals." Then came the Christmas Holidays, +and Dave went back to Crumville, where he +and his folks were now living with the Wadsworth +family in their elegant mansion on the outskirts of +the town. Directly after Christmas there was a +thrilling jewelry robbery at Mr. Wadsworth's +factory. It was Dave, aided by some of his +chums, who got on the track of the robbers and +trailed them to the South and then to sea, as related +in "Dave Porter on Cave Island."</p> + +<p>When our hero and his chums went back to Oak +Hall they imagined that their adventures were at +an end. But soon came in news of a strange man +who was terrorizing the neighborhood. Some +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>very unusual things happened, including an attempt +to blow up a neighboring hotel. Some of the +students were thought guilty, and fearing arrest, +they fled in terror, as told of in "Dave Porter and +the Runaways." Dave was not one of those who +ran away, but he did go after the others, and made +them come back to face the music, and also helped +to clear up what had been a great mystery. Then +all the boys graduated from Oak Hall, Dave receiving +high honors.</p> + +<p>It is needless to say that our hero at that time +was one of the happiest boys in the world. His +folks and Jessie Wadsworth came to the graduation, +which was celebrated with big bonfires, music +by a band, and refreshments in the gymnasium.</p> + +<p>Dave had promised Roger Morr that he would +pay the Senator's son a visit. He did so, along +with Phil and some others, and on that occasion +heard about a gold mine which had been willed to +Mrs. Morr, and which had been completely swallowed +up by a landslide. Numerous searches had +been made for this lost mine, but up to that time +without result.</p> + +<p>"Let us go in search of the lost mine," Dave +had said. And how he and Roger and some of +the others made the trip to the West and went +on a hunt for the mine has been told in detail in +the volume entitled "Dave Porter in the Gold +Fields."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>While the lads were on this quest, they again +fell in with Link Merwell, who with Job Haskers, +a former teacher at Oak Hall, was also trying to +locate the lost mine. The two parties had many +adventures, and when at last the missing mine was +relocated, there came another landslide which +nearly cost Dave and his friends their lives. +When they finally reached a place of safety they +were joined by a man from the other party who +had suffered severely, and who told them that +Link Merwell and Job Haskers, as well as a third +person of the party, had been swept away to their +death. Later on Dave and his friends had looked +for the missing persons, but had been unable to +locate them.</p> + +<p>The finding of the Landslide Mine, as it was +called, had been of great financial benefit to the +Morr family, and they had been so pleased that +they had given Dave and some of the others a +share in the holding. In the meanwhile our hero +and his chums, along with their friends, had +finished their outing in the West by a grand tour +through Yellowstone Park, on which they were accompanied +by Dave's sister, Jessie and Belle, and +some others.</p> + +<p>"Now you fellows have got to come on a little +trip with me," Phil had said, after coming East, +and had explained that a small steamer belonging +to his father was then tied up at Philadelphia, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>getting +ready for a trip to Portland, Maine, and +back.</p> + +<p>"That will be fine," Dave had answered; and a +little later a party had been made up, including +Phil, Dave, Roger, and Shadow, and also Ben +Basswood, who, as my old readers know, was one +of Dave's old friends from Crumville. With the +boys went Mr. Lawrence. When embarking on +this trip, none of those on board had dreamed of +the strenuous time now so close at hand.</p> + +<p>"I wonder how long it will take us to reach that +vessel?" observed Roger, after Mr. Lawrence +had followed the captain.</p> + +<p>"A quarter of an hour at least," replied Dave. +"It will depend somewhat on how much steam the +firemen can get up. I don't believe we are running +at full speed now."</p> + +<p>"This steamer used to be a pretty good boat," +said Phil, "but she is getting old now, and I heard +dad say something about laying her up for repairs +next Fall."</p> + +<p>"Wonder if we'll get a chance to do any rescue +work," observed Ben.</p> + +<p>"I guess we'll do all we can," returned Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Look! Look!" cried Dave, pointing with +his hand. "The smoke is getting thicker than +ever!"</p> + +<p>"Maybe the poor people on that steamer will +have to jump overboard before we can reach +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>them," said Phil. "A fire like that must be pretty +hot."</p> + +<p>Soon the youths knew by the pounding of the +engine that the <i>Eaglet</i> was running at increased +speed. The course had been changed, and now +the craft was headed directly for the burning boat.</p> + +<p>"She's a rather small affair, that's certain," remarked +Roger.</p> + +<p>"Looks to me as if she might be a pleasure +boat," remarked Phil, who, taking after his father, +knew considerable about sea-going matters. +"She's a private steam yacht, to my way of thinking." +And later on this proved to be the case.</p> + +<p>As the <i>Eaglet</i> drew closer to the burning vessel, +the boys saw that there was great excitement on +board the steam yacht. Sailors and others were +rushing to and fro over the deck, and two streams +of water from hoses were being directed to one +part of the vessel, down a hatchway. The smoke +was as thick as ever, and sometimes, as the wind +shifted, the steam yacht was hidden entirely from +view.</p> + +<p>Fortunately the sea was comparatively calm, +there being only a slight breeze from the northeast. +As the <i>Eaglet</i> drew closer, the boys heard +Captain Bradley giving directions to some of the +sailors to get ready to launch two of the small +boats.</p> + +<p>"Dad, why can't we take another small boat and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>go out?" asked Phil of his father. "We know +how to row. We did lots of it on the river up at +Oak Hall."</p> + +<p>"Very well," answered Mr. Lawrence. "But +I want all of you to keep out of danger."</p> + +<p>Soon they were within hailing distance of the +steam yacht. They could now see the persons on +deck plainly, and made out fully a score of men, +and three or four women, and also one or two +children. The smoke was as thick as ever, but so +far no flames were visible.</p> + +<p>"Save us, oh, save us!" screamed some one +aboard the burning vessel. "We are burning +up!"</p> + +<p>The words had scarcely been uttered when there +came from the interior of the steam yacht a dull explosion. +Then, of a sudden, something that +looked like a bunch of rockets flew up into the air. +With a loud hissing and with sparks flying in all +directions, the bunch of rockets described a graceful +curve and then headed directly for the deck of +the <i>Eaglet</i>!</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h2>THE RESCUE AT SEA</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Look out there!"</p> + +<p>"Don't let those rockets hit you!"</p> + +<p>"Say, this is like a Fourth of July!"</p> + +<p>Such were some of the cries that came from the +boys on the forward deck of the steamer when +they saw the bunch of rockets flying swiftly toward +them. They had barely time to leap to one +side when, with a loud hissing, two of the rockets +fell on the deck not far away. The others just +grazed the rail and swept overboard.</p> + +<p>"We've got to put them out!" yelled Phil, and +started to rush forward, intending to stamp on the +rockets, when Dave hauled him back.</p> + +<p>"Look out, Phil! They may be on the point +of explo——"</p> + +<p>Bang! Bang! Dave did not have time +to finish what he was saying when the rockets went +off in rapid succession, hurling the bits of fire in all +directions. Phil was burnt a little on one cheek, +and Dave and Roger each had a hand scorched, but +that was all. Then, realizing that the worst was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>over, all the boys rushed forward and stamped out +what was left of the flames.</p> + +<p>"Anybody hurt up there?" It was a cry from +Captain Bradley, who came forward on a run, followed +by Mr. Lawrence.</p> + +<p>"No. We're all right," gasped Phil. "But +we might not be if it hadn't been for Dave;" and +he gave our hero a grateful look.</p> + +<p>The explosion on the steam yacht had caused a +wilder panic than ever, and in a twinkling a number +of those on board leaped into the water.</p> + +<p>"Man the boats!" was the order from Captain +Bradley.</p> + +<p>The <i>Eaglet</i> had already heaved to, and two rowboats +manned by the sailors and commanded by the +first mate and a boatswain were soon lowered to +the water. While this was being done, the boys, +led by Phil and Dave, rushed to a third rowboat.</p> + +<p>"Now be careful, boys," warned Mr. Lawrence. +"Perhaps I had better go with you."</p> + +<p>"Just as you say, Dad," answered Phil. "We +can take care of ourselves though."</p> + +<p>"All right then, I won't go, for you may want +the room for those you pick up," answered the +shipowner; and a moment later the rowboat was +in the water and following the other small craft to +the side of the burning vessel.</p> + +<p>Seeing those from the <i>Eaglet</i> coming to the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>rescue, several others leaped overboard, so that +those in the rowboats had all they could do to move +without hitting any one.</p> + +<p>"Save me! Save me! Don't let me drown!" +yelled an elderly man, and caught hold of one of +the oars.</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll save you. Take it easy," returned +the first mate of the <i>Eaglet</i>; and soon those +in the mate's rowboat had the man on board. In +the meantime, the boat in command of the boatswain +pulled in a woman and a little boy.</p> + +<p>Dave and his chums had their craft headed to +where they had made out the forms of a woman +and a girl struggling in the water. They soon +reached the first of the pair, and after considerable +difficulty managed to drag her on board.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, thank you!" gasped the +woman, as she sank down on the stern seat. +"Now save Della! save Della!" she cried, and +then suddenly collapsed.</p> + +<p>Dave had his eyes on the girl, and was on the +point of reaching for her when she suddenly threw +up her arms and disappeared.</p> + +<p>"She's gone under!" gasped Roger.</p> + +<p>"Will she come up again?" asked Shadow, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"There she is! Over there!" yelled Phil, and +pointed to a spot several yards away.</p> + +<p>A hand and an arm had shown themselves, but +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>that was all. In less than two seconds they disappeared +again.</p> + +<p>Dave had done some rapid thinking. Before +leaving the steamer the boys had thrown off their +coats. Now standing up, Dave cast his cap to the +bottom of the boat, and made a quick dive overboard.</p> + +<p>"He's gone after her!"</p> + +<p>"Good for Dave! It's the only thing to do if +that girl is to be saved."</p> + +<p>"Row on and keep your eyes wide open," directed +Phil. "I don't think they'll get very far +away."</p> + +<p>Dave had calculated the distance as closely as +possible, and once under water he pushed ahead +with all speed in the direction where he had seen +the hand and arm. While at Oak Hall he had +learned the trick of swimming under water with +his eyes open, and this now stood him in good +stead.</p> + +<p>"There she is," he thought, as he caught sight +of something white passing just to the left of him. +He made a quick turn, and a few seconds later had +the girl by the hand. Then Dave caught her under +the arms, and treading water, brought both +her and himself to the surface.</p> + +<p>"There they are!" he heard Phil cry, and the +next moment the rowboat came up close.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh! sa—sa—save m—me!" spluttered +the girl; and breaking loose, she swung +around and caught Dave tightly by the neck.</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep024" id="imagep024"></a> +<a href="images/imagep024.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep024.jpg" width="45%" alt="Dave caught her under the arms" /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%;"><span class="smcap">Dave caught her under the arms, and, treading water, +brought both her and himself to the surface.</span>—<i>Page 24.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>It was the strangle-hold of a drowning person, +and our hero might have fared badly had not assistance +been at hand. But as it was, Roger and +Phil reached out, and while Shadow and Ben balanced +the rowboat, this pair hauled the girl on +board. Then they aided Dave in getting in.</p> + +<p>"Oh, oh! Is sh—she d—dead?" gasped +the girl, as she looked at the woman who had collapsed +on the stern seat.</p> + +<p>"No, she has only fainted," answered Roger. +"She'll soon be over it."</p> + +<p>"How brave you are to come to our rescue!" +went on the girl, turning to Dave. "I—I +thought I was going to drown!" and she shuddered.</p> + +<p>"It was a pretty close call," answered Phil. +"My friend here jumped overboard just in the +nick of time."</p> + +<p>There was just then little time to say more, for +others were in the water crying for assistance. In +the meantime, there was another cry from the deck +of the steam yacht.</p> + +<p>"Don't jump overboard! It isn't necessary. +The fire is out!"</p> + +<p>"Hello! Did you hear that?" queried Dave. +"Somebody said the fire is out."</p> + +<p>By this time the two other rowboats had picked +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>up eight of those who had leaped overboard. +The boys succeeded in getting on board two others, +a short, fat man who was puffing like a porpoise, +and a young man.</p> + +<p>"That settles it," snorted the fat man, as he +sank down on one of the seats. "No more ocean +pictures for me! All the dramas I act in after +this will be on dry land."</p> + +<p>"And I sha'n't go to sea again for Mr. Appleby," +answered the girl who had been rescued. +She was rapidly recovering, and so was the woman +on the stern seat.</p> + +<p>"Got everybody?" yelled a man from the deck +of the steam yacht. And by his cap and uniform +the boys knew he must be the captain of the vessel.</p> + +<p>"I think so," answered the first mate of the +<i>Eaglet</i>.</p> + +<p>"It was foolish of them to jump overboard," +grumbled the captain of the steam yacht. "I told +all of them there was no danger."</p> + +<p>"No danger!" snorted the mate of the <i>Eaglet</i>. +"How do you make that out, with all that fire?"</p> + +<p>"It wasn't fire—that is, not much of it," +was the answer. "It was mostly smoke. We +have a moving picture company on board, and they +had a lot of fireworks, some of 'em tied up in old +sail cloth. The fireworks started to go off—why +I don't know—and they set fire to the +cloth, and when we wet that down it made an +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>awful smoke. But all the stuff was in a zinc-lined +compartment, so there wasn't much real danger. +The worst was when those rockets went off and +shot up right out of the hatchway."</p> + +<p>"And are you sure the fire is entirely out?" +asked the mate of Mr. Lawrence's vessel.</p> + +<p>"Just about. We'll have the men make a +search, so that there won't be any further danger."</p> + +<p>After a little more conversation the three rowboats +were brought close to the steam yacht, from +the side of which a ladder had been lowered.</p> + +<p>"O dear! Are we to go back to that boat?" +queried the girl Dave had saved from drowning.</p> + +<p>She was a miss of perhaps eighteen years, tall +and slender, with brown hair and big brown eyes. +She appealed to our hero as she spoke.</p> + +<p>"I don't see what else there is to do," he answered, +"unless you want to be taken to our +steamer."</p> + +<p>"What place is your steamer bound for?"</p> + +<p>"We hope to make Portland some time this +afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Oh indeed! Then I think I would rather go +aboard that steamer than back on the yacht," answered +the young lady. "What do you think, +Aunt Bess?" she went on, appealing to the woman +in the rowboat, who by this time had recovered +from her plunge into the sea.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>"I think I would like to get ashore as soon as +possible, Della," returned the aunt. "I just hate +the water, anyway, and I don't think I'll take another +sea trip in a hurry."</p> + +<p>"Oh, say, Miss Ford, you might as well go back +on the steam yacht. I guess the danger is all +over," put in the fourth person who had been +picked up—a young man about Dave's age. +"Didn't you hear the captain say that the fire was +out?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know," answered Della Ford. "But +I'm so afraid, Mr. Porton," and the girl looked +rather helplessly at those around her.</p> + +<p>"Where is that steam yacht bound for?" questioned +Phil.</p> + +<p>"We were going somewhere outside of Cape +Cod," answered the stout man who had been +rescued. "But I guess Mr. Appleby will have to +give the trip up for the present. He's the manager +of our company, you know," he added, by +way of explanation.</p> + +<p>"What sort of a company is that—a +theatrical company?" asked Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. This is a moving-picture company—one +belonging to the Appleby Film Corporation."</p> + +<p>"Oh, then you are all moving-picture actors!" +cried Ben, with interest.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the young man. "But we +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>didn't come out to get into any such scene as this," +he added, with a short laugh.</p> + +<p>By this time a number of those in the rowboats +had been assisted to the deck of the steam yacht, +and those above were calling down to those in the +rowboat manned by Dave and his chums.</p> + +<p>"Say, young men, I'm very much obliged to you +for what you did for me," cried the stout man, +heartily, as he prepared to ascend the ladder. "I +guess I was foolish to jump overboard when there +was no great danger."</p> + +<p>"It's too bad Case didn't get a picture of that +scene," said the young man named Porton. "It +would have been a dandy to work into one of the +sea dramas."</p> + +<p>"I guess that's right," returned Dave, with a +grim smile.</p> + +<p>"Much obliged to all of you," went on Ward +Porton. "If there are any charges, send the bill +to Mr. Thomas Appleby, the manager. He +ought to reward you handsomely for saving a part +of his company." And with these words he followed +the stout man to the deck of the steam +yacht.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you folks coming up?" came a call +from the manager of the moving-picture company, +as he leaned over the rail.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mr. Appleby, I don't want to stay out +here!" cried Della Ford, "and neither does my +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>Aunt Bess! The young men here say their boat is +going to Portland. Maybe we had better go there +and take the train to Boston."</p> + +<p>"Oh, there is no use in doing that, Miss Ford," +answered the manager. "The fire is out, and it +is perfectly safe on board now. You had better +come up here. I will help you," and he reached +down with his hand.</p> + +<p>"I don't suppose it will be just the right thing to +do, to desert the company," said Mrs. Ford, the +girl's aunt. "We still have to act in several +scenes on the ship, you must remember."</p> + +<p>"Very well, Aunty, just as you say," returned +the girl. "But oh! I must thank this young man +for what he did for me!" she went on. And at +the danger of causing the rowboat to tip, she bent +over and caught Dave's hand in both of her own. +"Won't you please tell me your name?"</p> + +<p>"It's Dave Porter," was the answer. "Come, +let me help you up the ladder."</p> + +<p>"My name is Della Ford, and I belong in +Boston. You are a very brave young man, and I +shall never forget you. Some time when you are +in Boston you must come to see me."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Miss Ford, perhaps I will," answered +Dave. And after a word or two more, he +assisted the young lady up the ladder. Then the +boys helped Mrs. Ford, who was still so weak that +she could hardly stand.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>The first mate of the <i>Eaglet</i> was on the deck of +the steam yacht, talking to the captain. In the +meantime several sailors were at work putting out +the last sparks of the fire. Quite a quantity of +fireworks had gone off, and the burnt portions were +thrown overboard. The moving-picture manager +explained that the fireworks had been brought +along to be used in one of the film dramas.</p> + +<p>"Might as well get back to the steamer," suggested +Roger, after several minutes had passed, +during which time the boys had been calling to +those on the deck of the steam yacht. "We can't +do anything more here."</p> + +<p>"All right," returned Phil, and gave orders to +pull away.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, Mr. Porter!" called out Della +Ford, waving her hand. "Thank you ever so +much for what you did. And don't forget to call +and see me when you come to Boston."</p> + +<p>"Good-bye," returned Dave; and a moment +later the rowboat shot out of hearing and was +headed toward the <i>Eaglet</i>.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h2>BACK TO CRUMVILLE</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"I think those on board that steam yacht can +congratulate themselves because the fire was no +worse," remarked Roger, when the boys had returned +to the <i>Eaglet</i>.</p> + +<p>"Yes indeed," answered Dave. "Some fires +at sea are terrible things, and cause a great loss +of life."</p> + +<p>"Seems to me Dave was the hero of the occasion!" +burst out Ben. "He did the really-and-truly +rescue act."</p> + +<p>"Come now, don't start anything like that!" +interrupted Dave, hastily. "I only did what any +of you might have done."</p> + +<p>"I know one thing," remarked Phil, closing one +eye suggestively. "Dave made some hit with the +young lady he pulled out of the water."</p> + +<p>"That's right!" agreed Shadow. "Why, do +you know I thought Miss Ford was going to throw +her arms right around his neck."</p> + +<p>"Oh, cut it! cut it!" said Dave, growing red +in the face. "Shadow, your imagination will be +the death of you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>"Oh, I don't know," replied the former story-teller +of Oak Hall, coolly. "She certainly was +smitten, Dave."</p> + +<p>"Not at all. She was grateful, that's all."</p> + +<p>"Just the same, Dave, if we get to Boston +you'll have to call on her," remarked Roger, with +a grin.</p> + +<p>"We can all call if you feel that way about +it," answered our hero. "I rather think some +of you were smitten pretty badly." And at this +sally there was a general laugh.</p> + +<p>It was some time before the last of the rowboats +returned to the steamer. The first mate +brought a report to Captain Bradley and Mr. +Lawrence, to which the boys listened with interest. +The mate said that it was thought on board the +steam yacht that the fire had started from a cigarette +thrown away by one of the moving-picture +actors, a young man named Ward Porton, but +that this could not be proved. The mate stated +that the captain of the steam yacht was quite upset +over the occurrence, as he considered that the +fire was due to carelessness, and nothing else. +He had told the mate privately that it would be +a long time before he would take out another +moving-picture company on his vessel.</p> + +<p>"He says they are doing all sorts of stunts on +the ship, and taking pictures of 'em," went on the +mate. "He says some of the actors and actresses +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>are pretty good people, but the rest of the bunch +act like wild Indians."</p> + +<p>"Ward Porton!" exclaimed Dave, turning to +his chums. "Why, that is the young fellow we +hauled out of the water!"</p> + +<p>"That's right," returned Phil. "Maybe he +got scared when he found out that his cigarette +had started the fire and that was one reason why +he jumped overboard."</p> + +<p>"I didn't like the manner of that fellow at all," +was Shadow's comment. "He looked like a +pretty loose sort of a character."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know. I thought he looked +like——" began Ben, and then stopped suddenly, +in some confusion.</p> + +<p>"Looked like what, Ben?" asked Dave, curiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it doesn't matter, Dave," answered his +Crumville chum. "Just the same, I can't help +but think that—Oh well, never mind, let it go."</p> + +<p>"But what did you think he looked like, Ben?" +put in Phil. "Come, what are you so mysterious +about?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it doesn't matter, I tell you," answered +Ben, and now looked more confused than ever.</p> + +<p>"Hello! Ben is trying to hide some deep and +dark mystery," put in Shadow. "Come now, +little boy, unlimber your mind and let us know +what it is."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>"Well; if you've got to know, I'll tell you. I +was thinking that in some way that Ward Porton +looked something like Dave."</p> + +<p>"Say, that's right!" burst out Phil, and then +added quickly to our hero: "No offense, old +man, but he did resemble you—only of course +he was not so good-looking."</p> + +<p>"Yes, there was some resemblance," said +Roger, "but I don't think it was enough to count; +so Dave needn't worry."</p> + +<p>"I guess Mr. Ward Porton has a perfect right +to his looks," remarked Dave calmly. "And if +he and I resemble each other, that is nobody's +fault. I don't suppose I'll ever see that fellow +again." But in this surmise our hero was very +much mistaken; in the weeks to come he was to +see a great deal of Ward Porton.</p> + +<p>It was not long after this when the <i>Eaglet</i> resumed +her run for Portland. As the other vessel +was headed in the opposite direction, they soon +passed out of sight of the craft. Then Portland +Light came into view, and before long the <i>Eaglet</i> +was passing the numerous islands of Casco +Bay.</p> + +<p>"This would be a dandy place to pass the rest +of the summer," was Roger's comment, as he and +Dave stood by the rail, watching the beautiful +scene as it was unfolded before them. The bay +was very calm, and the numerous islands dotting +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>it in all directions made the spot one of unsurpassed +beauty.</p> + +<p>"From all accounts, Roger, I think we'll find +the vicinity of Mirror Lake just as beautiful as +this," answered Dave. "I have never been +there, but they tell me the scenery is simply +grand."</p> + +<p>"We certainly ought to have a good time, +scenery or no scenery," answered the senator's +son, "with such a fine bunch of people as are +going."</p> + +<p>"Right you are!" broke in Phil. "We ought +to have the best times ever at the lake."</p> + +<p>It had been arranged by Mr. Lawrence that +they should stop for three days at Portland, the +owner of the steamer having a number of business +matters to transact. During that time the boys +continued to sleep on board, but spent the days +in visiting Old Orchard Beach, Cape Elizabeth, +Peak's Island, Orr's Island, and various other +nearby resorts.</p> + +<p>"It certainly is a great place," remarked Dave, +on the evening of the second day. "I think a +fellow could spend his whole summer here, and +have a dandy time."</p> + +<p>It had been a question whether they would stop +at Boston on the return trip, but at the last minute +Mr. Lawrence decided to go direct to New York +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>City, as he had been informed that a cargo was +waiting there for the steamer.</p> + +<p>"That cuts Dave out of his visit to Miss +Ford," remarked Roger, after this announcement +was made.</p> + +<p>"I think it cuts you out just as much as it does +me, Roger," returned our hero, with a smile. "I +think, behind it all, you would like first-rate to +call on her."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what I would like," answered the +senator's son. "I'd like to see how they take +moving pictures—I mean the kind indoors."</p> + +<p>"We may get a chance at that some day," said +Phil. "I know one or two men who are in that +business."</p> + +<p>The run to New York City occurred without +special incident, and soon the boys found themselves +saying good-bye to Mr. Lawrence and +Captain Bradley. It had been decided that Phil +should accompany Dave and Ben to Crumville, he +to remain with our hero at the Wadsworth mansion.</p> + +<p>"Take care of my boy," said the shipowner, +as he shook hands with Dave.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we'll take care of him, Mr. Lawrence, +don't fear," answered our hero. And then, leaving +Mr. Lawrence to look after matters concerning +his various vessels, the boys hurried to the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>Grand Central Terminal, and were soon on a +train which was to take them to their various +destinations.</p> + +<p>As my old readers know, Crumville was rather +a small town; the only industry of importance +being Mr. Wadsworth's jewelry works. The +Wadsworth mansion stood on the outskirts, a +large and well-constructed building, set among a +number of trees and bushes. When Dave, Phil, +and Ben alighted at the railroad depot, they +found the Wadsworth touring-car awaiting them. +Dunston Porter, Dave's uncle, was driving the +car, and he had with him Dave's sister Laura, and +Jessie Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, here they are!" cried Laura, and leaped +out to embrace her brother and to shake hands +with the others. Then Jessie shook hands, giving +Dave an extra bright smile as she did so.</p> + +<p>"Back from the salt, salt sea!" cried Laura, +merrily. "I'll wager you were all dreadfully +seasick."</p> + +<p>"Nothing doing on that score, Laura," answered +her brother. "We didn't have time to +get seasick; we had too much fun."</p> + +<p>"And too many adventures," added Phil. +"Oh, I can tell you, girls, we are heroes!" and +he stuck his thumbs in the armholes of his vest, +and began to strut around.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>"Adventures, eh?" queried Dunston Porter. +"What sort of adventures—a shipwreck?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Mr. Porter, please don't talk about a +shipwreck!" pleaded Jessie, agitatedly. "Why, +you don't want anybody to be drowned, do you?"</p> + +<p>"They don't look very much as if they had +been in a shipwreck," responded Dave's uncle, +dryly. "I was only fooling."</p> + +<p>"We weren't in any shipwreck. But we saw +a fire at sea, and we helped to pull some folks +out of the water," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"You did!" burst from both of the girls.</p> + +<p>"Do tell us all about it," added Laura.</p> + +<p>"Was anybody lost?" asked Jessie. And now +even Dunston Porter looked much interested.</p> + +<p>"Nobody was lost, and not even hurt, so far +as I could find out," answered Dave; and then he +and the others gave a few details concerning the +conflagration aboard the steam yacht.</p> + +<p>"And to think those poor people had to jump +overboard!" came from Jessie, sympathetically. +"Oh, Dave, wasn't that dreadful!"</p> + +<p>"Jessie, you ought to have seen Dave playing +the really-and-truly hero act!" burst out Ben.</p> + +<p>"Now, Ben, quit it!" interrupted Dave.</p> + +<p>"Not much, Dave! You deserve some credit, +and I want the girls to know what a real, genuine, +dyed-in-the-wool hero you are."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>"What did he do, Ben?" asked Laura.</p> + +<p>"He jumped into the briny deep, and rescued +the beautiful heroine of the moving-picture company," +was the answer. "Oh, you just ought to +have seen it, Jessie. The poor girl was going +down for the last time when Dave, with a do-or-die +look on his handsome face, leaped into the +flying spume, and struck out boldly——"</p> + +<p>"Ben, will you please stop?" pleaded Dave. +"I never heard such foolish talk before in my +life!"</p> + +<p>"But he did jump overboard, and he did save +the girl," broke in Phil. "If he hadn't gone +after her she might have drowned."</p> + +<p>"Who was she?" asked Laura; while Jessie, +wide-eyed, showed her interest.</p> + +<p>"The leading lady of the film company—a +Miss Della Ford," answered the shipowner's son. +"A mighty nice young lady, too—real stylish—golden-brown +hair, dreamy brown eyes, and all +that sort of thing, you know."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, that was splendid of you to save +her from drowning!" said Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Indeed it was!" added Ben. "And she was +mighty grateful, too," he went on. "She +grabbed Dave's hands for all she was worth, and, +at one time, I thought she was going to throw +her arms right around his neck."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ben!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>"Well, it seemed that way to me, anyway—and +she was a stunning looking girl, too, I can tell +you!"</p> + +<p>"She was not going to do anything of the kind, +Jessie! Don't pay any attention to him," broke +in Dave, and now his face was decidedly red. +"Come on! Let's get into the auto and get to +the house; I'm hungry," and he started to help +the two girls into the tonneau of the automobile.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to hear more of this later on," +said Dunston Porter, as he started the car.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'd like to hear more about Miss Ford," +added Jessie, in a somewhat uncertain tone.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h2>DAVE AT HOME</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Mirror Lake was a beautiful sheet of water +nestling among the mountains of the Upper Adirondacks +of New York State. At the lower end +of the lake, where there was a well-defined trail +running to several fashionable summer resorts +some miles away, were located two beautiful +bungalows, one of six rooms and the other of +eight rooms. They were built on a plot of +ground bordering on a small cove of the lake, and +extending about a thousand feet back into the +woods of the mountain-side.</p> + +<p>As my old readers will remember, Ben Basswood's +father was interested in real estate, and, +a year or two before, he and Mr. Wadsworth had +gone into a land deal of considerable proportions. +Several important transactions had resulted, and +in making one of the deals Mr. Wadsworth and +Mr. Basswood had become possessed of the two +bungalows on Mirror Lake, the two gentlemen +owning both jointly.</p> + +<p>At first, on acquiring the property, the jewelry +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>manufacturer had been in favor of selling it at +public auction; but to this Mr. Basswood had demurred.</p> + +<p>"I think, Mr. Wadsworth," he had said, "if +we hold that property for a few years it will be +far more valuable than it is now. The State road +has been built to within a few miles, and there is +strong talk of its being carried directly past Mirror +Lake. Not only that; there is also talk of the +railroad putting in a spur through that district, +and of course that will help a great deal."</p> + +<p>"Very well, Mr. Basswood. If you think we +ought to hold the land, we'll do it," had been Mr. +Wadsworth's reply. "But what are we going to +do with the bungalows in the meantime?"</p> + +<p>"We can either use them or rent them," had +been the answer.</p> + +<p>For the past season, and also during the early +part of the present summer, the two bungalows +had been leased to some people from Rochester. +But now both bungalows were unoccupied.</p> + +<p>It had been Dunston Porter's suggestion that +they go up to Mirror Lake on the return from +the trip to Yellowstone Park, and this idea had +been quickly seconded by the young folks, especially +by Laura and Jessie, who had never as yet +spent any time in the Adirondacks.</p> + +<p>"They tell me the mountains are lovely, especially +during the autumn," said the daughter of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>the jewelry manufacturer. "Oh, let us go, by all +means!"</p> + +<p>"I am sure I would like it," Laura had answered. +"But who will go with us?"</p> + +<p>The matter had been talked over while the +young folks were returning from Yellowstone +Park, and also while Dave and Ben were at home, +as well as during the voyage on the <i>Eaglet</i>. As +a result it had been arranged that Mr. and Mrs. +Basswood were to go up for part of the time, and +also Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth. Laura and +Jessie, as well as Belle Endicott, who was coming +East, were to go, along with Dave and Ben and +a number of their chums. Mr. Dunston Porter +and Dave's father said they would make several +trips back and forth during the time the others +were up there. It may be said here that the +bungalows were fully furnished, so our friends +had no anxiety on that score.</p> + +<p>"We'll have the best time ever, Jessie," said +Dave, in talking the matter over the day after his +arrival home. "I am sure you will like it."</p> + +<p>"Have you your things packed, Dave?" questioned +his sister, who was present. "You don't +want to leave that until the last minute."</p> + +<p>"Oh, packing is getting easy to me, Laura. I +feel like a regular traveler since I took those trips +to Cave Island, and after the runaways, and to +the Landslide Mine and Yellowstone Park."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>"Oh, it was splendid, the way you relocated +that gold mine, Dave!" cried Jessie. "How +glad Roger and his folks must have been."</p> + +<p>"They surely were glad," answered the youth. +"I never saw Roger look so happy in my life. +It took a big weight off his shoulders."</p> + +<p>"And, just to think that they are going to give +you and Phil an interest in that mine!" remarked +Laura. "Why, Dave, if you keep on, you'll be +a rich man some day."</p> + +<p>"Well, I sha'n't complain if I am," answered +the brother, coolly.</p> + +<p>It had been arranged that the start for Mirror +Lake should be made on the following Monday +morning. Some of the folks were to go as far as +they could by train, but the young people had demurred, +stating that they wanted if possible to +make the trip by automobile.</p> + +<p>"We can take our machine and the Basswood +car," said Dave. "It won't take us more than +two or three days, and it will be lots of fun."</p> + +<p>"But what are we going to do with the automobiles +after we reach Carpen Falls?" asked +Dunston Porter. "You can't go any farther in +an auto than that."</p> + +<p>"Isn't there some sort of garage at Carpen +Falls?" questioned Ben, who was present.</p> + +<p>"Probably there is. Anyway, I know there is +a livery stable there."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>"Then we could leave the machines there until +we were ready to bring them back," replied +Dave.</p> + +<p>"We'll see about this later," said Dave's father, +with a shake of his head. Automobiling did not +appeal to him quite as strongly as it did to his son +and his brother.</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful afternoon, and Dave and +Ben had arranged for a little run in the automobile, +taking Laura and Jessie along. Dave ran +the car, with Jessie on the seat beside him. Their +course was out of Crumville, and then over the +distant hills to a winding road which ran beside +the river.</p> + +<p>"It seems so strange, Dave, to think you are +not going back to Oak Hall this fall," remarked +Jessie, when the automobile was bowling along +over the smooth highway.</p> + +<p>"It does seem strange," was Dave's somewhat +grave reply. "Do you know, sometimes I wish +I were going back again."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Well, if I had to do that I wouldn't have to +bother about anything else just now, Jessie. As +it is, I've got to make up my mind what I am +going to do. One minute I think I want to go to +college, and the next I have a notion of going into +some sort of business."</p> + +<p>"What does your father say, Dave?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>"He is leaving it entirely to me. He says if +I want to go to college I can do so."</p> + +<p>"What would you like to do best of all?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, as for that, I'd like to travel, just as +Uncle Dunston does. I'd like to see the world."</p> + +<p>"I suppose that would be nice, Dave. But +still a person can't be traveling all the time," and +Jessie's face clouded a trifle.</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't want to be traveling all the time, +Jessie. Some day I'll want to settle down." He +gave her an earnest look. "I thought that was +all settled."</p> + +<p>"Settled? What?" And the girl gave him +a quick look in return.</p> + +<p>"Why, that I was going to settle down some +day, and that you were going to settle down with +me."</p> + +<p>"Oh, indeed! That's the first I ever heard +of it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but you know, Jessie——"</p> + +<p>"Dave, do you know that Laura and Ben are +sitting right behind us?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but they are busy with their own talk."</p> + +<p>"Maybe you only think so."</p> + +<p>"All right. But it's settled; isn't it, Jessie?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know that anything is settled." Jessie +was gazing straight ahead at the road. +"How about that beautiful young lady you rescued +from drowning?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>"Oh, say! Please don't bring that up," +pleaded Dave, hastily. "That was all some of +Ben's nonsense."</p> + +<p>"But you did pull her out of the water; didn't +you, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"What if I did? You wouldn't have me let +her drown; would you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course not. But still Ben said——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, there you go again! Didn't I tell you +that was only some of Ben's nonsense? You +mustn't believe a word he says."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! I always thought Ben was a very +truthful boy."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, if you're going to make a mountain +out of a molehill——"</p> + +<p>"I haven't made a mountain out of anything, +Dave."</p> + +<p>"Say, who's talking about mountains on the +front seat?" interrupted Ben. "I thought we +were going down on the river road."</p> + +<p>"So we are," declared Dave, somewhat sharply.</p> + +<p>"I hope we can go up to the Adirondacks in +the autos," said Laura, eagerly. "It will surely +make a splendid trip."</p> + +<p>"If we go in the autos who is going to drive?" +questioned Jessie.</p> + +<p>"I'll run our car, and I suppose Dave will run +this one," answered Ben. "But we can change +off with the other fellows if we want to."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>The top of a small hill had been reached, and +now the automobile glided down the other side +in the direction of the river road. Here the way +narrowed a trifle, and Dave had to give all his +attention to the running of the car. As the automobile +turned in toward the stream, they passed +several other touring-cars, and then came in sight +of a horse attached to a buggy, the two wheels of +which were deep in a ditch.</p> + +<p>"Hello! That's Mr. Aaron Poole's buggy!" +exclaimed Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes. But it is Nat who is driving," returned +Ben.</p> + +<p>Mr. Aaron Poole was a rich money-lender, who +lived not far from Crumville, and who had a son +Nat, who had gone to Oak Hall with Dave and +Ben. Mr. Poole was a very grasping man, and +in the past he and the Porters had had a number +of differences. Nat had been almost as overbearing +as his father, but during the early part of +the summer he had told Dave that he was going +to turn over a new leaf. And since that time our +hero had heard that the money-lender's son was +quite a different sort of a boy, and growing better +every day.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Nat! What's the trouble?" questioned +Dave, as he brought the automobile to a +standstill beside the buggy.</p> + +<p>"Trouble enough!" grumbled the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>money-lender's +son. "Did you notice those automobiles +that just went by?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly did. They were going at some +speed."</p> + +<p>"They were racing, that's what they were doing!" +explained Nat Poole. "They were racing, +and they made such a racket that it scared my +horse and he landed me here in this ditch."</p> + +<p>"It's a good thing they didn't upset you, Nat," +said Ben.</p> + +<p>"If they upset me, I would make them pay for +the damages," retorted the youth in the buggy.</p> + +<p>"Did you know them, Nat?" asked Laura, +kindly.</p> + +<p>"I know one of them. He's a high-flyer from +Pittstown. The next time I see him I'll give him +a piece of my mind. They've got no right to use +this road for a race-track."</p> + +<p>"Did they hurt you at all?" queried Jessie.</p> + +<p>"I don't know as they did. But this mud in +the ditch is mighty sticky, and I don't see how I +am going to get out of it," grumbled the money-lender's +son.</p> + +<p>"Maybe we can give you a lift, Nat," said +Dave, and got out of the automobile, followed by +Ben. "Here, I'll hold the horse while you get +out."</p> + +<p>"Be careful. He's mighty skittish," warned +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>the other. "If he gets to kicking he'll smash the +buggy into kindling-wood."</p> + +<p>"I'm not afraid of him," answered Dave, and +took a firm hold on the horse's bridle. Then Nat +leaped from the buggy, and he and Ben took hold +of the wheels and pushed, while Dave led the horse +forward. By this means, in a minute more, the +turnout was safe in the middle of the roadway.</p> + +<p>"Much obliged to you fellows for this," remarked +the money-lender's son, when all danger +seemed past.</p> + +<p>"Don't mention it, Nat. I am glad to help +you," returned Dave, quickly.</p> + +<p>"And so am I," added Ben.</p> + +<p>"Funny thing," went on the money-lender's +son. "I was coming around to your house to see +you," and he glanced quickly at our hero.</p> + +<p>"Well, you'll have to come, Nat, some time +when I am home," answered Dave. "We are +going off on another trip next Monday."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Then I'm glad I met you as I +did, because I wanted to see you before you went +away. I've got some strange news to tell you."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Link Merwell is alive. He wasn't killed in +that landslide at all," was Nat Poole's astonishing +reply.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h2>NEWS OF IMPORTANCE</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Link Merwell!"</p> + +<p>"Nat, you must be fooling!" put in Ben.</p> + +<p>"Why, we couldn't find a single trace of him +after that awful landslide!" went on Dave. +"We made a thorough search, too."</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about that," returned +the money-lender's son. "But I know Link Merwell +is alive. I got a letter from him yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure that it was not an old letter delayed +in delivery?" queried Ben.</p> + +<p>"No, it was not an old letter. It was dated +only a few days ago. It was sent to me from +Boston."</p> + +<p>"Boston!" cried Laura. "Then he must not +only be alive, but he must have followed us East."</p> + +<p>"Did he say anything about Job Haskers?" +queried our hero.</p> + +<p>"He said he didn't know what had become of +Haskers. He said they had separated a short +while before the big landslide struck them. He +was pretty well bruised up, and had to rest in a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>little mining camp up in the mountains for two +weeks."</p> + +<p>"This is certainly the strangest news yet," was +Dave's comment. "I thought sure that he and +Haskers had been swallowed up in that landslide, +along with that miner who was with them. Nat, +what caused him to write to you? I thought you +told me that you had destroyed his last letter without +answering it."</p> + +<p>"So I did destroy it, Dave, without answering +it," returned the money-lender's son. "I was as +surprised to hear from him as you would have +been. I thought he would know enough to let me +alone."</p> + +<p>"What did he have to say, Nat?" questioned +Ben. "Of course you haven't got to tell us if +you don't want to," he added, hastily.</p> + +<p>"That's all right. Didn't I tell you I was coming +to see Dave? I was going to show him the +letter. I've got it in my pocket. Here it is," and +Nat brought forth the communication.</p> + +<p>The letter was a long and rambling one which +need not be reproduced here. In it Link Merwell +told something of how he had been caught in the +landslide, and how he had escaped and had been +carried by some miners to their camp. A search +had been made for Job Haskers and the man +named Blugg, but without results. Then Merwell +had obtained some money (probably from his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>father), and had come East, where he expected to +obtain a position. He added that he was still as +bitter as ever against Dave and his chums, and +would do his best some day to "square accounts." +As in his previous communication to Nat, he +wanted to know if the money-lender's son would +not aid him in making trouble for our hero.</p> + +<p>"The same old Link Merwell!" remarked +Dave, after he had read the letter, with Ben looking +over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you think a fellow who had been so +close to death would want to reform?" said his +chum. "But I suppose Link doesn't know what +the word, 'reform,' means."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, aren't you afraid he will make you +a lot of trouble?" cried Jessie, and her face +showed her deep concern.</p> + +<p>"I never was afraid of Link Merwell, and I +don't believe I ever shall be," returned Dave, +quickly. "At heart I think that fellow is a big +coward."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but you must be careful," warned his +sister. "Even cowards know how to strike in the +dark, and that would be Link Merwell's way of attacking +you."</p> + +<p>"I don't know how he is going to hurt Dave +when he is away off in Boston," was Ben's comment. +"The chances are he has got to go to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>work and earn his living. Probably his father is +sick of putting up money for him."</p> + +<p>"Merwell mustn't forget one thing," said Dave. +"He is still responsible for his part in that jewelry +robbery. If the authorities get hold of him, they +will certainly send him to prison. So far as that +affair is concerned, he was no better than Jasniff."</p> + +<p>"What makes me mad is his trying to connect-up +with me," burst out Nat. "I've told him +twice now that I was done with him, and I want +him to leave me alone."</p> + +<p>"Were you going to answer this letter, Nat?" +questioned Ben.</p> + +<p>"No. I was going to tear it up, the same as +the other. It's only got 'Boston' for an address, +anyway."</p> + +<p>"It seems to me, Nat, it might be a good thing +for you to write to Link and tell him exactly what +you think of him," said Dave. "Tell him you are +done with him forever, and that you don't want to +get any more letters. Perhaps that will settle +him. Send the letter to the General Delivery."</p> + +<p>"That's what I was going to ask you about, +Dave. I don't want to have that fellow bothering +me. I told you I was going to turn over a +new leaf." And now for once in his life, Nat +Poole looked Dave and then Ben squarely in the +face.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>"Then, by all means, write to him and tell him +exactly where you stand," went on our hero. +"Make the letter good and strong, Nat, so that +there won't be any mistake about it."</p> + +<p>"I'll do it," answered the money-lender's son. +And then after a few words more, he replaced the +letter in his pocket and drove on, and Dave and +his party resumed their automobile trip.</p> + +<p>"That certainly is news," was Ben's comment, +as they rolled along the river road. "I thought +from what you said, Dave, he must have been +buried alive."</p> + +<p>"So we all thought. His escape must have +been nothing short of a miracle."</p> + +<p>"I don't begrudge him his life, but I don't want +him to bother Dave any more," said Laura. "He +is such a wicked fellow."</p> + +<p>"Dave, didn't you say, after you came from +Cave Island, that Link said something about reforming?" +asked Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he did talk that way. He was very +humble, and sorry that he had gone into the robbery +with Jasniff. But I guess now that what +made him humble was the fact that he was in danger +of going to prison. As soon as he got away, +his ideas changed."</p> + +<p>"I hope he doesn't come here to bother you, +Dave," sighed Laura.</p> + +<p>"Oh, please don't think of such a dreadful +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>thing!" cried Jessie. "If he is in Boston, I hope +he stays there." But this wish was not to be fulfilled, +as we shall see later.</p> + +<p>The ride along the river road and over the hills +beyond was much enjoyed by the young folks, and +it was after dark when they returned to Crumville. +All told, Jessie made it very pleasant for Dave, but +she could not forget the fact that the youth had +rescued Della Ford from the sea, and she asked +several times about the young lady and the moving-picture +company to which she belonged.</p> + +<p>"I don't know much about the picture company," +Dave had answered. "I think there were +about a dozen people in it, including Miss Ford's +aunt and the young fellow and the fat man we +picked up."</p> + +<p>"But you said you would call on her in Boston; +didn't you?" queried Jessie.</p> + +<p>"I said I might call if I was in the city," Dave +replied.</p> + +<p>"And I suppose you'll go up there the first +chance you get," pouted Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Maybe," he answered, not altogether liking +her tone. And then before anything more could +be said the automobile swept up in front of Ben +Basswood's home, and the conversation became +general.</p> + +<p>Ben had been on the back seat with Laura, and +now as he left the party, Jessie came into the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>tonneau +to keep Dave's sister company, so that on +the journey to the Wadsworth mansion the talk between +Jessie and Dave could not be renewed.</p> + +<p>The next two days were busy ones for our hero. +He had several matters of business to attend to +for his father and his uncle. Added to this, old +Caspar Potts asked the youth if he would not accompany +him to the old farm where the pair had +spent so long a time together.</p> + +<p>"Why, certainly, I'll go to the farm with you, +Professor," replied Dave. "But what are you +going to do there, if I may ask?"</p> + +<p>"I want to get a box of books that was left in +the garret there when we came away," answered +the old, white-haired gentleman. "I would have +brought them here before, but it slipped my mind +entirely. Perhaps you remember the box?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean that old blue box that stood in +the back of the garret?" questioned Dave.</p> + +<p>"That's the one, David. I don't think the +books in it are of very great value, but they might +as well be added to the library here," went on the +old professor. The Wadsworth library comprised +many hundreds of volumes, and was a +source of great pride to Professor Potts, who had +spent many days in classifying the books and getting +out a private catalogue. To please the old +gentleman, Mr. Wadsworth had, from time to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>time, added various books and pamphlets which he +might not otherwise have purchased.</p> + +<p>Since Dave and Caspar Potts had left the old +farm, the place had been leased to another party, +but now it was unoccupied, and the cottage and +stable were locked up.</p> + +<p>"Looks natural," remarked Dave, as he stood +on the tiny piazza of the cottage and looked +around on the familiar scene. Then his thoughts +went back to the past. What tremendous changes +had taken place since he had left that home! He +had found a father, a sister, and an uncle, and had +made a host of friends. Not only that; he was +rich, and had received a good education, and was +on the fair road to success.</p> + +<p>"David!" It was Caspar Potts who spoke, +and his voice trembled. "How different it is +from what it used to be! Certainly your folks +and Mr. Wadsworth have been great friends of +mine," and the old gentleman blinked away the +tears that stood in his mild eyes.</p> + +<p>Unlocking the door of the little cottage, Dave +went inside and lost no time in throwing open a +number of windows, so that the fresh summer air +from outside might dispel the dampness within. +Then Caspar Potts entered, and both ascended the +narrow stairway to the upper floor. Here was a +tiny garret, which in the past had been given over +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>mostly to the storage of old furniture and other +articles not in use.</p> + +<p>"I trust none of the tenants have disturbed that +box," remarked Caspar Potts, when Dave had lit a +candle which he had thoughtfully brought along.</p> + +<p>"I see the box, Professor," answered the youth. +"Here, if you will hold the candle I will get it +out." And then Dave worked his way over to a +corner under the eaves, and from behind a broken +rocking-chair and a dilapidated couch, dragged +forth a small wooden box, painted blue. He +threw back the cover, exposing to view thirty or +forty books, covered with dust and yellow with +age.</p> + +<p>"Good! good!" murmured the old professor, +as he brushed one of the volumes off with his coat +sleeve. "Some of these books are not very valuable, +David, but a few of them will add quite a +little to our library. I had those volumes when I +was a student at college," he added proudly.</p> + +<p>"I'll carry the box downstairs," said Dave.</p> + +<p>Caspar Potts, candle in hand, led the way to the +floor below. As he came out into the kitchen of +the cottage, he was somewhat surprised to find two +persons on the porch, talking earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Hello, you've got visitors!" said Dave, as he +set the box of books down on a bare table. +"Some one out for a look around, I suppose," he +added.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>"Maybe it is some one who would like to lease +the farm," returned Caspar Potts. "Let us go +out and see," and he extinguished the candle.</p> + +<p>Brushing the dust and cobwebs from his coat, +Dave followed the old professor to the porch of +the cottage. The two visitors were so busy talking +that, for the instant, they did not notice the +others.</p> + +<p>"Hello there!" exclaimed Dave, in some surprise, +as his eyes rested on the face of one of the +visitors. "How in the world did you get here?"</p> + +<p>"I—er—I—er—It's Mr. Porter!" stammered +the fellow addressed, and he leaped quickly +to his feet.</p> + +<p>It was Ward Porton, the young man Dave and +his chums had rescued from the sea when the +steam yacht was on fire.</p> + +<p>"Dave Porter! Here!" came from the other +fellow who had been seated on the stoop, and now +he too leaped up. "—I guess we had better +leave," he stammered.</p> + +<p>"Link Merwell!" ejaculated our hero. It +must be confessed that now he was all but dumfounded. +He had thought that Link Merwell +must be in Boston, and to find him here on the +outskirts of Crumville, and in company with Ward +Porton, the fellow he had rescued, was almost beyond +belief.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h2>LINK MERWELL AGAIN</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Link Merwell showed signs of both suffering +and dissipation. His face was thin and careworn, +and his eyes had an uncertain, restless look in them. +He had on a business suit much the worse for +wear, and his tan shoes were worn down at the +heels. Evidently he had not fared well since +Dave had met him in the West.</p> + +<p>"I once thought you were dead, Link," went on +Dave, after a pause, during which Link Merwell +had taken several steps away from the cottage. +"I thought you had been buried by that landslide."</p> + +<p>"I know it," was the bitter reply. "It would +have pleased you immensely if I had been buried +alive."</p> + +<p>"That isn't true. I wouldn't like to see anybody +lose his life in that fashion," declared Dave. +And then he went on quickly: "Did Job Haskers +escape?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about him—and +I don't want to know," returned Link Merwell, +and his tone was as bitter as before. "Haskers +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>didn't treat me right, and we separated before we +got caught in the sliding rocks and dirt."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know that you knew Merwell," said +Dave, turning to Ward Porton.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes. I have known him for some time," +was the reply of the young moving-picture actor.</p> + +<p>"I think we had better be going," broke out +Link Merwell, who had retreated a step or two +further. He showed very plainly that he was +afraid Dave might lay hands on him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't be in a hurry," answered Ward Porton. +"Now we've got the chance, I'd like to talk +to Porter."</p> + +<p>"I don't think I'll stay," and Link Merwell +moved still farther away. "I'll meet you later, +you know where."</p> + +<p>"See here, Link! Don't be in such a hurry," +cried Dave, advancing toward the youth. "I +want to talk to you."</p> + +<p>"I know your game, Dave Porter! You want +to catch me and hand me over to the authorities!" +exclaimed Link, and showed more fear than ever.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think that?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, you're not going to catch me this +way! Don't forget, Porton. I'll see you later," +and thus speaking, Link Merwell turned and +started away on a swift walk. Then, as Dave +went after him, he broke into a run, and reaching +the roadway, dived into the woods beyond.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>"My, my!" came from old Professor Potts. +"David, why did he run away?"</p> + +<p>"He's afraid of being arrested; that's why, +Professor," explained our hero. "Don't you remember, +he is one of the villainous fellows who +robbed Mr. Wadsworth's jewelry works a year +or so ago?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, to be sure!" murmured the old +gentleman. "I remember now. What an awful +thing for a young man like that to be such a criminal!"</p> + +<p>"You say he is a criminal?" asked Ward Porton, +curiously.</p> + +<p>"He certainly is," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Hum! I didn't know that," returned the +young moving-picture actor, and for the moment +looked quite thoughtful.</p> + +<p>"May I ask what brought you to Crumville?" +queried our hero. "I thought you and your company +were bound for Boston."</p> + +<p>"We did go to Boston, and the company is +there now, unless it has gone up into the woods. I +had a little business in this vicinity, and so I came +here before going on the next trip with them."</p> + +<p>"Did you come to Crumville with Merwell?"</p> + +<p>"I did, but I didn't know he was a criminal."</p> + +<p>"Then you must have met Merwell in +Boston?"</p> + +<p>"No, I met him on the steam yacht."</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep064" id="imagep064"></a> +<a href="images/imagep064.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep064.jpg" width="45%" alt="Then, as Dave went after him, he broke into a run." /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><span class="smcap">Then, as Dave went after him, he broke into a run.</span>—<i>Page 63.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>"The steam yacht! Do you mean the one that +caught fire?"</p> + +<p>"Of course."</p> + +<p>"Then Link Merwell was on board that +vessel?" cried Dave, in added wonder.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Was he a member of your company?"</p> + +<p>"He was. Mr. Appleby, our manager, took +him on the day before we went on the trip. I +don't know where Mr. Appleby met him."</p> + +<p>"That certainly beats the Dutch! Of course, +Merwell must have seen me and my friends in the +rowboat."</p> + +<p>"He said he did."</p> + +<p>"He took good pains to keep out of sight!"</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about that, Porter. +But he was on the boat, you can take my word for +that."</p> + +<p>"And is he a regular member of your company?"</p> + +<p>"He is to be, provided he can make good at +the business. I think he came to Mr. Appleby +with some sort of a hard-luck story, and the manager +said he would give him a chance. Privately, +though, I don't think he's very much of an actor. +But then you know, a fellow has got to do something +for a living."</p> + +<p>"He can probably act as well as the majority," +answered Dave. "But I am surprised to learn +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>that he was on the steam yacht and didn't show +himself to us. Still, he was probably afraid to do +so, and glad enough to keep out of sight. I suppose +he brought you to this farm?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, we just took a walk up this way," returned +Ward Porton, with some hesitation. He gave +Dave a keen look. "You see, I was on my way +to the Crumville poorhouse. By the way, Merwell +told me that you had once been connected with +that institution," and he gave Dave another keen +look.</p> + +<p>Our hero's face flushed, and for the instant he +did not know what to say. Caspar Potts, too, +showed confusion.</p> + +<p>"David was not—er—connected with that +institution, sir," said the old gentleman, hurriedly. +"He was placed there when he was a +child by those who found him wandering along +the railroad tracks here. They did not know who +he was, and——"</p> + +<p>"I don't think Mr. Porton will be interested in +that story, Professor," interrupted our hero.</p> + +<p>"Well, to tell the truth I am interested," answered +Ward Porton. "I once lived in a poorhouse +myself."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! Is that so?" murmured Caspar +Potts. "How interesting!"</p> + +<p>"It wasn't anywhere around here, though," +went on the young moving-picture actor. "It was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>'way down East. And believe me, it was a hard +life! I don't really see how I pulled through," +and he smiled, grimly.</p> + +<p>"I can't say that I had such a very hard time +of it," said Dave. "They treated me fairly well, +and as soon as I got old enough to work, Mr. +Potts here took me and not only gave me a good +home, but also the beginning of a good education. +Then, after that, I found my folks—I had +been stolen away from them you see when a baby—and +since that time I have had an easy time +of it."</p> + +<p>"You're the lucky one then," answered Ward +Porton. He seemed on the point of saying something +more, but evidently changed his mind. +"Well, if it's all the same to you, I'll be going," +he concluded.</p> + +<p>"Better take my advice, and drop Link Merwell," +said Dave, as the young man moved away. +"If you don't, sooner or later he'll get you into hot +water. The authorities want him, even though +they got back the things he stole."</p> + +<p>"I'll remember what you say," was the answer, +and then the young moving-picture actor walked +away, and soon disappeared around a bend of the +road.</p> + +<p>"It is very strange that they should have come +here," remarked Caspar Potts, when he and Dave +re-entered the cottage to get the box of books.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>"I should say it was!" answered our hero. +"I don't understand it at all. I believe Link +Merwell is up to another one of his tricks. I'm +going to keep my eyes open for him."</p> + +<p>When Dave returned home he told the others +there of having met Link Merwell and Ward +Porton. Mr. Wadsworth was, of course, particularly +interested in Merwell, and he at once telephoned +to the authorities to be on the lookout for +that individual. But Link Merwell had probably +taken warning, and did not show himself again. +Nor, for the time being, did Dave see anything +further of Ward Porton.</p> + +<p>On Friday Belle Endicott, Laura's friend from +the West, arrived, and was followed on Saturday +morning by Roger and Phil. Ben brought word +that he had written to Luke Watson and Shadow +Hamilton, and that those two former pupils of +Oak Hall had also signified their willingness to accompany +the party to Mirror Lake.</p> + +<p>"And say, Dave, what do you think!" cried +Ben. "This place that we are to go to at Mirror +Lake is known as Bear Camp. They tell me the +bears just love that vicinity."</p> + +<p>"Bear Camp!" shrieked Jessie, who was present. +"Oh, Ben, you are fooling!"</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it, Jessie. My father got a letter +from Tad Rason, an old hunter and guide who +lives in the vicinity of Mirror Lake. He says that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>that place has been known as Bear Camp for years. +He told about shooting a big black bear there only +a year or so ago."</p> + +<p>"O dear, if there are bears up there I don't +know that I want to go!" said Laura. "Just +think of having a big bear chase you!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you mustn't mind that, Laura!" cried +Dave, gaily. "Just think of the nice hug he +could give you," and then he dodged, as Laura +threw a fancy pillow at him.</p> + +<p>"I think those bears will spoil everything," +came from Jessie, her face clouding. "I didn't +know any wild animals were left in the Adirondacks."</p> + +<p>"Bear Camp," mused Laura. "What a queer +name that is!"</p> + +<p>"I think it's a fine name," answered Ben. "It +suits me, anyway."</p> + +<p>The boys were glad to see Belle Endicott, who +was a large, well-built girl, with a bright, breezy, +western air about her. Belle had much to tell concerning +matters at Star Ranch; and Dave asked +her about many of the friends he had made among +the cowboys at the place.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll just love to see bears," said Belle, +when told about the camp. "They are such +funny, clumsy creatures. Why, I once saw a little +cinnamon bear climbing up a tree, and he was the +funniest fellow I ever looked at."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>"Oh, Belle! Weren't you frightened?" asked +Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Frightened? What, with Sid Todd with me? +No, indeed! We just watched him until we got +tired of it, and then Todd up with his rifle, and +that was the end of Mr. Cinnamon Bear."</p> + +<p>"Good for Sid!" cried Dave. "He was always +on hand when wanted. I'd like to see him +again."</p> + +<p>"Well, he sent his regards to you, Dave," was +Belle's rejoinder.</p> + +<p>Shadow Hamilton and Luke Watson, the latter +carrying a case containing his guitar and his banjo, +arrived on Saturday afternoon. They came to +Ben's house, and, having been notified by telephone, +Dave hurried over to see them.</p> + +<p>"Dave, you're a sight for sore eyes!" said +Luke Watson, as he gave our hero's hand a grasp +that made him wince. "My gracious, it seems to +me that I haven't seen you in a year of Sundays!"</p> + +<p>"One thing's sure, Luke," answered Dave, with +a twinkle in his eyes. "You haven't seen me since +I've seen you," and at this remark both laughed.</p> + +<p>"Luke has brought his instruments along," +said Ben, "so we'll be sure to have plenty of music +up at the camp."</p> + +<p>"It suits me, and will surely suit the girls," returned +Dave. "We can sit out in the moonlight +nights, and have fine times singing," he added.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>"Say! talking about singing in the moonlight, +puts me in mind of a story," burst out Shadow. +"Once on a time a young fellow went to serenade +his girl, and——"</p> + +<p>"Never mind the yarn now, Shadow," said Ben. +"I've got something to tell you that is more interesting +than a story. It's about Nat Poole's uncle."</p> + +<p>"Nat Poole's uncle?" queried Dave. "You +don't mean Wilbur Poole, the wild man we caught +in the woods back of Oakdale?"</p> + +<p>"That is the man."</p> + +<p>"What of him? I thought they had taken him +to a sanitarium, and that he was getting better."</p> + +<p>"So he was getting better—in fact he was +almost well, so Nat said. But now what do you +think has happened?"</p> + +<p>"What?" came from all of the other boys.</p> + +<p>"He has disappeared."</p> + +<p>"Disappeared?"</p> + +<p>"That's it. He has run away, and nobody +knows where he went to."</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h2>OFF FOR BEAR CAMP</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Who told you this, Ben?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"I just got the story from Nat. He and his +family are very much worried. They had an idea +that Wilbur Poole was practically well again, and +that is the reason why they did not watch him very +closely."</p> + +<p>"Of course they are searching for him?"</p> + +<p>"Sure! Nat said the authorities and also several +other people were after him. Nat himself +was going to look for him to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Maybe we'll run across him," said Luke Watson.</p> + +<p>"I hope we don't, Luke!" exclaimed Dave. +"That man gave us trouble enough up at Oak +Hall."</p> + +<p>"Right you are there!" burst out Shadow. +And then he added: "I wonder if he'll call himself +the King of Sumatra, as he did before?"</p> + +<p>"A man who is out of his mind is apt to call +himself anything," said Dave. "I feel sorry +for Nat. This must worry him and his family a +good deal."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>It was not long after this when all the boys went +over to the Wadsworth mansion, there to complete +their preparations for the trip to Mirror Lake. +Ben had had the Basswood automobile thoroughly +overhauled, and Dave had likewise had the Wadsworth +touring-car put into the best possible running +shape.</p> + +<p>"My, but there is going to be quite a bunch of +us!" was Dave's comment, as he looked at the +boys and girls who were present.</p> + +<p>"Mamma says we must finish all our packing +to-night or else do it Monday morning," said +Jessie. "She doesn't want any of it done on Sunday."</p> + +<p>"My things are all ready, and so are Belle's," +returned Laura. "But I don't know how it is +with the boys."</p> + +<p>"We'll be all right; don't you worry," answered +Dave.</p> + +<p>"We never got left yet," added Ben, with a +grin.</p> + +<p>Luke had brought along his banjo, and the +others insisted that he play a tune or two. Then +they sang a couple of songs; and after that the +Wadsworth phonograph was started, and the +young folks enjoyed an hour or so of dancing.</p> + +<p>Sunday morning most of the young folks went +to church, and in the afternoon some of them spent +their time in writing letters. Dave and several +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>of the boys took a walk around the town. At the +railroad station they ran across Nat Poole.</p> + +<p>"I am off to look for my Uncle Wilbur," said +Nat. "We've an idea that he went to Plattsburg, +New York. He used to have some friends there, +and we think he started off to visit them."</p> + +<p>"I certainly hope you find him, Nat, and that +he's all right," answered Dave, kindly.</p> + +<p>"By the way, I heard Link Merwell was in +town," went on the money-lender's son.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I met him at our old farm."</p> + +<p>"I should think he'd be afraid to show himself, +fearing arrest."</p> + +<p>"He's a strange fellow, Nat, and there is no +telling what he will do. He has been knocked +around so much the last few months that I suppose +he doesn't care very much what happens +next."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to see him. I've got troubles +enough without running into Link Merwell," +grumbled Nat; and then his train came in and he +was off.</p> + +<p>During their spare time the boys had studied an +automobile road-map of New York State, and +especially of the Adirondack Mountains. They +had figured out that they would have good traveling +nearly the whole of the distance, although +there were a few bad stretches here and there to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>be covered, and also a number of mountains to be +climbed.</p> + +<p>"But the mountains won't bother us," said +Dave, in reply to a question from Luke. "Our +car can go up almost any hill, and the Basswood +auto is just about as good. Of course we'll have +to do some of the traveling on low or second +gear."</p> + +<p>"The reason I asked was this," returned Luke. +"A couple of years ago some friends of mine +started to tour the Adirondacks in a runabout. +They went up the side of one mountain, and then +down on the other. They then found themselves +in a valley, and couldn't climb the grade on either +side. They tried for two days to get out, and +then had to get a team of horses to pull them a distance +of several miles."</p> + +<p>"We'll watch out that nothing like that happens +to us," answered Dave. "We won't go +down into any hollow until we know something +about how we are going to get out of it."</p> + +<p>As both touring-cars were large, it had been decided +that Mr. and Mrs. Basswood, as well as +Dunston Porter, should accompany the young +folks on the automobile trip. As all the baggage +had been packed and either shipped forward by +express or strapped on the touring-cars, it did not +take long on Monday morning to get ready to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>start. It was a clear and fairly cool day, and a +slight shower Sunday night had laid the dust.</p> + +<p>"All aboard that's going!" cried Dave, gaily, +when the Wadsworth car had been run around to +the front of the mansion.</p> + +<p>He had hardly uttered the words when there +came the sound of an automobile horn from the +road, and a few seconds later the Basswood car +came into sight with Ben's crowd on board.</p> + +<p>"You'll say good-bye to us here, but we'll be at +Mirror Lake before you get there," said Mrs. +Wadsworth, as she kissed her daughter and the +other girls.</p> + +<p>"Now look out for accidents!" cautioned +Dave's father.</p> + +<p>"We'll be careful," answered Dunston Porter, +with a smile. And then he added to Caspar +Potts: "Professor, don't forget to take good +care of the place while we are away."</p> + +<p>"It shall be well taken care of, rest assured of +that, sir," was the old gentleman's reply. "I +trust all of you enjoy the outing," he went on, his +kindly face beaming.</p> + +<p>Dave was at the wheel, with his uncle beside +him, and the others packed rather tightly in the +tonneau behind. With many a shout and merry +word, the Wadsworth touring-car left the grounds, +followed by the Basswood machine, and passed +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>out along the highway leading north from Crumville.</p> + +<p>"Now Dave, do look where you are running," +cautioned Laura. "We don't want any punctures +or blow-outs."</p> + +<p>Soon Crumville was left behind, and the automobiles +were passing along the river road where +some time before Dave and his chums had assisted +Nat Poole. Then they began to climb the distant +hills, and presently were on the highway leading +to Poughkeepsie, where they were to cross the +Hudson River.</p> + +<p>"If only this lovely weather holds out I'm sure +we'll have a splendid trip," said Jessie.</p> + +<p>"I suppose, Belle, you'd rather be on horseback +than in an auto," remarked Phil.</p> + +<p>"Well, I won't go back on horseback-riding," +returned the western girl, "I love it too dearly. +But this is very nice," she added, quickly. "Very +nice indeed!"</p> + +<p>By noon they reached the city on the Hudson +River, and there stopped for lunch. Then they +passed over the high bridge spanning the stream +and struck out northward once more. Mr. Dunston +Porter was now running the car, and this gave +Dave more of a chance to talk to those behind +him.</p> + +<p>That evening found them in Albany, where it +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>had been decided to spend the night. Dunston +Porter had already telegraphed ahead for hotel +accommodations, so there was no difficulty on that +score. The older folks were glad enough to rest +during the evening, but the young people went out +for a walk up the hill leading to the Capitol building.</p> + +<p>In the morning the tourists were rather alarmed +to see that the sky had clouded over, and there +were some indications of rain.</p> + +<p>"Well, if it rains we can put on our raincoats +and put up the tops," said Dave. So far they had +been traveling with the tops folded down.</p> + +<p>Noon found them well up in the heart of New +York State. They stopped only for a short while +at lunch time, wishing to cover as much ground as +possible before the storm might break.</p> + +<p>"If possible we want to make Rayville to-day," +announced Mr. Basswood, when the two cars had +come to a standstill at a crossroads. "I've got +some friends living there, and I want to make a +call on them. Besides, there's a good hotel there, +where we can stop for the night," for they had +made no arrangements beyond Albany.</p> + +<p>There had been a signboard at the crossroads, +but this had fallen down, so the tourists did not +know which of the forks of the road to take. +Finally a man, coming along in a runabout, told +them to take the highway on the left.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>"That other road is the regular one," he explained, +"but it is pretty well torn up, and you'll +make time by taking this one. But be careful of +the hill, it's just a little bit dangerous."</p> + +<p>"We'll be careful," answered Dave, who was +now running the car once more.</p> + +<p>"Want me to take the wheel?" questioned his +uncle.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, I guess I can get along all right."</p> + +<p>The Basswood car, with Ben in charge, had already +taken to the highway on the left, and the +other turnout followed it at a distance of several +hundred feet. Ben had put on considerable speed, +and Dave had to watch closely to keep the other +car in sight.</p> + +<p>"Take it easy, Davy," said his Uncle Dunston. +"We don't want any accidents away out here from +any garage."</p> + +<p>"I want to keep Ben in sight. He's going it +pretty lively," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's a wonder his father doesn't hold him +back a little. But Mr. Basswood said he was anxious +to reach Rayville, and that's at least twenty +miles farther."</p> + +<p>Ahead were several turns in the road, and at +these Dave lost sight of the car ahead. Being +cloudy, it was quite dark on the roadway, especially +where the trees lined the highway, and soon +Dave found it necessary to turn on the headlights. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>Then he sounded his horn, expecting to get a reply +from Ben, but to his surprise none came.</p> + +<p>"Do you know what I think he's trying to do?" +said our hero, hastily. "I believe he's trying to +run away from us."</p> + +<p>"It's a foolish thing to attempt, Dave, on a +strange road like this," answered Dunston Porter, +gravely. "I should think Mr. Basswood would +stop it."</p> + +<p>Presently they were climbing a long hill. The +road wound in and out among the trees, and at one +place the grade was so steep that Dave had to +throw the clutch into low gear. He and his uncle +listened intently, and from a distance heard the +chug-chug of the other car a long way ahead.</p> + +<p>"Say, this is some climb, believe me!" cried +Roger, as they made another turn, and Dave found +it advisable to come down to low gear.</p> + +<p>"What will you do if you can't make it, +Dave?" queried Phil.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we'll make it—don't worry," was the +answer. "I threw into low gear just for safety's +sake. This road twists so a fellow can't see fifty +feet ahead of him."</p> + +<p>"I don't hear the other car any more," declared +Roger, a moment later.</p> + +<p>To this Dave did not reply. There was another +turn ahead, and a particularly hard climb +over some rather rough rocks. Then, with a jolt, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>the big touring-car came out on the top of the hill. +Here was another turn, and then began a sharp +descent.</p> + +<p>"Stop here a minute, Dave!" ordered the +youth's uncle, and then, as our hero brought the +machine to a standstill, he added: "That's +rather a bad road ahead, and you had better give +the other car a chance to get down before we try +to make it."</p> + +<p>"A good idea, Uncle Dunston. We'll wait," +answered Dave.</p> + +<p>As they stood there all strained their ears to +catch some sound from the other car.</p> + +<p>"I don't hear it at all," said Roger.</p> + +<p>"All I hear is the breeze in the trees," put in +Laura.</p> + +<p>"They must be running without power," answered +Dunston Porter.</p> + +<p>"If they are going down a really steep hill, it's +a wonder we don't hear some squeak from the +brakes," was Phil's comment.</p> + +<p>"Listen!" cried Dave, suddenly, and held up +his hand.</p> + +<p>All strained their ears once more, and now far +below them they heard several cries mingled with +a shriek. Then came a sudden crash, followed by +more shrieks.</p> + +<p>"They've had an accident!"</p> + +<p>"Wonder what it was?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>"We'll have to go and see!" cried Dave, and +put on the power once more.</p> + +<p>"That's right!" cried Dunston Porter: "Get +down there as fast as you can, Dave. But be careful—we +don't want to run into them, or have +any accident of our own. There must be something +wrong down there!"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h2>ON THE ROAD</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Perhaps they have gone off into some +ditch!"</p> + +<p>"Maybe they bounced off a rock and hit a +tree!"</p> + +<p>"A fellow could easily break a wheel on this +rough road!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I hope none of them have been hurt!"</p> + +<p>Such were some of the remarks that came from +those in the tonneau of the touring-car, as Dave +put on the power and started down the winding +road which led to the bottom of the long hill.</p> + +<p>"Better keep her in low gear, Dave," said +Dunston Porter, as the car struck a rather steep incline. +"The engine will help hold her back."</p> + +<p>"I think I can hold her with the brakes, Uncle +Dunston," answered the youth, who had already +thrown off the power. He had the foot-brake +well down, and now he threw in the emergency as +well.</p> + +<p>On and on slipped and slid the big touring-car, +bumping over a road which seemed to grow worse +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>as they progressed. All of the lights were on full, +and they were needed, for the road turned and +twisted in such a fashion that but little could be +seen ahead. In some places the highway seemed +extra narrow, this being caused by the heavy trees +and bushes lining both sides. At one point the +water had caused quite a washout, and into this +and out again they bumped with such violence that +all the girls shrieked in alarm.</p> + +<p>"Some bump that!" was Roger's grim comment.</p> + +<p>"O dear, I thought sure I'd be jounced out!" +cried Jessie. "Dave, can't you go a little +slower?"</p> + +<p>"I'll try," returned the youth, and jammed +down the foot-brake as hard as he could. For an +instant the touring-car came almost to a standstill, +but presently they slid onward again, coming a +moment later to another bend.</p> + +<p>"Look out! Don't run into us!" It was a +yell from in front, and now Dave saw Luke Watson +standing in the roadway, waving his handkerchief.</p> + +<p>Down in the darkness beyond Dave made out +the red, rear-light of the Basswood automobile. +As the second touring-car came on Luke leaped +to one side, but his warning had had its effect, and +now Dave jammed on both brakes with all the +force at his command, at the same time swerving +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>slightly to the left. He just grazed a trunk +strapped to the back of the first machine, and then +came to a halt on a water-break a short distance +beyond.</p> + +<p>"Somebody get out and put a few stones under +the wheels!" cried Dave, who could not leave his +seat because of one foot on the brake.</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll fix it!" cried his uncle, and +leaped out, followed quickly by the boys in the +tonneau of the car.</p> + +<p>Loose stones were to be had in plenty, and soon +the car wheels were well blocked. Then Dave +was able to join those on the ground.</p> + +<p>"Shall we get out?" asked Laura, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Suit yourselves," returned Dunston Porter, +who was already moving in the direction of the +other car.</p> + +<p>The Wadsworth machine contained a hand +flashlight, and getting possession of this, Dave and +his chums hurried toward the other automobile. +They had already seen at a glance that the Basswood +touring-car had swung around to the side of +the road, and that one front wheel was held fast +between a large rock and a fair-sized tree. Apparently +the car was not hurt, and no one seemed +to be injured.</p> + +<p>"How did it happen, Ben?" sang out Dave, +when he saw that the accident was not a serious +one.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>"Funniest thing you ever heard of," returned +his chum. "You couldn't possibly guess it."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you slip on the rocks?" queried Phil.</p> + +<p>"It was a cow put us here," said Mr. Basswood, +gravely. "Just a plain, every day, red +cow." And in spite of the accident his eyes had +a twinkle in them.</p> + +<p>"A cow!" came from several of the others, in +wonder.</p> + +<p>"Yes, a cow!" answered Ben, and his tone +showed his deep disgust. "I was going down the +hill just as nicely as you please when along came +a cow. A man was driving her, and when he saw +us coming he did his best to get the cow out of our +way. But that mooly didn't budge from the +middle of the road, so I had to turn to one side—and +this is the consequence."</p> + +<p>"But I am so thankful that no one was hurt," +broke in Mrs. Basswood. "Think of what might +have happened if the car had turned over!" and +she shuddered.</p> + +<p>"But where is the cow?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"Oh, as soon as she had put us in this hole she +turned tail and ran down the hill as fast as she +could, and the man went after her," explained Mr. +Basswood.</p> + +<p>"I guess the man ran away because he was +afraid we might hold him responsible for <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>damages," +remarked Shadow. "Say! this puts me in +mind of a story," he added. "One time a cow +got on the front piazza of a house, and——"</p> + +<p>"For gracious sake, Shadow! I guess you'd +want to tell stories at a funeral," burst out Ben. +"Never mind your yarn now. Let us see if we +can get this machine out from between this rock +and that tree."</p> + +<p>"You didn't break the steering-gear, did +you?" asked Dave, anxiously, as he allowed the +flashlight to play over and around the touring-car.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I hurt anything, Dave. But +of course I can't be sure until I try to run the car," +answered Ben. "What's worrying me is: How +am I going to get out of this fix? I don't believe +I can back out—in fact it wouldn't be safe."</p> + +<p>"Looks to me as if we'd have to chop the tree +down to get out of here," commented Luke, who +had come back from where he had signaled the +other car.</p> + +<p>"I think I see a way of aiding you," said Dunston +Porter, who was examining the rock that held +the wheel to the tree. "I think if we dig under +the edge of this rock, we can loosen it and roll it +down the hill. Then we'll be able to lift the +front of the automobile around—that is if we +can keep the machine from sliding down on us."</p> + +<p>"We can easily fix that part of it," answered +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>Dave. "All we've got to do is to take that towing-rope +we brought along and fasten it to a tree +and the back axle of the car."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk, Dave!" cried his uncle. +"Get the rope and make it fast at once."</p> + +<p>While our hero and several of the other boys +were adjusting the towing-line which had been +brought along for emergencies, Dunston Porter +and Mr. Basswood set to work to loosen the rock +which held the wheel. This was no easy task, but +finally, with the aid of a hammer and a small crowbar, +it was accomplished, and the rock slid down +the roadway. Then the automobile began to start +forward.</p> + +<p>"Look out there!" cried one of the boys. +"This line may not hold!"</p> + +<p>"That will hold two cars like that," answered +Dave. The rope strained and creaked, but did +not break, and soon those in front of the car had +the machine jacked around once more in a straight +position, headed down the road.</p> + +<p>"Now Ben, I guess you're all right again," said +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Provided I don't meet that cow again," was +the retort. "How about that rope?"</p> + +<p>"I'll unfasten it for you just as soon as you are +ready to start."</p> + +<p>"I think I'd rather walk to the foot of the hill," +remarked Mrs. Basswood, timorously.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>"Let us all walk down. I'll be glad of the exercise," +cried Belle, who was tired of being +cramped up in the tonneau of the automobile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but maybe that cow will get after us," +exclaimed Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Pooh! who's afraid of a cow!" cried the western +girl, who had been brought up to face hundreds +of animals on her father's ranch.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think we had better let the automobiles +go first, anyway," suggested Laura. "We don't +want them to come along and run over us," she +added, playfully.</p> + +<p>Soon Ben and his chums were in the first of the +touring-cars. Dave released the rope, and the +automobile resumed the descent of the hill. Then +the towing-line was wound up and thrown into the +tonneau of the second car, and that also resumed +its journey.</p> + +<p>Down at the foot of the long hill they met the +cow and her owner, a tall, cadaverous-looking individual, +who eyed our friends frowningly.</p> + +<p>"I see you got your cow all right enough," remarked +Ben.</p> + +<p>"So I did, but I'd a mighty long run to stop +her," growled the man.</p> + +<p>"You put us in quite a hole; do you know +that?" went on Ben.</p> + +<p>"'Tain't none of my fault," replied the owner +of the cow, quickly. "I have as much right on +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>this road with my cow as you have with that there +autymobile."</p> + +<p>"Just the same, you had no right to let your +cow keep to the middle of the road," cried Ben. +"If we had had a worse accident we might have +held you responsible."</p> + +<p>"Huh! Hold me responsible, eh? Well ye +wouldn't have got a cent out of me," said the +owner of the cow, and then he passed on up the +hill once more, driving the animal before him. +The cow was contentedly chewing her cud, as if +nothing out of the ordinary had happened to disturb +her.</p> + +<p>A quarter of a mile further on our friends came +to a small stream spanned by rather a shaky-looking +bridge, over which each machine was run with +great care. On the other side of the stream they +came to another fork of the road.</p> + +<p>"Here's a signboard anyway!" cried Dave, +whose car was now in advance. "<i>'Rayville Four +Miles.</i>' We'll be there soon if this road holds +out."</p> + +<p>"I think you'll find the roads around Rayville +all right," called Mr. Basswood to him. "My +friend told me that they were in good condition, +especially those on the other side of the town."</p> + +<p>A quarter of an hour later found the two touring-cars +in the village where Mr. Basswood's +friend resided. Here, as the gentleman had said, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>was located a fairly good hotel, where accommodations +for the night could be had.</p> + +<p>"Now, I'm going to go around and see my +friends," said Mr. Basswood. "Ben, you and +your chums can stay here at the hotel. We'll be +back before it's time to retire," and then he set off +in the touring-car, taking his wife with him.</p> + +<p>As the hotel at Rayville made a specialty of +catering to automobile parties, our friends found +the accommodations there both ample and satisfactory. +After the hard run of the day, the girls +and the boys were glad to rest awhile. Then they +fixed up for dinner, which was served to them in a +private dining-room, apart from the other patrons +of the house. As might be expected, they had a +good deal of fun, and Shadow was allowed to tell +several of his stories, much to his own satisfaction +if not to that of his listeners.</p> + +<p>"By this time to-morrow night we ought to be +at Bear Camp," said Dave, after they had finished +dinner and gone out on the hotel veranda to watch +what little was going on in the town.</p> + +<p>"I guess it will be a good deal more lonely +than it is here, Dave," observed Jessie.</p> + +<p>"There will be too many of us to be lonely," he +answered. "I'm looking forward to some +splendid times."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so am I, Dave, and I am sure the others +hope to have good times, too."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>It was about ten o'clock when Mr. and Mrs. +Basswood came back to the hotel, having spent a +very pleasant evening with their friends, who had +wanted them to remain over night.</p> + +<p>"I've got some news that I want to telegraph to +Crumville," announced Ben's father, as he came in. +"News that may interest Mr. Poole."</p> + +<p>"What is that, Dad?" questioned his son, curiously.</p> + +<p>"Why, Mr. Dobson spoke about a strange sort +of man who called on him yesterday. He thought +the man was out of his mind. He said the fellow +asked for work first, but then said he didn't care +whether he got a job or not, because he had to take +the night express for Sumatra."</p> + +<p>"A strange man who wanted to take the night +express for Sumatra!" exclaimed Dave. "It +must have been 'The King of Sumatra'—Wilbur +Poole!"</p> + +<p>"Just exactly what I think, Dave," answered +Mr. Basswood.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h2>CAUGHT IN A STORM</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Did you ever know this Wilbur Poole, Dad?" +questioned Ben.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I met him years ago at Aaron Poole's +home. But of course he was in his right mind +then. Poor chap! I pity him very much."</p> + +<p>"I think we all pity him," answered Dave. +"Nobody can be responsible after his mind breaks +down."</p> + +<p>"I feel sorry for Nat Poole and his folks," said +Laura. "This will give them a great deal of +trouble, not to mention the expense."</p> + +<p>"If Wilbur Poole was anywhere around Rayville +it might pay to start a hunt for him," suggested +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't think you'll find him anywhere around +here," answered Mr. Basswood. "But it won't +hurt to take a look around, if you boys care to take +a walk."</p> + +<p>Ben's father went off to send his telegram to +Aaron Poole, and all the boys set off on a hunt +for the wild man. They covered the streets of the +village and some of the roads on the outskirts, but +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>without success. They met three people who had +talked to the strange individual, and from what +had passed Dave and his chums were sure that +the man must have been Wilbur Poole.</p> + +<p>"I guess we'll have to give it up," said Phil, +when it was getting late. "I'm tired out. And +remember, fellows, we have a hard ride before us +to-morrow if we expect to reach Carpen Falls in +time to hit the trail for Bear Camp before it gets +dark."</p> + +<p>When the boys reached the hotel the girls were +anxious to hear what they might have to tell.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad," said Jessie, soberly. "I am +glad it is not one of my relatives who is roaming +around like that."</p> + +<p>Both Dunston Porter and Mr. Basswood had +suggested an early start on the following morning, +so the entire party were downstairs and to breakfast +by seven o'clock. In the meantime the two +automobiles had been overhauled, and provided +with oil and gasoline, as well as with water.</p> + +<p>"I've got rather a bad cut on one of the rear +wheels," said Ben. "Perhaps I had better change +the shoe before we start."</p> + +<p>"Oh, take a chance on it!" cried Luke. "I +think you'll get through all right enough."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Luke; but if I don't, that blow-out +will cost me a fine inner tube. However, I'll take +the chance. Get in everybody, and we'll be off!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>As Mr. Basswood's friend had said, the road +leading from Rayville northwestward was in fine +shape, and they were able to cover the next thirty +miles at a fair rate of speed. But then they got in +among the hills, and here the road became as winding +and dangerous as ever.</p> + +<p>Not knowing much about the stopping-places +ahead, the grown folks had had the hotel people +put up a substantial lunch for the tourists, packed +in two hampers.</p> + +<p>"It will be jolly fun camping out this noon," +said Laura. "It ought to just suit you, Belle."</p> + +<p>"It certainly will!" was the answer from the +western girl. "I'd rather eat in the open than in +the stuffy dining-room of a hotel any time."</p> + +<p>"There may be one drawback to having lunch +outdoors," said Phil. "It looks like rain."</p> + +<p>"Phil, if you say rain again I'll throw you out +of the car!" cried Roger.</p> + +<p>"I must admit it does look a little like rain," +said Laura, casting her eyes skyward. "That's +an awfully black cloud over yonder. O dear, rain +would spoil it all! I do hope it holds off!"</p> + +<p>Dave had been running the car, but now his +uncle insisted upon taking the wheel. Then Roger +climbed over onto the front seat, giving the one +he had been occupying beside Jessie to our hero. +They were in the lead, with the Basswood turnout +not far behind.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>"This is more like," said Dave, in a low tone +to Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, I suppose you had to do your share +in running the car, Dave," she replied, giving him a +bright look.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe Uncle Dunston cares as much +for driving as he pretends," went on the youth. +"Behind it all, he is a good deal like Belle—he +prefers to be on horseback. He was brought up +to it."</p> + +<p>"He has certainly been a great traveler, Dave."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed! And I would like to be just like +him. I'd love to travel."</p> + +<p>"And where would you go if you had the +chance?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Maybe around the world," +and Dave's eyes lit up as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Around the world! And would you go all +alone?"</p> + +<p>"All alone? Not if I could get anybody to go +along with me! Wouldn't you like to take a trip +like that, Jessie?" and he gazed at her fondly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it would be a great trip for both of us; +wouldn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Dave, don't be silly," and Jessie blushed +deeply. "We are not going around the world yet, +we are going to Bear Camp, and that's plenty far +enough."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>"Yes, I know, Jessie. But you see"—and +Dave lowered his voice—"I want to make sure +that when I go you'll go with me. It will then be +the finest trip that ever anybody——"</p> + +<p>Bang! It was a report like that from a small +cannon, and came from close beside them. Jessie +gave a scream, and so did Laura and Mrs. Basswood, +while cries of wonder and alarm came from +the boys. The Basswood car had come up alongside +of the other automobile, and just at that instant +the tire which Ben had said was cut blew out, +sending a shower of dirt and stones in all directions. +Mr. Basswood, who was at the wheel, +brought the car to a quick stop, and Mr. Porter +also halted.</p> + +<p>"Well, it went, just as I thought it might," remarked +Ben, grimly.</p> + +<p>"Too bad!" returned Luke. "I reckon it was +my fault. I should have let you put on that other +shoe before we started."</p> + +<p>"It's nobody's fault!" cried Mr. Basswood, +quickly. "Now then, boys, we'll see how soon we +can get another shoe on."</p> + +<p>Many hands made the labor of jacking up the +car and changing the tire a light one. Fortunately +the automobile was equipped with a pump attached +to the engine, so that blowing up the tire by hand +was unnecessary.</p> + +<p>"This is only a little exercise to get up an <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>appetite +for that lunch," remarked Dave, gaily. "We +want to do full justice to the stuff in the hamper."</p> + +<p>"As if there was ever anything the matter with +your appetite!" cried Phil, dryly.</p> + +<p>"Why Philip, my son, you know I never eat +more than a bird!" retorted Dave, with a twinkle +in his eye.</p> + +<p>"Humph! A bird, eh? I guess you must +mean an ostrich," retorted the shipowner's son, +and at this sally there was a general laugh in which +even Dave joined.</p> + +<p>"Just eleven o'clock," remarked Luke, consulting +his watch. "When do we stop for that +lunch?"</p> + +<p>"At twelve o'clock precisely," answered Mrs. +Basswood. "That is, of course, if we happen to +be in the right kind of a place. We don't want to +stop just anywhere."</p> + +<p>"Might eat the lunch while we were running," +suggested Roger. "It would make it last so +much longer."</p> + +<p>"Wow! What a joke!" cried Phil.</p> + +<p>"Say, that puts me in mind of a story!" burst +out Shadow. "A fellow named William took his +best girl for a trip by train to another town, and on +the way they went into the dining-car for lunch. +He said afterwards that it was the longest lunch +he had ever eaten, and as the girl had ordered +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>nearly everything on the bill of fare it was also the +longest bill he had ever paid."</p> + +<p>"A long bill but a short story, Shadow!" cried +Luke.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to know one thing, Shadow," observed +Dave. "Was it William who paid the bill or was +it Bill who had to put up several Williams to pay +for it?"</p> + +<p>"Good gracious, Dave! What are you talking +about?" queried his sister, with a puzzled look +on her face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's easy, Laura," answered Roger. +"William—Bill, Bill—William. Don't you +see the joke?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course! How thick I am!" returned +the girl, quickly.</p> + +<p>Soon they were once more on the way. They +had a long hill to ascend, the road winding in and +out among the trees and around the rocks. It was +a hard pull, and several times they had to change +to second gear and even to low.</p> + +<p>"O my, what a beautiful view!" cried Belle, +when the top of the hill was gained. And in her +excitement she stood straight up in the automobile +to look around her.</p> + +<p>"It certainly is beautiful," returned Jessie. +"One can see for miles and miles in every direction!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>"Oh, Mrs. Basswood, don't you think this +would be a lovely place to have lunch?" cried +Laura.</p> + +<p>At the mention of lunch, Luke, Shadow, and +Phil brought out their watches simultaneously.</p> + +<p>"Seventeen minutes of twelve," announced the +shipowner's son.</p> + +<p>"I've got quarter of," cried Luke.</p> + +<p>"You must both be off," put in Shadow. "I'm +only fourteen minutes and a half of twelve," he +announced, gravely. "Have we got to wait till +twelve o'clock?" he continued, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I guess it'll be twelve o'clock before we get +anything to eat," answered Mrs. Basswood, with a +smile. "I think this would be just an ideal spot to +rest."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we've just got to stay here for a while, +whether we eat or not!" cried Belle. "I'm going +to get out and run up on to the rocks over there," +and suiting the action to the words, she leaped out +of the automobile and started to make her way to +the spot she had indicated.</p> + +<p>"Look out that you don't fall over into the +hollow," cautioned Dave, as he assisted Jessie and +his sister to alight.</p> + +<p>To one side of the roadway was something of a +cleared space, and into this the two automobiles +were run. The boys got out the hampers and +other things, and took them over to the spot which +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>Belle's quick eyes had picked out. Here there +was a patch of green grass shaded by several large +trees, and in front of it a flat rock, beyond which +was spread out a vast panorama of hills and valleys +stretching for many miles.</p> + +<p>"It's a perfect picture!" cried Jessie. "I must +get a photograph of it."</p> + +<p>"Yes. And we must take a photograph of the +crowd at lunch," returned Dave.</p> + +<p>"Let's eat before we start to take any photographs," +put in Luke, who seemed to be extra +hungry. "I never did look well in a picture taken +before eating," and at this there was a general +laugh.</p> + +<p>While the boys brought the various things from +the cars, the girls and Mrs. Basswood spread a +lunch-cloth partly on the grass and partly on the +flat rock, and on this placed the various good +things which had been brought along.</p> + +<p>"First call for lunch!" sang out Dave, loudly, +when all was in readiness.</p> + +<p>"I guess your first call will be the last, too, +Dave!" exclaimed Jessie. "Here! what will you +have—a ham sandwich or one with chicken?"</p> + +<p>"I think I'll try the chicken," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't be backward about coming forward, +Dave!" cried Luke. "Why don't you try them +both?"</p> + +<p>"I will before I get through."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>"We all will," declared Roger. "There is +nothing the matter with this air for giving one an +appetite," he added. "I believe after we have +been up at Bear Camp for a while we'll all be +eating like wolves."</p> + +<p>"Why not like bears, if we are going to Bear +Camp?" suggested Phil.</p> + +<p>"Say, I can't bear a joke like that!" broke in +Roger.</p> + +<p>"It was a little barefaced; wasn't it?" commented +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Oh, quit your joking, I'm hungry," pleaded +Luke. And then all the young folks fell to eating +with great gusto, and it must be admitted that +the older heads followed suit.</p> + +<p>The lunch lasted the best part of half an hour, +and was thoroughly enjoyed by every one. Then +the young people got out their cameras, and various +snap-shots and time-pictures were taken, to be +developed and printed later on.</p> + +<p>"Now then, let us pack up as quickly as we can, +and finish this trip," said Mr. Basswood, presently.</p> + +<p>As he spoke he looked up at the sky, and the +others did the same. Off to the westward they +saw a number of black clouds rolling up rapidly.</p> + +<p>"Say, Dave, that looks like a real storm to +me," remarked Roger, anxiously. "What do +you think of it?"</p> + +<p>"It's a storm, all right," was the answer. +"And if we don't catch it before we reach the end +of our journey we'll be lucky."</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep102" id="imagep102"></a> +<a href="images/imagep102.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep102.jpg" width="45%" alt="And then all the young folks fell to eating with great gusto." /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><span class="smcap">And then all the young folks fell to eating with great gusto.</span>—<i>Page 102.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>As quickly as possible, the various things were +packed up and placed in the two touring-cars. +Then they started off once more, with Mr. Porter +and Mr. Basswood at the steering wheels. They +had covered less than five miles when they heard +a rushing of wind through the woods. It seemed +to come by fits and starts, but steadily increased in +volume. The sky grew darker, and soon some +large drops of rain fell.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to put up the tops!" cried Dave.</p> + +<p>The Basswood car had already come to a stop +and those in it were hurrying to put up the top. +As Dave unfastened the straps on the Wadsworth +automobile, the drops of rain came down faster +than ever.</p> + +<p>"We didn't get that up any too soon," remarked +the boy's uncle, when the job was finished.</p> + +<p>"Hadn't I better put up the side curtains, +too?" queried Dave.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to put up everything you've got, +Dave!" cried Roger. "Just look at what's coming!"</p> + +<p>There was no need to look, for already the +rain was driving in on them. Working with all +possible speed, the boys soon adjusted the curtains.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Dunston, we can't run without chains +if the road gets wet," cried Dave.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>"I am going to run under yonder trees. We +can put the chains on there," answered Dunston +Porter, and they started forward once again, with +the rain pelting down upon them furiously.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h2>FROM ONE HARDSHIP TO ANOTHER</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"I guess I was right about the rain," remarked +Phil, grimly, as the drops pattered unceasingly on +the cover of the automobile.</p> + +<p>"You sure were, Phil!" cried Belle. "It's +coming down just as hard as ever it can."</p> + +<p>"If only the wind would stop blowing!" said +Jessie. "Do you think there is any danger of +our being blown over?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it isn't as bad as all that," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later Mr. Porter espied a suitable +place under several large trees, and here he +brought the touring-car to a standstill. Then the +Basswood car come close alongside.</p> + +<p>"Going to put on the chains?" called out Mr. +Basswood, to make himself heard above the noise +of the elements.</p> + +<p>"I think we had better," returned Dave's +uncle. "I imagine we've quite a hill to descend +a little farther on."</p> + +<p>There were raincoats in each touring-car, and +these were now donned by Dave and his uncle, +and by Ben and his father. Then the chains for +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>the back wheels for both automobiles were +brought forth.</p> + +<p>Even under the thick foliage of the trees the +rain was coming down, although of course not +nearly as hard as on the roadway beyond. The +chains were straightened out on the grass, and +each automobile was backed up a little so that the +articles might be fastened on. The task took but +a few minutes, and then those who had accomplished +it got back into the machines.</p> + +<p>"I'll lead the way," called out Mr. Porter. +"You had better not follow me too closely."</p> + +<p>"Very well, I'll watch out," answered Mr. +Basswood.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Dunston, don't you want to let me +drive?" queried Dave. "I've had a little more +experience at it than you have had."</p> + +<p>"I can do it, Dave," was the reply. "But, at +the same time, if you think it would be safer, take +the wheel. I must own up that I'd rather be on +a horse or behind one than steering a car like this +in such a storm."</p> + +<p>Dave squeezed himself into the driver's seat, +and a moment later they were off again over the +plateau of the hill, and then down the other side.</p> + +<p>The wind was blowing as furiously as ever, and +now from a distance came the low rumble of +thunder.</p> + +<p>"O dear! What is that?" cried Laura.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>"I guess it was thunder, but I don't think it +will amount to anything," returned Roger.</p> + +<p>The bottom of the hill gained, they traversed +a narrow valley for a distance of seven or eight +miles. Then came another climb over a winding +highway, which at certain points was filled with +loose stones and dirt.</p> + +<p>"Be careful, Dave. We don't want to do any +skidding," cautioned the youth's uncle.</p> + +<p>"I'm watching out all I can," was the grim +reply. Dave was bending over the steering-wheel, +trying his best to see through the windshield. "I +guess I'll have to open it a little," he went on, +nodding in the direction of the glass.</p> + +<p>"I'll do it for you," answered Dunston Porter, +and threw out the upper side of the shield.</p> + +<p>By this means Dave was able to get a clear +vision of the roadway directly in front of the machine. +But the opening of the windshield let in +considerable of the driving rain.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, you'll get wet from the knees +down!" cried Jessie, solicitously.</p> + +<p>"Can't help it," he replied. "I can't see with +the windshield closed."</p> + +<p>The rumblings of thunder had increased, and +now from over a distant hill came various streaks +of lightning. The sky was much darker, and in +order to see better, Dave turned on the electric +lights. Looking back, those in the tonneau of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>forward car saw that the Basswood machine was +also lighted. By the time the top of the next hill +was gained, a distance of fully a mile, the thunderstorm +was on them in all its fury. The wind tore +through the woods, sending leaves and small +branches flying in all directions. From the north +and the west came vivid flashes of lightning, followed +by sharp claps of thunder, which rolled and +rumbled across the hills and mountains.</p> + +<p>"O dear, if we only had some place to stop!" +cried Jessie, timorously.</p> + +<p>"There isn't any sort of a building in sight," +replied Dunston Porter, who had been looking on +all sides for some time. "If there was I'd have +Dave head for it pretty quick."</p> + +<p>"According to the map we ought to be within +a few miles of Simpson's Corners," said Roger. +"How about it, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"Just what I was thinking," answered our hero. +"I was wondering if it wasn't on the other side of +the next rise."</p> + +<p>They were running along another small valley, +at the end of which was a sharp turn to the left +and a rise of several hundred feet. Here the +downfall of rain had flooded the road for a considerable +distance. Coming to this place Dave +had to slow down, but he still kept on some +power, not wishing to get stuck.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>"Can you make it, Dave?" asked his uncle, +anxiously, as the chains of the automobile ground +deeply into the mud and loose stones.</p> + +<p>"We've got to make it, Uncle Dunston!" cried +the boy, grimly.</p> + +<p>The car proceeded more and more slowly even +with the power turned on. Dave had been running +in second gear, but now he came down to low. +Mud and stones flew in all directions, while the +water was splashed out on both sides as if coming +from geysers. Then, with one last effort, the +automobile left the level roadway and started up +the hill beyond.</p> + +<p>The Wadsworth car was almost at the top of +the rise when a turn in the road enabled its occupants +to see the second car.</p> + +<p>"Look!" burst out Roger. "I do believe +they're stuck!"</p> + +<p>"Stuck! Do you mean in that wet place?" +asked Dave, quickly.</p> + +<p>"That's it," put in Phil. "They are stuck just +as sure as you're born!" he added, a second later.</p> + +<p>The forward car had now reached a spot on +the side of the hill which was comparatively level, +so that Dave had no trouble in coming to a halt. +It was still raining as furiously as ever, and the +thunder and lightning were just as incessant. +Looking down on the wet portion of the road <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>below +them, they saw that the Basswood car was +standing still, with water and mud half way up to +the hubs.</p> + +<p>"He has shut off the power! That's no way +to do!" cried Dave. "He ought to keep his +engine going, and either try to go forward or backward. +If he stands still he will sink deeper than +ever."</p> + +<p>"He's trying to back now, Dave," returned +Phil, and he was right.</p> + +<p>Soon they saw the wheels of the Basswood car +revolving rapidly, and the turnout itself moved +slowly to the rear. Then Ben must have reversed +the power, for the car came forward, but this time +headed for the left side of the road.</p> + +<p>"I don't think he'll gain much by that move," +observed Dave. "I tried it, and found it rather +soft over there."</p> + +<p>"Look, he is backing again!" cried Laura. +"O dear! Whatever will he do if he gets stuck +fast?"</p> + +<p>"Let us hope that nothing like that happens," +answered her uncle, gravely.</p> + +<p>But that was just what did happen, and although +both Ben and his father did their best to free the +car from the mud, it was without avail. They +managed to get to within fifteen feet of the end +of the wet place, and there they stayed, unable to +budge either forward or backward.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>"Listen! he is sounding his horn!" cried +Roger, during a brief lull in the storm.</p> + +<p>"I guess he wants us to come back and help +pull him out," answered Dave, and sounded a reply +to show that he had heard the call of distress.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do, Dave—try to +turn around here or back down?" asked Roger.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's too narrow to turn here!" cried +Laura, in alarm.</p> + +<p>"You'll have us all over in the ditch if you +don't look out!" came from one of the others in +the car.</p> + +<p>"I see a little wider spot further ahead," answered +Dave, and turned on the power once more.</p> + +<p>Soon he had reached the place in question, and +there, by skillful maneuvering, he managed to turn +the touring-car the other way. Then he came +down the hill slowly until within a few feet of the +bad spot in the highway.</p> + +<p>"Hello there!" called out Mr. Basswood. +"I guess you'll have to get out that towing-rope +again and give us a lift."</p> + +<p>"Just what I thought," answered Dave. +"We'll have it out in a jiffy."</p> + +<p>He and his uncle alighted once more, taking +with them the towing-rope that had been used before. +Mr. Basswood was already out of the car, +standing in water and mud over his shoe-tops.</p> + +<p>"Here, catch the rope!" called out our hero, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>and sent one end whirling toward the other car in +true cowboy fashion—a trick he had learned +while staying at Star Ranch.</p> + +<p>Mr. Basswood caught the rope, and soon had +it adjusted to the front axle of the car. In the +meanwhile Dave and his uncle fastened the other +end to the rear axle of their own turnout.</p> + +<p>"Now then, turn on your power when I sound +my horn," directed Dave.</p> + +<p>"Right you are!" yelled back Ben, who was at +the wheel.</p> + +<p>Mr. Porter remained on the ground to watch +proceedings, while Dave re-entered the Wadsworth +machine and turned on the power. Then +our hero sounded the horn and began to advance. +The towing-rope strained and cracked, and threatened +for a moment to snap. Slowly the Wadsworth +car went ahead inch by inch. The rear +wheels of the Basswood machine churned the +water and mud furiously.</p> + +<p>"Say! we don't seem to be getting out of this +very fast," remarked Shadow, who was in the +rear car beside Mrs. Basswood.</p> + +<p>"Put on all your power, Ben. It's the only +thing you can do," ordered the lad's father.</p> + +<p>The rear wheels of the second machine ground +deeper into the mud and loose stones, throwing +them and the water up into the air and even onto +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>the cover of the machine. The towing-rope continued +to creak ominously.</p> + +<p>"Be on guard, everybody, if that rope breaks!" +cried Mr. Basswood, warningly. He knew that +if the towing-line parted near one end or the other +there was grave danger of the flying rope coming +back to damage one of the machines.</p> + +<p>Inch by inch the second car moved forward. +Dave had not dared to turn on all power, fearing +to snap the towing-line, but now, as the second +machine gained a little headway, he added power +steadily.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! Here we come!" shouted Luke, +in a tone of relief. And a few seconds later the +Basswood car rolled out of the water and mud to +the comparatively dry roadway ahead.</p> + +<p>"Say, that was some stunt—to get out of +there!" was Shadow's comment.</p> + +<p>"I'm mighty glad the other car was here to +help us," answered Ben. "If it hadn't been +here I guess we would have stayed there for a +while," he added, grimly.</p> + +<p>"I think both our cars will need washing after +this trip," observed Dave, with a grin, as he coiled +up the towing-line once more and stowed it away.</p> + +<p>"This sure is some ending to this trip!" observed +Ben, making a wry face.</p> + +<p>"We haven't seen the end of it yet, Ben," <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>answered +Dunston Porter. "There may be worse +roads than this ahead. I don't believe they are +very good around Carpen Falls."</p> + +<p>With the rain pelting down unceasingly, the two +cars proceeded on the journey. The thunder and +lightning had let up a little, but now, as the top +of the next hill was gained, it seemed to become +more violent than before.</p> + +<p>"Oh, this is dreadful!" cried Jessie, as a particularly +bright flash lit up the interior of the automobile. +"What if we should be struck!"</p> + +<p>"Let us hope that nothing like that happens!" +answered Laura. Her face, too, showed her +alarm.</p> + +<p>"I think I saw some sort of a village ahead," +cried Dave, who had been peering intently through +the windshield. "I think I saw the white steeple +of a church."</p> + +<p>"Maybe it's Simpson's Corners," suggested +Belle.</p> + +<p>"I hope there is a hotel there and a garage," +said Dunston Porter. "We'll want to have a +chance to dry ourselves and get supper."</p> + +<p>"Then you don't think we'll reach Carpen Falls +to-night?" questioned Phil.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think, Phil. Perhaps +we may——"</p> + +<p>Mr. Porter did not finish what he was saying. +Just at that instant came a vivid flash of lightning +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>that nearly blinded them. It was followed by an +ear-splitting crash of thunder. Then came another +crash closer by, and an instant later Dave +and his uncle saw a large tree fall directly toward +the roadway in front of them!</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h2>A STROKE OF LIGHTNING</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Look out!"</p> + +<p>"We are going into that tree!"</p> + +<p>"Jam on both brakes, Dave, just as hard as +you can!" cried Dunston Porter.</p> + +<p>Even before his uncle had spoken Dave had +pressed down both feet hard, thus putting on the +foot-brake and releasing the gear-clutch. Now +his hand shot over to the emergency brake, and +this came up with all the power at his command. +But the grade was downward, and the road slippery +from the rain, and instead of stopping, the +touring-car went on, sliding through the mud and +over the rocks until it was practically on top of +the tree. Then came a jar that threw everybody +forward. The steering-wheel saved Dave, but +his uncle's elbow struck the windshield, cracking +it in several places.</p> + +<p>"Look, we've run into a tree!"</p> + +<p>"Did the lightning hit the machine?"</p> + +<p>"Say, Roger, take yourself off my feet; will +you?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>This last cry came from Phil, who was huddled +up in a corner of the tonneau.</p> + +<p>"It isn't me, it's the handbag, Phil," gasped +out Roger, who hung partly over the front seat +of the touring-car.</p> + +<p>"Anybody hurt?" questioned Dunston Porter +quickly, as soon as the shock had come to an end.</p> + +<p>"I—I—think I am all right, Uncle Dunston," +panted Laura. "But dear me! wasn't it +awful?"</p> + +<p>"I thought I was going to fly right over Dave's +head," wailed Jessie, who had come up behind the +youth with a great thump. "Oh, Dave, did I +hurt you?"</p> + +<p>"Knocked a little of the wind out of me, Jessie; +that's all," he answered. "But I won't mind that +if only you are not hurt."</p> + +<p>"Say, that was some stop, believe me!" was +Phil's grim comment, as he managed to straighten +up and look ahead. "Stuffed mackerel! what +did we try to do, Dave—climb a tree?"</p> + +<p>"No. We tried to take a running jump and +go over it," replied Roger, with a faint attempt +at humor.</p> + +<p>"Sound the horn, Dave, as loudly as you can!" +cried his uncle, quickly. "We must warn the +others." And thus admonished, Dave put his +finger on the button of the electric horn and held +it down for some time. Looking backward, those +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>in the Wadsworth car soon saw the Basswood +machine come into sight and then slow down. +The heavy clap of thunder was now followed by +another fierce downfall of rain, while the sky grew +blacker than ever. In the midst of this outburst +the second touring-car came slowly forward.</p> + +<p>"Did the lightning strike you?" yelled Ben.</p> + +<p>"No. But we had a close call of it," answered +Mr. Porter. "It hit this tree when we were less +than one hundred and fifty feet away. Then the +tree came down as you see, and we ploughed right +into it."</p> + +<p>"Phew! That's some escape!" was Mr. Basswood's +comment. "Anything broken?"</p> + +<p>"We don't know yet," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>He alighted from the car, and his uncle did likewise. +An examination showed that one of the +mudguards in front had been badly bent, and that +a headlight had snapped off, but beyond this, +and the windshield, the big touring-car seemed to +be undamaged.</p> + +<p>"I'm thankful it's no worse," remarked Dunston +Porter.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad the light had to go," returned +Dave. "It will make running at night rather +dangerous until we can get it fixed."</p> + +<p>"Oh, let us be thankful that no one was hurt!" +cried Laura.</p> + +<p>While Dave and his uncle had been examining +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>the car, Mr. Basswood and the others had been +looking for some way around the tree, which covered +the roadway completely.</p> + +<p>"I think I see a path through yonder trees," +said Ben, pointing to his left. "The ground +seems to be pretty good there, and I think the +opening is plenty large enough for our cars."</p> + +<p>Mr. Basswood moved forward in the direction +his son indicated, and soon called to Ben to start +the car. He led the way on foot, and the machine +followed slowly. They passed in and out among +several trees, and then emerged once more on the +highway, some distance beyond the obstruction.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! That's the way to do it!" cried +Luke. "Now the others can back up and follow +us."</p> + +<p>"So they can," answered Shadow. "But what +about leaving that tree in the roadway? It's +mighty dangerous, and will be more so after +dark."</p> + +<p>"We can notify the authorities at Simpson's +Corners," said Mr. Basswood. "They can send +somebody up here with a lantern."</p> + +<p>He went back to tell the others of what had +been accomplished, and soon the Wadsworth car +was backed out from between the branches of the +tree that shut off the highway.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think the rain is letting up a little, +anyway," announced Roger, after the two <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>touring-cars +were once more under way. And he was +right. That last downfall seemed to clear the +sky, and soon they saw the clouds scattering.</p> + +<p>Wet from end to end, and covered with mud, +the two automobiles rolled into the little settlement +that went by the name of Simpson's Corners. +Here an old man named Simpson kept a general +store to which, in the rear, was attached a small +livery stable and garage.</p> + +<p>"You certainly must have had some trip over +the hills in this storm," remarked Mr. Simpson, +after the party had trooped into his place. "It's +about as heavy a rainfall as we have had in some +time. Where are you bound?"</p> + +<p>"We wanted to get to Carpen Falls if we +could," answered Dunston Porter. "But perhaps +we'll stay in Simpson's Corners, if there are +any accommodations."</p> + +<p>"Ain't no hotel here," answered the storekeeper. +"Used to be one some years ago, but it +didn't pay, so the feller that run it gave it up. +But Mrs. Whittle serves lunch to travelers if you +are hungry."</p> + +<p>"Me for Mrs. Whittle's!" whispered Phil.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious, Phil! You seem to be hungry +all the time on this trip," was Belle's good-natured +comment.</p> + +<p>"Maybe if we stay here an hour or two it will +clear off," said Dave, who was examining the sky +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>closely. "I think the storm is shifting very rapidly."</p> + +<p>"I believe you're right, Dave," answered his +uncle. "Yes, we'll stay here and get dried out a +little, if nothing else."</p> + +<p>It was learned that Mrs. Whittle's place was +just across the street, and the lady said she would +be very glad to furnish them with a hot supper, +and added that they could come in and dry themselves +in her sitting-room, where she started an +open fire. The machines were placed in Mr. +Simpson's garage, and they purchased from the +storekeeper some gasoline and oil.</p> + +<p>"Only a little after five o'clock," announced +Roger. "I think by six o'clock the storm will +be over," he added.</p> + +<p>While they were eating the supper provided by +Mrs. Whittle, it stopped raining, and a little later +they saw the setting sun over the hills to the westward.</p> + +<p>"How many miles is it to Carpen Falls from +here?" asked Luke.</p> + +<p>"Fourteen by the automobile blue book," answered +Dave.</p> + +<p>"And what of the road?" questioned Ben.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Simpson said it wasn't so bad but that it +might be worse," answered Dunston Porter, who +had been interviewing the storekeeper and who +had told the man about the fallen tree, having +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>learned that Mr. Simpson was the head of the +township committee.</p> + +<p>"We don't want to get stuck, especially after +it gets dark," said Ben.</p> + +<p>"I wish we could stay here," sighed Mrs. Basswood. +"But there don't seem to be any accommodations."</p> + +<p>"Oh, we'll get through; come ahead!" cried +Dave. "If we don't reach Carpen Falls to-night +Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth will worry about us."</p> + +<p>Feeling in somewhat better spirits after having +eaten, and after having had an opportunity to dry +themselves, the tourists brought out their automobiles +again, and soon Simpson's Corners was left +behind. They had a long hill to climb, and then +the road wound in and out among some particularly +rough rocks. Then they came out along the +edge of a cliff with a vast panorama of woods and +waters below them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't it perfectly lovely!" cried Belle.</p> + +<p>"If I'm not mistaken, Mirror Lake lies off in +that direction," said Dunston Porter, pointing +with his hand. "That sheet of water away off +yonder may be it."</p> + +<p>Leaving the cliff, the road wound in and out +of the forest for a distance of several miles. +Then they came to another little valley, in which +the highway was wet and, in some spots, suspiciously +spongy.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>"Now then, Dave, be careful," warned his +uncle. "We don't want to get stuck if we can +possibly help it."</p> + +<p>"I'll do my best, Uncle Dunston," was the +answer.</p> + +<p>With the wheels sucking and sousing in the +mud, the Wadsworth machine moved forward as +rapidly as the conditions would permit. Close +behind was the Basswood car, and this time Ben +took care not to let the engine slow down too +much. Once Dave was afraid that he was going +to be stuck, but in a few seconds the danger was +past, and in two minutes more they were out on +the solid roadway once more.</p> + +<p>"We are coming to some sort of a settlement!" +cried Mr. Porter, after several miles more had +been covered. "See, there it is—right down at +the foot of this hill!"</p> + +<p>"It must be Carpen Falls," announced Dave. +"See, there are the Falls off to the right!" and +he pointed to where a fair-sized stream of water +came down between the trees and fell over the +rocks. The Falls were fifteen to twenty feet +high, and made a beautiful sight.</p> + +<p>Carpen Falls was a settlement of some importance, +for the campers on the lakes for miles +around came there to do their trading. There +were two general stores, one containing the post-office, +and also a blacksmith's shop, livery stable +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>and garage combined, and a small summer hotel.</p> + +<p>"Oh, look! My father and mother!" cried +Jessie, as the two machines rolled up to the hotel.</p> + +<p>To the surprise of all, Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth +stood on the piazza watching their approach.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we thought you would never get here!" +cried Mrs. Wadsworth, in relief. "We thought +sure you had had some sort of accident on the +road."</p> + +<p>"And how is it you are here?" asked Dave, +quickly.</p> + +<p>"We came in this morning to do some trading +at the store," answered Mr. Wadsworth. "We +were going back, when it began to storm so hard +that we decided to stay here until the rain let up, +and until you arrived. It certainly was a hard +downpour!"</p> + +<p>"We came pretty near having several accidents," +answered Ben. And then after the party +had alighted, they told of the various happenings +on the journey.</p> + +<p>"We can remain here all night if you want to," +announced the jewelry manufacturer. "But if you +would rather go on to the bungalows I think we +can make it. There are two old stages here, and +the drivers are perfectly willing to make the trip."</p> + +<p>"Now we have gotten so far, let us finish the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>trip," urged Laura. "I think I would rather be +at the bungalows than at this hotel," she added, +with a look around that hostelry—a place that +was not particularly inviting.</p> + +<p>"But you'll want supper first; won't you?" +questioned Mrs. Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"We had something to eat at Simpson's Corners," +answered her daughter.</p> + +<p>The stages that Mr. Wadsworth had mentioned +were certainly old-fashioned and dilapidated, +but each was drawn by a pair of sturdy +horses, and the drivers said that they were perfectly +safe and could make the journey to Mirror +Lake without trouble. So, having transferred the +baggage from the automobiles to these ancient +vehicles, and having placed the touring-cars in the +garage, with orders to have the damaged car repaired, +our friends piled into the turnouts, and +then, with various calls to the animals and loud +crackings of the whips, the two stages started for +Bear Camp.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h2>AT BEAR CAMP</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Talk about the old-time coaching days!" +remarked Dave. "I don't believe they were any +worse than this."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, you mustn't find fault!" cried Jessie. +"We'll soon be there, I hope."</p> + +<p>"Providing we don't go down in some hole and +break off a wheel," put in Roger. "Say, this +road is some rough!"</p> + +<p>"I'll have it rolled down for you the next time, +Roger!" cried Phil, gaily. "Just imagine yourself +in the wild West, in one of the old-time overland +coaches, with the Indians in full pursuit. +How about that, Belle?"</p> + +<p>"It sounds good enough for a dime novel," +answered the girl from the West. "Personally +I never saw any Indians in pursuit of a stage-coach +or anything else. The Indians around Star +Ranch were as peaceable as one could wish."</p> + +<p>Over the rough and rather narrow trail bumped +the two stage-coaches. Our friends frequently +found themselves bounced off the seats, and more +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>than once they were in danger of cracking their +heads against the roofs of the turnouts. It was +growing dark, and the only lights the drivers had +were their smoking lanterns. Inside of the stage-coaches +the boys had their hand flashlights, which +they used occasionally to illuminate the scene.</p> + +<p>"Never mind! Don't you care!" cried Phil, +and then added: "What's the matter with a +song?"</p> + +<p>"Let's give them our old Oak Hall song!" +exclaimed Dave, and a moment later he started +their old favorite, sung to the tune of "Auld +Lang Syne."</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Oak Hall we never shall forget,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">No matter where we roam,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It is the very best of schools,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To us it's just like home.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then give three cheers, and let them ring<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Throughout this world so wide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To let the people know that we<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Elect to here abide!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"Oh, how splendid!" was Belle's comment. +"Please sing it again," and they did.</p> + +<p>Then they followed with a number of familiar +songs. The sound was caught up by those in the +second coach, and soon they too were singing +lustily.</p> + +<p>"Gosh-all-hemlock!" was the comment of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>stage-driver of the forward coach. "That there +singin' is better'n a nigger minstrels!"</p> + +<p>"Better join in," suggested Dave, and then +started up with "The Suwanee River," and to the +surprise of all the old stage-driver broke in with +a heavy bass voice which really balanced the others +quite well.</p> + +<p>The storm was a thing of the past, and as night +came on the thin crescent of the new moon and +numberless stars showed themselves.</p> + +<p>"O my, look!"</p> + +<p>"Isn't that perfectly grand!"</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder they call it Mirror Lake!"</p> + +<p>Such were some of the cries from the girls as +the first of the stage-coaches rolled out on the +edge of the sheet of water by which the bungalows +were located. Here, at a certain point, they +could gaze down the full length of the lake. In +spite of the rain that had fallen the surface of +the water seemed unusually smooth, and it glistened +in the light of the moon and the stars like +silver.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's just too splendid for anything!" +exclaimed Jessie, as she clapped her hands in delight. +"What a beautiful place to come to!"</p> + +<p>"I don't see how it could be any prettier than +it is," added Laura.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's just like a scene from fairyland!" +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>declared Belle. "Oh, I know I'm going to have +just the nicest time ever while I'm here!"</p> + +<p>"I see the bungalows!" cried Roger, and he +pointed to a number of lights twinkling between +the trees.</p> + +<p>"I told Mary, the hired girl, to light up so we +could see where we were going," said Mrs. Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"This is about as far as we can go with the +stages," announced the driver of the first turnout, +as he came to a halt. "You'll have to walk the +rest of the distance. Bill and me will help you +with the traps."</p> + +<p>Soon the other stage came up, and all on board +alighted. The two stage-drivers took the heaviest +of the suitcases, while the boys and Mr. Porter +and Mr. Basswood carried the others. Mr. and +Mrs. Wadsworth led the way along a trail that +was still somewhat wet and slippery.</p> + +<p>"It's right in the woods, that's sure!" declared +Roger.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of it?" asked Dave, as +they approached the two bungalows, which stood +only a short distance apart.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I like it very much. I think we ought +to have a dandy time here, Dave."</p> + +<p>"Just what I was thinking."</p> + +<p>Their approach had been noticed by the servant +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>girls, and this couple came out to meet them. +Then the two drivers were paid, and they returned +to their stages and started back for Carpen Falls.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad that journey is ended!" remarked +Jessie, as she sank into a rustic rocking-chair. +"My! but it was quite an adventure; now wasn't +it?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly was, Jessie," answered Dave. "I +don't suppose you'll want to go back by automobile?"</p> + +<p>"Not unless you guarantee the weather, Dave," +she answered, with a smile.</p> + +<p>The Basswood family, along with Shadow and +Luke, had gone off to the second bungalow, leaving +the others at the one over which Mrs. Wadsworth +was to preside. The lady of the bungalow +showed the girls and the boys the various rooms +which they were to occupy. As all of the other +baggage had arrived from the railroad station +two days before, the tourists lost no time in getting +rid of their damp garments and donning +others more comfortable. After that all made +an inspection of the bungalow, and then trooped +over to the other building.</p> + +<p>"Say, this suits me down to the ground!" said +Luke. "It couldn't be better."</p> + +<p>"I noticed a number of canoes and rowboats at +the dock," said Shadow. "We are bound to +have some fine times out on that lake."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>"And did you notice the bath-houses?" added +Ben. "That means good times swimming."</p> + +<p>"Providing the water isn't too cold," said Phil. +"In some of these lakes among the mountains it +gets pretty cold, don't you know, especially if the +lake happens to be fed by springs."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw! who's afraid of a little cold water?" +cried his chum, disdainfully.</p> + +<p>"Any danger of a bear coming to eat us up?" +queried Luke.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't say bears again!" cried Jessie. +"I don't want to hear of them, much less see +them."</p> + +<p>"Say, that puts me in mind of a story!" cried +Shadow, eagerly. "Once a bear got away from +his keeper and wandered around a little New +England village until he came to a cottage where +an old lady lived. All of the villagers were +scared to death, and some of them started to get +their shotguns and rifles with which to kill Mr. +Bruin. But the old lady had her own idea of +what to do. She grabbed up a broomstick and +began to hammer that bear right on his nose, and +would you believe me? Mr. Bruin got so scared +that he ran away and then went straight back to +his keeper and allowed himself to be chained up +again!"</p> + +<p>"Shadow, is that a true story or a made-up +yarn?" asked Laura.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>"It was told to me down East, and they said +it was absolutely true," was the answer. "They +even gave me the name of the old lady."</p> + +<p>"Say, Shadow, it was a wonder they didn't +give you the name of the broomstick," said Dave, +and with that there was a short laugh.</p> + +<p>Dave, Roger, and Phil had been given two +rooms between them. One was considerably +smaller than the other, and this Dave occupied. +On the other side of a little hallway were the +girls, while Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth and Dunston +Porter occupied large chambers next to the +living-room. In the rear were two tiny rooms +for the hired help. At the other bungalow Ben +and his friends occupied three little rooms, while +Mr. and Mrs. Basswood had a large apartment +off to one side. At this bungalow there was an +extra large living-room in which was placed, +among other things, a small upright piano, somewhat +out of tune but still usable.</p> + +<p>"Now don't you boys dare to play any tricks +to-night!" said Laura, when she and her girl +friends were about to retire. "You just keep +your tricks for some other time."</p> + +<p>"All right, Laura, I'll make Roger and Phil be +good," answered her brother. "I guess we are +all tired enough to sleep soundly." And he certainly +spoke the truth as far as he personally was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>concerned, for hardly had his head touched the +pillow than he was off to the land of dreams.</p> + +<p>The boys were up bright and early on the following +morning. It was a beautiful day, with +the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze blowing +from the West. To be sure, the forest back +of the bungalow was still wet, but it had dried off +down at the shore of the lake, and at the dock +where were located two rowboats and several +canoes.</p> + +<p>"Let us all go out for a row after breakfast," +suggested Dave. "It will limber us up."</p> + +<p>The aroma of freshly-made coffee and of sizzling +bacon filled the air between the bungalows, +and soon the young folks who had gone down to +the dock to look at the lake and the craft on it, +came trooping back for their breakfast.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think it would be more pleasant if +we could all eat together, Mrs. Wadsworth?" +said Laura, while they were partaking of the repast.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so, Laura, and maybe we'll be able +to arrange it," answered the lady. "Mrs. Basswood +spoke about it. They have a large living-room +there that might be utilized as a dining-room +for all, and in pleasant weather we might all eat +out on our wide porch."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk!" cried Dave. "I'd rather +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>eat outdoors any time, if the weather would permit."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, let us eat on the porch!" cried Jessie. +And so, later on, it was arranged, the entire +party eating indoors only when it was wet.</p> + +<p>The canoes had been turned over and were +perfectly dry, but the two rowboats had to be +bailed out. Various parties were made up to go +out, and presently Dave found himself in one of +the canoes with Jessie as his sole companion.</p> + +<p>"Any particular place you'd like to go?" questioned +our hero, as he dipped his paddle into the +lake, and with a firm sweep sent the long and +graceful canoe gliding away from the little dock.</p> + +<p>"Supposing we go along the shore, Dave?" answered +the girl. "I would like to see how it looks +beyond this cove."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll keep as close to shore as possible," +he replied. And then they set off, leaving +the others to go where they pleased.</p> + +<p>"You don't suppose there's any danger of our +upsetting?" queried Jessie.</p> + +<p>"We won't upset if you keep perfectly still," +answered Dave. "I think I can manage this craft +all right."</p> + +<p>On and on they went over the smooth surface +of the lake, passing at times close to the shore and +under the overhanging branches of trees, which +at some points were very thick. In spots the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>water +was shallow, and so clear that they could see +the bottom with ease and occasionally catch sight +of fishes darting in one direction or another.</p> + +<p>"I think we're going to have some fine times +fishing up here," declared the youth, as a beautiful +trout flashed by only a few feet away.</p> + +<p>They were coming around a long curve of the +shore. Just ahead was a high point of rocks, on +which somebody had erected a rude summer-house +of untrimmed tree-branches.</p> + +<p>"What a cute little place!" declared Jessie, in +delight.</p> + +<p>"It must belong to some of the cottages around +the bend," answered Dave. "I believe there is +quite a colony somewhere up here."</p> + +<p>They passed around the point of rocks, and a +few minutes later came in sight of several rustic +cottages set in a grove of trees. In front of the +cottages was a long, narrow dock, at which rested +several craft, including a fair-sized motor-boat.</p> + +<p>"Hello, I didn't know there was a motor-boat +on this lake!" exclaimed Dave. "Whoever owns +it must have had some job getting it here."</p> + +<p>No one was at the dock or on the motor-boat, +and passing that point, Dave sent his canoe along +another picturesque bit of the lake shore. Then, +as they made another turn, they came in sight of +a log cabin which had evidently been erected many +years before.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>"Well, I never! Dave, what in the world are +those folks doing?"</p> + +<p>The cry came from Jessie, and not without reason, +for they had suddenly come in sight of three +or four men and several ladies, all stationed in +front of the old log cabin. One of the men was +dressed in the garb of a woodsman; and he held +a large ax in his hands, raised over his head as if +to strike down one of the younger ladies. Then +another of the ladies rushed up, and fell on her +knees with upraised hands in front of the man.</p> + +<p>"Hello, I know these people!" cried Dave, in +astonishment. "They are the moving-picture actors +who were on board that burning steam +yacht!"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h2>SOMETHING OF A QUARREL</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"The moving-picture actors, Dave?" queried +Jessie, in wonder.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Don't you see the man over there with +the camera? He is grinding out a picture of that +scene."</p> + +<p>"O my! is that the way they do it?" returned +the girl, with interest. "I've read about it, but I +never had a chance before to see how it was done."</p> + +<p>Dave brought the canoe to a standstill, and +both watched the little drama being enacted before +the old log cabin. Our hero saw that the +young lady in the scene was Della Ford, and the +elderly lady the one she had called Aunt Bess.</p> + +<p>"All over!" exclaimed a man, who stood beside +the individual at the moving-picture camera. +The latter had stopped turning the handle of the +machine, and now he proceeded to cover the whole +outfit with a black cloth.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm glad that's over!" those in the +canoe heard Della Ford exclaim. "Come, Aunt +Bess, let us go back to the water." The young +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>lady turned from the group, and as she did so she +caught sight of the canoe and its occupants. She +stared for an instant, and then her face lit up.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Porter! is it possible!" she exclaimed. +"I certainly didn't expect to meet you up here. +Aunt Bess, here is the young gentleman who saved +us from drowning."</p> + +<p>"You don't tell me!" came from the aunt, and +then both hurried their steps toward a tiny dock +beside which the canoe was resting.</p> + +<p>"I certainly didn't expect to meet you again, +and away up here in the Adirondacks," answered +Dave, with a smile. And then, as the young moving-picture +actress came closer, he introduced the +girls to each other.</p> + +<p>"This is my aunt, Mrs. Bess Ford," announced +Della, to Jessie. "I suppose you saw us acting +just now?"</p> + +<p>"We did," answered Jessie. "It was quite +interesting."</p> + +<p>"I suppose it is, to an outsider," responded the +young actress. "It gets to be an old story with +us; doesn't it, Aunt Bess?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't mind it," returned the aunt. "I'd +rather be up here in the woods acting for the +movies than down in some stuffy theater in this +warm weather."</p> + +<p>"Did Mr. Porter tell you what a grand hero +he is, Miss Wadsworth?" asked Della Ford, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>turning +to Jessie. "Oh, he's just the grandest hero +I ever met!" and she beamed on Dave.</p> + +<p>"Come now, Miss Ford, please don't mention +it again," expostulated Dave. "I didn't do so +very much, and you know it."</p> + +<p>"Isn't saving my life a good deal?" demanded +the young actress, archly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't mean that. What I mean is that +anybody could have done what I did."</p> + +<p>"But you did it, young man, and you ought to +have credit for it," put in Mrs. Ford, bluntly. +"It was certainly a brave thing to do."</p> + +<p>"It was; and I shall never cease to thank Mr. +Porter for it," went on Della Ford, and she gave +Dave another warm look, at which he blushed +more than ever.</p> + +<p>This look was not lost on Jessie; and she bit her +lip in a way that showed she was not altogether +pleased. Then Mr. Appleby, the manager of the +moving-picture company, came forward, followed +by several others.</p> + +<p>"This certainly is a surprise!" said the manager. +"First we meet on the Atlantic Ocean, and +next in the heart of the Adirondacks."</p> + +<p>"It's like some of your changes in the movies," +answered Dave, smiling. "You show us a shipwreck, +and then, presto! you transfer us to an office +in Wall Street. You must have to jump around +pretty lively to get all the scenes of a drama."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>"We don't take just one drama," explained Mr. +Appleby. "We sometimes do half a dozen or +more. For instance, while we are up here we +are going to take the outdoor scenes to fifteen or +twenty dramas. Then we'll go back to the city +and finish up with a number of interiors."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't you like to be a moving-picture +actor, Mr. Porter?" asked Della Ford, eagerly. +"You could go into a nautical rescue scene very +nicely."</p> + +<p>"There you go again, Miss Ford!" returned +Dave. "Just the same, it must be some fun being +in a moving picture."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, don't you go into any moving picture," +interrupted Jessie, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Why, what would be the harm?" he questioned.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no particular harm, I suppose. Only +I shouldn't like it," she answered, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"You might get into our next scene," went on +Della Ford, ignoring Jessie's remark. "We are +going to have one that will show several canoes +besides the motor-boat tied up at the dock around +the bend."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll think about it," answered Dave, +hesitatingly; and then he went on to Mr. Appleby: +"By the way, is Ward Porton still with +you?"</p> + +<p>"He is with my company, yes; but he is not +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>here just now," was the reply. "I expect him in +a week or so."</p> + +<p>"I met him in Crumville, where I live."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? I thought he had gone to his +old home down East. However, it doesn't matter; +he has a right to go where he pleases."</p> + +<p>"By the way, Mr. Appleby, I would like to +speak to you in private for a moment," went on +Dave, and leaping ashore he drew the manager to +one side.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"You have a new member of your company, a +young fellow named Link Merwell."</p> + +<p>"Yes, what of it?"</p> + +<p>"Link Merwell is a criminal—a fugitive from +justice," answered Dave. And then he gave the +man some of the particulars already known to my +readers.</p> + +<p>"If what you say is true, Porter, I don't want +that fellow in my company," said Mr. Appleby, +warmly. "What do you want me to do when he +comes, hold him a prisoner?"</p> + +<p>"I wish you would do that, and let us know. +Mr. Wadsworth will take care of Merwell."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll do it—if he shows up. But +he may not do that—if he has found out that +you are in this vicinity," added the manager.</p> + +<p>"I'm thinking he will make himself scarce," returned +Dave, with a grim smile.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>In the meantime Della Ford had come down to +the side of the canoe.</p> + +<p>"Where are you staying, Miss Wadsworth?" +questioned the young actress.</p> + +<p>"At a bungalow near the end of the lake," returned +Jessie, and explained about the location +and who were in the party.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how delightful! You will surely have a +splendid time here. We are located in the cottage +around the bend where you perhaps saw the +motor-boat tied up. I am sure we'll be very glad +to have you call on us."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; perhaps we'll get this way again +some time," returned Jessie, somewhat coolly.</p> + +<p>"You must come and see us, Mr. Porter, by +all means," went on the young moving picture actress +when our hero returned to the side of the +canoe. "And bring the others along, too. I +liked the appearance of your chums. You all +seemed to be so jolly."</p> + +<p>"Dave, don't you think we ought to be going?" +questioned Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Just as you say," he answered, and dipped his +paddle into the lake.</p> + +<p>"Then you don't want to stay and take part +in that other picture?" called out Della Ford, as +the canoe began to leave the dock.</p> + +<p>"Not to-day, Miss Ford," called back Dave. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>"But I may get into one of your pictures just for +the fun of it."</p> + +<p>"Do! And don't forget to call at the cottage," +returned the young lady; and then the +canoe passed out of hearing of those on the shore, +and a dozen strong strokes of the paddle sent the +frail craft out of sight around another headland.</p> + +<p>"That certainly was a surprise," was Dave's +comment, as they passed along under some overhanging +trees. "I never dreamed of coming +across that moving-picture company in such a fashion +as that."</p> + +<p>"What did you get out for?" asked Jessie, +curiously.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to ask Mr. Appleby about Link Merwell. +He didn't know Link was a criminal. He +says if Link shows himself up here he will make +him a prisoner and notify us."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it queer that Link should join that company!"</p> + +<p>"Rather, although I suppose he has got to do +something for a living,—and I guess he isn't the +fellow to pick out hard work. Acting in the +movies must be easy—and lots of fun in the +bargain."</p> + +<p>"You are not going to act with them, are you, +Dave?" questioned Jessie, with her big round +eyes full upon him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>"Oh, I don't know. I think perhaps it might +be sport."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so."</p> + +<p>"Miss Ford tried to make a regular hero out +of me. I wish she wouldn't do that."</p> + +<p>"Well, it was a grand thing for you to do—to +pull her out of the water, Dave, and she ought +to be exceedingly grateful. Just the same, I don't +think I like her very much," and Jessie pouted a +little.</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Why, I thought she was real +nice."</p> + +<p>"She's awfully forward."</p> + +<p>"I didn't notice that. But maybe it's her calling +makes her so. An actress can't be just like +other people."</p> + +<p>"I think she might be when she wasn't acting. +Anyway, I think she was too—well, too gushing."</p> + +<p>"I noticed that you didn't give her any invitation +to call when she invited you," went on Dave, +after a pause, during which they left the vicinity +of the shore and swept out into Mirror Lake.</p> + +<p>"Why should I? Mamma might not approve +of it. I don't think she has a very high opinion +of moving-picture actors and actresses."</p> + +<p>"And I guess you haven't either, Jessie," returned +Dave, somewhat bluntly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know about that," and the girl +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>tossed her head. "They have a right to act in +the movies if they want to. They've got to earn +their living some way, I suppose. Don't you think +we had better be getting back, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"Why, it's early yet, Jessie!"</p> + +<p>"Never mind, I think I would rather go back. +Now that the sun is overhead it is quite warm."</p> + +<p>Dave started to answer, and then suddenly shut +his mouth tightly. The paddle went deeper into +the water, and the canoe shot around quickly in a +long semicircle.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave! don't tip us over!"</p> + +<p>"Don't fear. The canoe won't go over if you +sit perfectly still," he replied, in a tone that was +somewhat unsympathetic.</p> + +<p>"Are you going back to the bungalows?"</p> + +<p>"Why, certainly. That was what you wanted—to +go back; wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"We haven't got to race back, have we?"</p> + +<p>"I'm not racing; but I thought you wanted to +get out of this hot sun."</p> + +<p>"Dave, I think you're angry with me," returned +Jessie, reproachfully, but she did not raise her eyes +as before. Instead she kept them fastened on the +bottom of the canoe.</p> + +<p>"Angry? What foolishness! What is there +for me to be angry about?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you know well enough."</p> + +<p>"I don't see why you should feel so cut up over +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>Miss Ford. I can't help it if she is grateful—as +you put it—for my saving her from drowning; +can I?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it isn't that, Dave. Of course she ought +to be grateful. But you—you——" Jessie's +voice broke a little and she could not go on.</p> + +<p>"Me? I haven't done a thing! Didn't you +hear me tell her to quit it?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it wasn't what you said. It was——But +never mind, let us get back to the bungalow." +And Jessie kept her eyes on the bottom of the +canoe, refusing to look at her companion.</p> + +<p>"And I'm sure I didn't do a thing either. Now +please don't be silly and——"</p> + +<p>"Dave! Silly!"</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean that exactly, Jessie. But you +know——"</p> + +<p>"It's not a bit nice for you to call me silly!" retorted +the girl, her face flaming.</p> + +<p>"I didn't mean just that, Jessie. I meant——"</p> + +<p>"You did mean it! You think I am silly, do +you? All right, you can think so! Please paddle +straight for our dock."</p> + +<p>"Now, Jessie——" began Dave, entreatingly.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to hear another word! Take +me straight to the dock," retorted the girl.</p> + +<p>"Very well, if you won't listen to me you don't +have to," answered Dave; and now he, too, +showed that he was completely out of sorts.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>He struck the paddle deeper than ever into the +water, and with long, telling strokes the canoe +shot forward over the lake in the direction of +Bear Camp.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h2>VISITORS</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Several days went by and during that time the +coldness that had sprung up between Dave and +Jessie increased, although both did their best to +hide it from the others.</p> + +<p>One afternoon while the girl was off with Laura +and Belle for a tramp along a brook that flowed +into the lake not far from the bungalows, Mr. +Appleby came into the cove in his motor-boat, +bringing with him an old hunter and guide of that +vicinity, named Tad Rason, and also Della Ford +and her Aunt Bess. They found Dave, Roger, +and Phil at the dock, fishing.</p> + +<p>"Any luck?" called out the manager of the +moving-picture company, cheerily.</p> + +<p>"Some, but not a great deal," answered Dave, +and he and the others pulled in their lines, so that +they might not become entangled in the propeller +of the boat.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to go to the other shore for good +fishing," said Tad Rason, who had already shown +himself at the bungalows and made himself known.</p> + +<p>"The fish are mighty scarce around here."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>"I'd like to go fishing sometime!" exclaimed +Della, with a smile and a nod to Dave and his +chums. "I never caught a fish in my life. Mr. +Porter, couldn't you show me how to do it?" she +asked, sweetly.</p> + +<p>"I might, if the fish was willing to be caught," +answered Dave, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am sure I could catch one if you would +only show me how," returned the young actress.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you are going to fish with worms +you've got to first learn how to put one on a hook," +said Phil.</p> + +<p>"O my! I'm sure that I don't want to put a +squirming worm on any hook!" cried Della, with +a slight shudder. "I want to fish with one of +those beautiful flies, it's so much more interesting."</p> + +<p>"I came down on a peculiar errand," broke in +Mr. Appleby, after he had tied up at the dock. +"I would like to borrow a little furniture from +you for one day only."</p> + +<p>"Furniture?" queried Roger.</p> + +<p>"Yes. You see, we have an interior scene up +at our cottage, but we haven't got just the furniture +that the drama calls for. I noticed when I +stopped at your bungalows yesterday that you had +several pieces that are just the ones required. If +you will lend them to me to-day, I will see that +you get them back safely by to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"You'll have to see Mrs. Wadsworth and Mrs. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>Basswood about that," returned Dave. "Not +but that I think it will be all right," he added, +hastily.</p> + +<p>"Come up here to do some shooting, I suppose, +just as soon as the season opens?" remarked +Tad Rason, to the boys.</p> + +<p>"Well, we won't object to bringing down a +deer or two if we get the chance," answered our +hero. "But I rather imagine deer are scarce +around here. I haven't seen any of them yet."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll find plenty of deer up at the head +of the lake," returned the old hunter. "They +don't come down here much. They always left +this spot for the bears."</p> + +<p>"The bears! Oh, Mr. Rason! you surely don't +mean that?" cried Della Ford.</p> + +<p>"But I certainly do, ma'am. This was always +a great place for bears. That's why they call this +end of the lake Bear Camp. I shot one of 'em +here last winter, and I got an old she-bear and +her two cubs here two years afore that."</p> + +<p>"We haven't seen any traces of bears," said +Phil.</p> + +<p>"You'll see 'em sooner or later," returned the +old hunter, with conviction. "They are bound to +come here."</p> + +<p>"What makes you say they are bound to +come?" questioned Dave, curiously. "Is there +any particular reason for it?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>"I think there is, young man. So far as I can +understand it, I think the bears come here in the +fall to get certain roots and herbs that they like to +eat. I think they find more of 'em around here +than they do anywhere else, and that's what fetches +'em."</p> + +<p>"And do you think the bears keep the deer +away from here?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't know as to that. But I do know that +bears and deer don't mix very well," answered Tad +Rason.</p> + +<p>While Mr. Appleby was negotiating with Mrs. +Wadsworth and Mrs. Basswood for the loan of +several pieces of rustic furniture which the bungalows +contained, Della Ford and her aunt visited +with the boys. The young actress wanted to know +all about what the young folks at the bungalows +had been doing, and expressed her delight at the +cosiness of the place, and its beautiful surroundings.</p> + +<p>Mr. Appleby, aided by Tad Rason, carried the +borrowed furniture down to the motor-boat. +There was more of it than the manager had at +first anticipated taking, and, as a consequence, the +craft was well loaded.</p> + +<p>"I don't see how we are going to sit in there +with all that furniture packed around us!" exclaimed +Della, in dismay, as she viewed the situation.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>"You might sit in that rocking-chair on the +bow," suggested Phil, with a broad smile; and at +this suggestion there was a general laugh.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you. I have no desire to be spilled +overboard. I went overboard once, and that was +quite enough," answered the young actress.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what we might do," answered +Dave. "We could take you and your aunt in +one of the rowboats, and have the motor-boat +tow it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that would be lovely!" cried Della. +"What do you say, Aunt Bess; shall we do it?"</p> + +<p>"I'm willing, if it is safe," answered the aunt, +"I don't want to go to the bottom of this lake any +more than I wanted to go to the bottom of the Atlantic +Ocean."</p> + +<p>"It's perfectly safe," answered Dave. "The +boat's a good broad one, so there is no danger of +its tipping over—not unless Mr. Appleby makes +a quick turn, and I don't suppose he will do that."</p> + +<p>"If I pull your rowboat I'll be as steady as an +old freight engine," was the manager's reply. +"It's very kind of you boys to do this."</p> + +<p>The best and broadest of the rowboats was +brought around, and Della Ford and her aunt +were assisted into the craft. Then, after the boys +had procured a pair of oars, they, too, embarked, +and the motor-boat headed back for the moving +picture company's camp.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>"Hello! hello! Where are you going?"</p> + +<p>The cry came from the shore at a point where +the brook ran into the lake, and looking in that +direction, those in the rowboat saw Jessie, Laura, +and Belle just emerging from behind some brushwood +and rocks. The girl from the West was +swinging her broad hat vigorously.</p> + +<p>"We are going to take these ladies home!" +yelled Dave. "We'll be back soon."</p> + +<p>"Oh, see; the motor-boat is loaded with furniture!" +exclaimed Dave's sister. "What a +funny sight!"</p> + +<p>"I didn't know those folks were going to visit +us to-day," was Jessie's comment, and her face +showed she was not at all pleased.</p> + +<p>"See! they have Miss Ford and her aunt with +them," said Belle. "Miss Ford is a stunning +girl; isn't she?"</p> + +<p>"She certainly is quite good-looking," returned +Laura. "What do you say, Jessie?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't think she is any better-looking +than lots of other girls I know," returned Jessie, +rather coldly. "Come on, let's get back to the +bungalows; this long tramp has tired me dreadfully."</p> + +<p>"You do look rather pale," said Belle, kindly. +"Don't you feel well?"</p> + +<p>"I've got a little headache, that's all. I think +I'll go back to the bungalow and rest," returned +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>Jessie; and went on ahead, soon disappearing +within one of the buildings.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Laura, I don't believe Jessie +likes that Miss Ford a bit," was the comment of +the western girl, when she was alone with Dave's +sister.</p> + +<p>"Why shouldn't she like Miss Ford, Belle? +She seems to be a nice enough girl, and I don't +think the fact she acts in the movies ought to be +held against her."</p> + +<p>"I don't think it is that, Laura. It is something +else."</p> + +<p>"Something else? What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know that I ought to mention it. +Come on, let us get up to the bungalows."</p> + +<p>"But, Belle, do tell me what you think," +pleaded Laura. "You know you haven't any +right to keep back anything from me," and she +caught her chum around the shoulder and held her +tightly.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you must know, it's this: Jessie can't +forget that Dave saved Miss Ford from drowning."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see what you mean, Belle! You think +that because Dave did that Jessie thinks he might +get more interested in her than would otherwise +be the case."</p> + +<p>"Not exactly that, Laura. Jessie may imagine +that Miss Ford is quite interested in Dave."</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep154" id="imagep154"></a> +<a href="images/imagep154.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep154.jpg" width="45%" alt="Hello! hello! Where are you going?" /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;">"<span class="smcap">Hello! hello! Where are you going?</span>"—<i>Page 153.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>"Oh, I see!" Dave's sister was silent for a +moment. "But you forget one thing, Belle; +Dave saved Jessie's life, too. Don't you remember +that I told you of it? A gasoline tank exploded, +and she was in danger of being burned to +death when Dave jumped in and——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I remember that very well, and you +may be sure that Jessie remembers it, too. But +then this rescue was so much more recent."</p> + +<p>At these words Laura grew more thoughtful +than ever, and suddenly she caught her western +chum by the arm and pulled Belle into a path leading +to the dock.</p> + +<p>"What now, Laura?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Belle! do you really think there is anything +in that? Do you think that is what has +made Jessie act so queerly for the last couple of +days? I noticed she was not herself at all; and +Dave seemed to be different, too."</p> + +<p>"If you want the truth of it, I do think there is +some sort of a quarrel between them. Of course, +I am not sure it is on Miss Ford's account. But +they don't act as they used to."</p> + +<p>"It's too bad!" and Laura's face showed great +seriousness. "I wouldn't have anything come between +Dave and Jessie for the world!"</p> + +<p>"It would be a great shame, there is no doubt +of that," answered the girl from the ranch.</p> + +<p>When the pair entered the bungalow they found +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>that Jessie had gone to her room. She was lying +on a couch, and though the light was dim, Laura +could see quite plainly that her friend had been +crying.</p> + +<p>"You poor dear!" said Dave's sister, going +up and placing her hand on Jessie's forehead. +"Is your headache worse?"</p> + +<p>"Not much, Laura," was the answer. Jessie +turned over with her face toward the wall. "I +just want to be left alone awhile, and then I'll be +all right."</p> + +<p>"Don't you want me to get you anything at +all?"</p> + +<p>"No. Just leave me alone, that's all."</p> + +<p>Laura stood by the side of the couch for a moment. +She was on the point of speaking again. +She wanted very much to relieve her mind, but +concluded that it might not be a wise thing to do. +She tiptoed to the doorway, where she encountered +Belle, and both walked to another part of +the bungalow.</p> + +<p>"And do you really think it was a headache, +Laura?" whispered Belle, when the two were safe +out of earshot of any of the others.</p> + +<p>"She may have a headache, but I think it is +more than that," was the reply from Dave's sister. +"Oh, Belle, if matters are as you think they +are, what in the world are we going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know of anything to do, Laura. I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>don't believe it would be a wise thing to say anything +to Jessie."</p> + +<p>"Then suppose I talk to Dave?"</p> + +<p>"You can suit yourself about that. But if I +were you I'd be very careful. Boys are as touchy +as girls when it comes to a subject like that."</p> + +<p>"Do you really think so?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly do."</p> + +<p>"Then I will be very cautious. But I've just +got to say something," declared Laura.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h2>A STRANGE COMMUNICATION</h2> +<br /> + +<p>The three boys had quite some sport going up +the lake with Della Ford and her aunt as passengers. +Being towed by the motor-boat, they had +nothing to do but take it easy, and they spent the +time in chatting of things in general, and of moving +pictures and fun on Mirror Lake in particular.</p> + +<p>"We would be pleased to have you come up +some evening and take dinner with us," said Della +Ford, after consulting with the manager of the +moving-picture company. "Come up and bring +that boy with his banjo, and we'll have a lot of +fun."</p> + +<p>"All right, we'll be up some time," answered +Phil.</p> + +<p>"And don't forget, Mr. Porter, that some day +you're to show me how to catch a fish," called out +the young actress.</p> + +<p>"All right, I won't forget," answered Dave; +and then the three boys pushed the rowboat away +from the dock, and started upon the return to +Bear Camp.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>"She's a mighty pleasant girl, that's sure," remarked +Phil, as he took it easy on the stern seat, +while Dave and Roger plied the oars.</p> + +<p>"I think Dave has made a hit with her," responded +Roger, with a sly wink at the shipowner's +son.</p> + +<p>"If you don't look out I'll make a hit with somebody +in this boat," declared Dave, his face flushing. +"You attend to your rowing or we won't +get back in time for dinner."</p> + +<p>"I thought you said that fellow, Ward Porton, +was going to join the company up here," remarked +Phil, by way of changing the subject.</p> + +<p>"All I know about it is what Mr. Appleby told +me," returned Dave. "I'd like first-rate to see +him again and ask him some more about Link +Merwell."</p> + +<p>"Do you think Link will come up here?" asked +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think. He is likely to +do almost anything. But I doubt whether he will +want to place himself in any position where we +can get hold of him."</p> + +<p>"What a fool Link has been," was Phil's comment.</p> + +<p>When the rowboat returned to the dock at the +camp, the boys found only Laura and Belle on the +veranda of one of the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"Where's Jessie?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>"She has a headache and is lying down," answered +Laura, and looked at her brother closely.</p> + +<p>"That's too bad," he answered. "Can't you +do anything for it?"</p> + +<p>"She wanted to be left alone, Dave."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if I can't do something?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think so."</p> + +<p>Roger and Phil sat down on the veranda, and +were soon joined by Luke and Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Where is Ben?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"He went to Carpen Falls with his father and +Mr. Porter for the mail," answered Mrs. Basswood, +who had joined the group.</p> + +<p>"I hope I get a letter from daddy," cried Belle. +"Why, just think! I haven't had a letter for +three days," she pouted.</p> + +<p>"I'd like a letter, too," put in Phil. "I haven't +had a word from home since I left," and his face +clouded, as he remembered his father's troubles +over the land question.</p> + +<p>Dave had been seated on the end of the piazza, +but now he arose and walked over to the other +bungalow. Here he met Mrs. Wadsworth just +coming from Jessie's room.</p> + +<p>"It's only a slight headache, Dave," said the +lady, in answer to his question. "I think Jessie +will be all right in the morning. She thought she +had better stay where she is this evening."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could help her, Mrs. Wadsworth," +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>returned the youth, quickly. "Isn't there something +I can do?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing that I know of," was the reply, and +then Mrs. Wadsworth walked out of the bungalow +to join her husband, who was smoking a cigar +in a little pavilion that overlooked the lake.</p> + +<p>Dave took a turn or two across the living-room. +He was very much disturbed in mind, and felt that +he ought to do something.</p> + +<p>"I'll take a chance, and knock on the door anyhow," +he told himself, and moving to the door of +Jessie's room, he tapped lightly. Then, as there +was no response, he tapped again.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" came from the girl.</p> + +<p>"It is I, Jessie. Can't I do something for +you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't think you can," she returned, +quickly.</p> + +<p>"The others told me you had a headache. I'm +very sorry to hear that. I wish I could do something +to make you feel better."</p> + +<p>"You can't do a thing."</p> + +<p>"I might get a hot-water bottle, or some +chopped ice, or—or—something," he faltered, +not knowing how to go on.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, don't be silly!"</p> + +<p>"Silly! So now I'm the one who's silly; am +I?" he returned. But there was more of slyness +than bitterness in his tone.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>"Dave Porter! Was there ever such a boy! +Now you must go away and leave me alone!"</p> + +<p>"All right, Jessie, if you want me to go away +I'll go. Just the same, I want you to know that +I'm awfully, <i>awfully</i> sorry that you have a headache. +I'd rather have it myself."</p> + +<p>"Would you indeed?" There was a creaking +of the couch, as if Jessie had turned and was sitting +up. "Well, I don't want you to have a headache. +They are not a bit nice! They are horrid!"</p> + +<p>"Are you lying down?"</p> + +<p>"I was lying down."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you're not so very, very sick, Jessie, +won't you just come to the door a minute? I want +to tell you something," went on Dave, after a moment's +hesitation.</p> + +<p>The girl came slowly to the door, and opened +it several inches, showing a mass of disheveled +hair, and cheeks that had traces of tears on them.</p> + +<p>"What do you want to tell me?"</p> + +<p>"A good many things, Jessie," returned Dave, +in a low tone. "First of all, I don't want you to +be angry with me. I simply can't bear it. And +besides, I don't think you have anything to be +angry about."</p> + +<p>"Oh, indeed!"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't. I think you misunderstand me. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>Why, Jessie, I wouldn't have anything come between +us for the world, and you know it!"</p> + +<p>"Do I?" The door opened a little wider.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you do. You know there isn't any one +that I care for one-tenth part as much as I care +for you. I didn't go up the lake this afternoon +because I particularly wanted to; and those people +came here of their own accord."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Dave——"</p> + +<p>"And I don't want you to act so cold, Jessie. +Why, it cuts a fellow to the heart! If I +thought——"</p> + +<p>A wild yell, followed by several screams of terror +from outside, interrupted the conversation. +Dave stopped short to listen, and Jessie threw +wide-open the door to do likewise. Another yell +rang out, fierce and penetrating, and then came +several more screams, and a rush of footsteps.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave! what can it mean?" cried Jessie, +in sudden alarm.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I guess I had better find out," +he returned, and ran toward the front doorway.</p> + +<p>"Be careful, Dave! be careful!" cautioned the +girl, pleadingly. "Maybe it's a bear!"</p> + +<p>"In that case I'd better get one of the guns," +he returned.</p> + +<p>The party had brought a number of firearms +with them, and several of the pieces were hung +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>up on the walls, loaded and ready for use. Catching +up a double-barreled shotgun, Dave ran outside +with Jessie at his heels. The commotion had +continued, and now the youth found himself confronted +by his sister and Belle.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Laura?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, exactly. But it certainly was +something awful!"</p> + +<p>"I think it must have been a wild man," broke +in Belle. "Anyhow, if it wasn't, I don't know +what else it could have been."</p> + +<p>The other boys had left the vicinity of the bungalows, +and were running toward the woods, with +Mr. Wadsworth following them.</p> + +<p>"They saw something, but they don't know +what it was," said Mrs. Wadsworth, who was +plainly much agitated. "It let out the most awful +yells you ever heard."</p> + +<p>"Maybe it was that wild man, Wilbur Poole!" +exclaimed Dave. "He might have followed us +to this place, you know."</p> + +<p>He ran on, and soon joined the other boys and +Mr. Wadsworth, who had come to a halt at the +edge of the clearing on which the bungalows were +located.</p> + +<p>"I think he disappeared over here!" cried +Shadow.</p> + +<p>"And I think he went this way!" returned +Luke.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>"When I saw him last he was by yonder +bushes!" were Roger's words.</p> + +<p>"I think he went over there, just as Shadow +said!" came from Phil.</p> + +<p>"Who was it?" asked Dave. "Wilbur +Poole?"</p> + +<p>"Whoever he was, he had the most outlandish +rig on a fellow ever saw!" exclaimed Luke. "I +think he must have borrowed it from some scarecrow."</p> + +<p>"If that was Wilbur Poole we had better keep +our eyes open for him," said Dave, seriously. He +had not forgotten the trouble which the wild man +who called himself the King of Sumatra had given +him and his chums in the past.</p> + +<p>"We were all sitting there enjoying ourselves +when we heard the fellow give an awful yell or +two," explained Phil. "Then he came dancing +out from behind some bushes, waving a sort of +sceptre in the air. He nearly scared the girls into +fits, and that is what made them scream. Then +he caught up a stick of wood from the pile yonder, +and disappeared between the trees. I guess he +must have imagined he was a wild Indian on the +warpath."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid if that poor fellow isn't captured +he will cause us a good deal of worry," was Mr. +Wadsworth's comment. "As long as he is at +large there is no telling what he will do."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>"If it really is Wilbur Poole, we ought to let +the Pooles know about it," said Dave.</p> + +<p>The matter was talked over for some time, and +then, after another search through the edge of the +woods and among the rocks and brushwood of that +vicinity, the boys and Mr. Wadsworth returned to +the bungalows. They found all of the girls and +Mrs. Wadsworth on one of the verandas, discussing +the situation. Even Jessie had joined the +group, declaring that the alarm had scared most +of her headache away.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I was so frightened when I first saw the +man—if it really was a man!" cried Laura.</p> + +<p>"He looked more like an orang-outang," declared +the girl from the West. "If I had met +him out on the range, and if I had had a gun with +me, I surely would have shot at him!"</p> + +<p>"I brought a gun along," returned Dave, exhibiting +the weapon; "I thought it was a bear +scare."</p> + +<p>The scare was the topic of conversation all +through the dinner hour, and it was decided that +a letter should be posted to Mr. Aaron Poole the +following morning, acquainting him with what had +occurred.</p> + +<p>"It's queer that my husband and Ben and Mr. +Porter don't come," remarked Mrs. Basswood, +when the meal was nearly over and it was growing +dark.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>"It's quite a walk to Carpen Falls," said Dave. +"And you must remember the trail isn't any too +good in some spots."</p> + +<p>"I think I see them coming now," announced +Roger, a minute later; and he was right. Soon +Ben and his father and Dunston Porter came into +full view near the end of the lake.</p> + +<p>"Talk about an adventure!" cried Ben, as they +came up. "Who do you think we met?"</p> + +<p>"The wild man!" burst out several of those +present.</p> + +<p>"Oh, then he was here, was he? Was it Wilbur +Poole?"</p> + +<p>"We are not so sure about that. We didn't +get a very good look at him. He had on such +a queer outfit that he was completely disguised."</p> + +<p>"That's just it!" broke in Dunston Porter. +"We couldn't tell who he was, either. He appeared +right in front of us on the trail, flourishing +a big stick. He let out a whoop like an Indian, +gave a leap or two into the air, and then dashed +out of sight behind some bushes."</p> + +<p>"He didn't attack you, did he?" questioned +Mrs. Basswood, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"No," returned her husband, "but, all the +same, I didn't like his actions. He might have +done some serious damage with the stick he carried."</p> + +<p>"That man, whoever he is, ought to be put <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>under +guard," declared Phil, and then he added +quickly: "Did you get any letters, Ben?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, several of them. Here they are," +and placing his hand in the pocket of his jacket, +the youth brought forth over a dozen epistles.</p> + +<p>There was a wild scramble, and the letters were +quickly distributed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, good! Here's a letter from dear dad!" +exclaimed Belle. "Excuse me while I read it," +and she quickly tore open the communication.</p> + +<p>All of the girls had letters, and there was also +one for Dave and another for Phil. As our hero +looked at the communication addressed to him, he +could not help but start. He thought he recognized +the handwriting as that of Link Merwell.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what he has got to say now," he +mused, and then as the others began reading their +letters, he opened the envelope and took out the +single sheet it contained.</p> + +<p>In a large, heavy hand were scrawled these +words:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I think before long you will be getting what +is coming to you, you poorhouse nobody."</p></div> + +<p>There was no signature.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h2>THE SWIMMING RACE</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Dave read the brief communication over several +times. As he did so his face showed both +perplexity and anger. Roger, who had received +no letter and who therefore had nothing to read, +looked at him curiously.</p> + +<p>"No bad news, I hope?" he said, as he came +up to Dave.</p> + +<p>"I think it's another communication from that +good-for-nothing Link Merwell," returned Dave. +"Here, you can read it for yourself," and he +passed the letter over.</p> + +<p>The senator's son read the scrawl, and his face +showed his disgust.</p> + +<p>"I guess you're right, Dave, it must be from +Link Merwell."</p> + +<p>"Link Merwell!" broke in Shadow, who sat +on a bench near by. "What about that rascal; +have you heard something further of him?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it doesn't amount to anything," returned +Dave, hastily, and taking the communication he +thrust it into his pocket. "Don't say anything +about it," he added to Roger, in a low tone.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>"All right, I won't if you want it that way," +answered his chum. "Just the same, Dave, this +looks to me as if Link was plotting once more to +do you an injury."</p> + +<p>"If so, Roger, would he be fool enough to +notify me beforehand?" queried our hero, as the +pair walked a little distance away from the others.</p> + +<p>"There is no telling what a fellow of Link's +stamp might do. He is just fool enough to brag +about what he hoped to do rather than go and +do it. It's an outrage that he should call you a +'poorhouse nobody.'"</p> + +<p>"I'd thrash him for it if I could get my hands +on him," returned Dave, quickly, and his face +showed deep resentment. He had not forgotten +how, in years gone by, his enemies had taunted +him with being a "poorhouse nobody," and how +he had had to fight his way through until his +identity had been established.</p> + +<p>"Anyway, Dave, this gives you a chance to be +on your guard," went on Roger. "If I were you +I'd keep my eyes wide open for Link Merwell."</p> + +<p>"I certainly shall, Roger. And if I can lay my +hands on him I won't be as considerate as I was +on Cave Island," was the answer. "I'll hold him +until I can turn him over to the authorities. He +ought to be keeping company with Jasniff in jail."</p> + +<p>The girls were chattering among themselves +over the letters they had received, and Shadow +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>and Luke soon joined in. As was to be expected, +the former story-teller of Oak Hall had his usual +anecdote to relate, to which the others listened +with interest. Phil had drawn apart from the +crowd, and was now reading the letter he had received +a second time. His face indicated unusual +concern.</p> + +<p>"Well, I hope you got good news, Phil," remarked +Dave, as the shipowner's son came towards +him and Roger.</p> + +<p>"No, it's just the opposite," was the somewhat +doleful reply.</p> + +<p>"What? Do you mean it's bad news?" broke +in Roger, quickly.</p> + +<p>"It certainly is! Instead of losing twenty to +thirty thousand dollars, my dad stands to lose +about fifty thousand dollars on that land deal I +mentioned to you some time ago."</p> + +<p>"Why, how is that?" queried our hero, curiously. +"Has the land gone up in value since +then?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know about the value of the land itself, +but it's this way: Since that railroad made a +bid for the acreage, another railroad has come +into the field. They are going to run a rival line +through that territory, and so they bid against +the L. A. & H. Then the L. A. & H. railroad +increased their bid, and the other folks did the +same, so that now, if my father could give a clear +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>deed to the land, he could sell it for about fifty +thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"And hasn't he been able to get any trace of +your Uncle Lester?"</p> + +<p>"He has something of a clue, but so far he has +been unable to locate my uncle. It certainly is a +strange state of affairs."</p> + +<p>"Won't the railroad company take the land +without your uncle being represented in the deed?" +questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. If they were willing to do +that my father would put the deal through without +delay. It certainly is too bad!" added Phil, +with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me if I were you I'd get on the +trail of your Uncle Lester somehow," was Roger's +comment. "I wouldn't let that fifty thousand +dollars get away from me. I'd hire detectives to +scour the whole United States for the missing +man."</p> + +<p>"My father's doing all he can, Roger." Phil +turned to our hero. "You got a letter, didn't +you?"</p> + +<p>"Not much of a one, Phil." Dave hesitated +for a moment: "Here, you might as well see it. +I showed it to Roger. But don't say anything to +the others about it, especially the girls. There is +no use in worrying them. As it is, they have had +scare enough from that wild man."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>The shipowner's son read the letter Dave had +received with interest.</p> + +<p>"Sure, that's from Link Merwell! I know +his handwriting almost as well as I know my own," +he declared. "He always makes those funny little +crooks on his capital letters. I guess that +shows what kind of a crook he is," and Phil +grinned at his little joke. "What are you going +to do about this, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"I don't see that there's anything to do about +it. As I told Roger, if Link shows himself +around here I'll do all I can to place him in the +hands of the authorities and see to it that he goes +to jail."</p> + +<p>"It's a beastly shame that any one should write +such a note as that," went on the shipowner's son. +"You are not a 'poorhouse nobody,' and everybody +knows it."</p> + +<p>"I've been wondering what Link Merwell can +have up his sleeve," came from Roger. "He certainly +must be up to something, or he wouldn't +send such a letter as that."</p> + +<p>The matter was talked over for a little while +longer by the three boys, and then they rejoined +the others.</p> + +<p>Jessie declared that her headache was now gone +completely, and the young folks spent the rest of +the evening in the Basswood bungalow, where +Belle played the piano and Luke favored them +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>with several selections on his banjo and his guitar. +They also sang a number of songs, and altogether +the evening ended quite pleasantly. The cloud +that had come up between Dave and Jessie seemed +to have vanished, much to their own satisfaction, +and to that of their friends.</p> + +<p>On the following morning Mr. Basswood announced +that he had to return to Crumville for a +few days on business. He said that as soon as +he arrived home he would get into telephone communication +with Mr. Aaron Poole and acquaint +him with the fact that some sort of a wild man +had visited the vicinity of Bear Camp.</p> + +<p>"Of course we may be mistaken as to the +identity of that individual," said Ben's father. +"He may not be Wilbur Poole at all."</p> + +<p>"You want to be sure, Dad, and let Nat's father +know that," said Ben, "because if Mr. Poole +spent money up here looking for his brother, and +then found out that the wild man was somebody +else, he would never forgive either himself or you +for the outlay." And at this frank statement +those who knew how miserly the money-lender of +Crumville was laughed outright.</p> + +<p>Mr. Basswood departed for Carpen Falls in +the middle of the forenoon. As it promised to +be a warm, clear day, one of the young folks +suggested that they go in bathing at a little sandy +beach a short distance below the bungalows. This +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>suggestion was eagerly seconded, and as a consequence, +a little later on, the young folks donned +their bathing outfits and soon were having great +sport in the water, with the older folks sitting on +a fallen tree not far away watching them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but it's cold!" declared Jessie, after her +first plunge.</p> + +<p>"You'll get used to it after a bit," returned +Dave. "Just strike out lively, and that will help +to keep your blood in circulation."</p> + +<p>"Come on for a race!" shouted Luke, who +was splashing around in great shape.</p> + +<p>"A race it is!" called back Phil.</p> + +<p>"Where shall we race to?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"If you are going to race, I'll be the referee and +timekeeper," announced Dunston Porter.</p> + +<p>It was decided that the boys should swim from +the beach to a rock standing out of the water on +the far edge of the cove.</p> + +<p>"First fellow to stand up on the rock wins the +prize," announced Phil, and then he added quickly: +"Girls, what's the prize?"</p> + +<p>"A fresh flapjack to the boy who bakes it," +announced Belle, gaily.</p> + +<p>"Say, speaking of flapjacks puts me in mind +of a story," came from Shadow, who was wading +around in water up to his ankles. "Once there +were two old miners who were in a camp in the +mountains. They got to disputing as to who could +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>make the best flapjacks. Says one of them——"</p> + +<p>Shadow did not finish the story he had started +to tell. Unbeknown to him, Roger had come up +behind, and was now on his hands and knees in +the water. Luke gave the would-be story-teller +a quick shove; and over went Shadow backwards, +to land in the shallow water with a resounding +splash.</p> + +<p>"Flapjack number one!" cried Luke, gaily. +"Say, Shadow, what are you making so much noise +about?"</p> + +<p>"I'll noise you!" roared the former story-teller +of Oak Hall, as he scrambled to his feet.</p> + +<p>Then he started to rush after Luke, but Roger +caught him by his ankle, and down he went into +the water with another splash, this time sending +the spray flying clear to those sitting on the fallen +tree.</p> + +<p>"Here! Here! You boys stop that!" cried +Mrs. Wadsworth. "We haven't any umbrellas."</p> + +<p>"Oh, excuse me, I didn't mean to shower you," +pleaded Shadow. "Anyway, it was Roger's +fault."</p> + +<p>"If you are going to race, start in!" ordered +Dunston Porter.</p> + +<p>"Well, what's the prize?" queried Roger, +doing his best to keep out of Shadow's reach.</p> + +<p>"The fellow who wins gets the hole in the +doughnut," returned Dave, gaily.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>"All ready! Line up!" ordered Dunston +Porter, and after a general scramble and amid +much merriment, the boys lined up. Then came +the order "Go!" and all of them struck out +lustily for the rock that marked the goal.</p> + +<p>At first Ben, who had taken but little interest in +the horseplay just enacted, kept well to the front. +Ben had always been a good swimmer, and many a +time he and Dave had raced each other in Crumville +Creek.</p> + +<p>"You fellows won't be in it!" he shouted merrily.</p> + +<p>"Don't you be too sure of that," returned Luke. +"This race isn't over yet."</p> + +<p>"You fellows had better save your wind," spluttered +Phil, who at that instant came up alongside +of Shadow. There followed a great splashing of +water, and suddenly Ben disappeared from view.</p> + +<p>"Hey, you! Who fouled me that way?" +roared the leader. "Whoever caught me by the +foot ought to be put out of this race."</p> + +<p>"Must have been a whale, Ben," answered +Roger, mischievously.</p> + +<p>"I'll whale you if you do it again," was the +answer. And then all of the boys stopped talking +and with renewed vigor bent to the task of trying +to win the race.</p> + +<p>Soon half the distance to the rock was covered. +Ben was still in the lead, with Roger and Phil +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>close behind him. Luke and Shadow had dropped +so far to the rear that they gave up all hope of +winning.</p> + +<p>"Here is where I leave you fellows," announced +Phil, and made a sudden spurt that soon placed +him slightly in advance of Ben.</p> + +<p>"Hi! hi! don't leave me this way!" yelled +Roger, and he, too, put on a burst of speed, followed +a second later by Dave.</p> + +<p>On and on, through the cool, clear waters of +Mirror Lake plunged the four boys. The goal +was now less than fifty feet away.</p> + +<p>"O my, see how hard they are swimming!" +came from Laura.</p> + +<p>"Ben was ahead, but I think Roger is up to +him," announced Mrs. Basswood.</p> + +<p>"Those four lads are pretty well bunched up," +remarked Dunston Porter.</p> + +<p>"Shadow and Luke have dropped out of it," +announced Belle. "Gracious, how those others +are swimming! Wouldn't you think it was for a +prize of a thousand dollars?"</p> + +<p>The four who had remained in the race were +now less than five yards from the goal, a large +flat rock that was joined to the mainland by a +series of other rocks.</p> + +<p>"Here is where I win!" declared Ben, and +threw himself forward with all the strength left +to him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>"Not much!" came from Phil.</p> + +<p>"Count me in!" panted Roger.</p> + +<p>"Also yours truly!" added Dave.</p> + +<p>And then the four, lining up side by side, struck +out fiercely, each doing his level best to touch the +rock first. It was a neck-and-neck race, and in a +moment more four hands went up on the rock at +practically the same time.</p> + +<p>"I win!"</p> + +<p>"Not much, my hand was here first!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, look!"</p> + +<p>"Don't climb up on that rock!"</p> + +<p>"What's the trouble?"</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"It's a snake, and a big one!" yelled Dave. +"Back away from the rock, boys, just as fast as +you can!"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h2>A CRY FROM THE CLIFF</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"It's a snake sure enough!"</p> + +<p>"My, what a big one!"</p> + +<p>"No climbing on that rock for me!"</p> + +<p>Such were some of the cries which rent the air +as the four youths dropped back into the lake and +lost no time in getting away from the spot which +had been the goal of the swimming race.</p> + +<p>"Say, Dave, what sort of a snake do you suppose +that was?" queried Roger.</p> + +<p>"Did he drop into the water?" questioned +Ben, anxiously. "If it's a water snake maybe it's +after us."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what kind of snakes are to be +found around here," returned Dave. "But it +was dark in color and I think all of four or five +feet long."</p> + +<p>"Say, who won this race, anyhow?" came from +Phil, as the boys swam around not far from the +rock.</p> + +<p>"I should say the snake did," laughed Dave.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Dunston Porter, noticing that +something unusual was going on in the vicinity of +the goal, had leaped up and was running along the +edge of the cove.</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep180" id="imagep180"></a> +<a href="images/imagep180.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep180.jpg" width="45%" alt="It's a snake, and a big one!" /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;">"<span class="smcap">It's a snake, and a big one!</span>"—<i>Page 179.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>"What's the matter over there?" he yelled.</p> + +<p>"A snake, Uncle Dunston," called back Dave. +"Better get a shotgun and go after it."</p> + +<p>"O dear! did you say a snake?" came from +Laura, in dismay.</p> + +<p>Acting on Dave's suggestion, Dunston Porter +hurried back to one of the bungalows. He reappeared +with a shotgun, and lost no time in making +for the vicinity of the rock where the reptile +had been seen. In the meanwhile the four boys +rejoined Luke and Shadow, and all swam back to +the dock.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, are you sure the snake didn't drop +into the water after you?" questioned Jessie, and +her face showed her anxiety.</p> + +<p>"No, it retreated to the rocks further back," +was the answer.</p> + +<p>"Was it a poisonous snake?" asked Mrs. Basswood.</p> + +<p>"I am sure I don't know."</p> + +<p>"If there are snakes in these woods I don't +think I'll care to go out very much," commented +Laura, with a shiver.</p> + +<p>"Snakes will just spoil everything," added Jessie, +dismally.</p> + +<p>While the boys and girls were dressing the report +of a shotgun rang out.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>"If that was Uncle Dunston shooting, he must +have found Mr. Snake," were Dave's words.</p> + +<p>"I hope he did find the snake," answered +Roger. "If that reptile was left prowling +around in this vicinity, none of the ladies would +want to go out."</p> + +<p>"And I wouldn't care much about going out +myself," added Luke.</p> + +<p>Having finished dressing, the boys lost no time +in following Dunston Porter toward the rock +which had been the goal of the swimming race. +They found the old hunter and traveler searching +through the brushwood back of the rocks.</p> + +<p>"Did you get it, Uncle Dunston?" questioned +Dave.</p> + +<p>"I did," was the reply. "What's left of that +snake is over yonder," and Mr. Porter pointed +with his hand. "I'm looking around here to see +if there are any more of them, but I rather fancy +that is all there is."</p> + +<p>The charge from the shotgun had fairly torn +the reptile to pieces, for when Dunston Porter had +fired the snake had been coiled up, evidently ready +for an attack.</p> + +<p>Arming themselves with clubs and stones, the +boys joined Dunston Porter in the hunt for more +reptiles, but their search was unsuccessful; and a +little while later all returned to the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"Did you find any other snakes?" asked Jessie, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>after she had been told about the one that had +been killed.</p> + +<p>"No, and I don't think there are any others," +answered Mr. Porter.</p> + +<p>"Well, I hope there are not," put in Laura, +"but if there are I wish you had found them."</p> + +<p>"We can't find what isn't there," said Luke, +with a grin.</p> + +<p>"Say, that puts me in mind of a story," burst +out Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Wow!" ejaculated Roger. "Here comes +another!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, say! this is a good one," pleaded the +would-be story-teller. "It's about an old college +graduate who was a regular fiend for football. +He would undergo almost any hardship for the +sake of getting to a game. Well, one time there +was a great contest on between two of the big colleges, +and although old Bixby nearly broke his +back to get there, he didn't arrive until late. +'Say, how is it going?' he puffed to a gate-keeper. +'Nothing to nothing, middle of the second half,' +answered the gate-keeper. 'Is that so?' returned +old Bixby. 'That's good! I haven't missed anything,' +and he passed in." And at this anecdote +there was a general laugh.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon while the young folks were +enjoying themselves in various ways around the +bungalows, they heard the put-put of a motor, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>looking out on Mirror Lake, saw the craft belonging +to the moving-picture company manager approaching, +loaded with the furniture that had been +borrowed.</p> + +<p>"Here they come with our things!" cried Ben. +"Looks like a house moving; doesn't it?"</p> + +<p>They saw that the boat was in sole charge +of Mr. Appleby, and as the craft drew closer +the moving-picture manager gave them a cheery +hail.</p> + +<p>"Going into the moving business instead of +moving pictures, eh?" cried Dave.</p> + +<p>"I thought I might as well bring this stuff back +while I had a chance," answered the manager, and +soon brought his motor-boat to a standstill beside +the dock. Then the boys made short work of +taking the furniture back to the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"I've got news for you, Mr. Porter," announced +the moving-picture man, after the job +was finished. "I've seen that young rascal, Link +Merwell."</p> + +<p>"You have!" exclaimed Dave, eagerly. "Up +at your camp?"</p> + +<p>"That's it."</p> + +<p>"Did you make him a prisoner?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"I didn't get the chance. He was evidently on +his guard, and as soon as I told him what I knew, +and that I was going to hand him over to the +authorities, he ran straight into the woods, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>that was the last any of us saw of him. He even +left his suitcase and a light overcoat behind."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's too bad he got away," returned our +hero. "I thought sure if he had the audacity to +show himself here we'd get a chance to capture +him."</p> + +<p>"I was foolish not to make him a prisoner as +soon as he appeared," answered Thomas Appleby. +"But I didn't think he would run away in that +fashion, leaving his outfit behind. Besides, what +he'll do in the woods behind our camp is a mystery +to me. I asked old Tad Rason if there were any +roads back there, and he said not within a couple +of miles; so Merwell stands a good chance of losing +himself completely."</p> + +<p>"Great Scott! Supposing he should get into +the woods and be unable to get out again!" burst +out Roger.</p> + +<p>"Well, such things have happened," answered +Luke. "I heard only last winter of a man who +was lost in the Maine woods."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and Tad Rason told of two brothers who +were lost up here in the Adirondacks for over +three weeks," returned Mr. Appleby. "When +they were found they were almost starved to death +and next door to crazy."</p> + +<p>"If anything like that should happen to Link, +he will have nobody to blame but himself," announced +Roger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>"Did he know we were up here?" queried +Dave.</p> + +<p>"He knew you were somewhere in this vicinity, +but he did not know that the camps were so close +to each other. I think if he had imagined such to +be the case he would have steered clear of this +vicinity."</p> + +<p>"Was that young actor, Ward Porton, with +him?"</p> + +<p>"I really don't know whether they came together +or not. Porton showed up about two +hours before Merwell arrived. Of course, they +may have separated just before the camp was +reached—Porton not wanting to appear in the +company of a fellow you had told him was a +crook."</p> + +<p>"Is Porton at your camp now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. But he doesn't intend to stay very long. +He says he has something else in view, although +what it is I don't know. To tell you the truth," +and Mr. Appleby lowered his voice a trifle, "I +think he is sweet on Miss Ford, and as she doesn't +care for him at all and has told him so, it has put +his nose out of joint."</p> + +<p>"When you spoke to him about Merwell did +Porton stand up for the fellow?" continued our +hero. He was anxious to learn if possible just +how close the companionship of the pair had +been.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>"He didn't have much to say after I told him +all I knew," responded Thomas Appleby. +"Previous to that, he remarked that you might +be mistaken regarding Merwell—that Merwell +had said that Jasniff and somebody else were guilty +of the jewelry robbery."</p> + +<p>"Humph! he can't put it off on anybody else +like that!" cried Phil. "We know beyond a +doubt that he and Jasniff committed that crime."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I ought not to blame Ward Porton +for sticking up for Merwell," answered Dave. +"Link is a mighty slick talker, and he probably +told his story to suit himself and got Porton to +swallow it. Just the same, Porton is very foolish +to chum with him."</p> + +<p>"I'll be rather sorry to lose Porton, for he is +a clever fellow in the movies," went on the manager. +"He wanted to leave in a few days, but +I persuaded him to stay for a week at least, so we +could finish several dramas in which he is an actor. +After he is gone I'll have to get some one to take +his place. Any of you young fellows want to have +a try at it?" and Mr. Appleby looked full at +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know," returned our hero, slowly. +And then he saw that Jessie's eyes were turned +upon him and that they showed she was troubled. +"I don't think I care to take the matter up. You +see, I came here for a rest and a good time."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>"I wouldn't mind taking a hand at it!" cried +Luke.</p> + +<p>"You can count me in, too!" added Shadow. +"I'd like first-rate to see myself on the screen in +a moving-picture show," and his eyes lit up in anticipation.</p> + +<p>"Well, you fellows come down some time and +we'll talk it over," concluded the manager. "I've +got to get back now. We are getting ready to +put on quite an important drama to-morrow, and +we have got to rehearse a number of scenes. If +you folks want to come up and look on, you'll be +welcome," he added, to the crowd in general.</p> + +<p>When the moving-picture manager had departed, +the boys set out to fish along the brook +that flowed into Mirror Lake. While getting +ready for the sport the conversation drifted +around once more to Link Merwell.</p> + +<p>"If he is in this vicinity, Dave, you can make +sure he'll try to get in on us somehow before he +leaves," remarked Phil.</p> + +<p>"I don't see what he can do," returned Luke.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a fellow like Link can do lots of things!" +burst out Ben. "Why, he might even try to burn +down the bungalows!"</p> + +<p>"Do you think he's as bad as that?" questioned +Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do!" was the flat answer.</p> + +<p>Fishing in the vicinity of the lake was not very +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>good, so the boys pushed further and further up +the brook, until they reached a point where there +was a little waterfall and a pool of considerable +size. Here fishing was better, and soon they had +quite a number of specimens of the finny tribe to +their credit.</p> + +<p>"Come on, Dave, let's go up a little farther," +pleaded Phil. "I'd like to see what this brook +looks like beyond the falls."</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll go," answered our hero. +"What about you fellows?" he asked, of the +others.</p> + +<p>"I'll stay here and rest," announced Roger. +"I'm tired of scrambling over the rocks."</p> + +<p>"So am I," agreed Ben. Shadow and Luke +also said they would remain in the vicinity of the +pool.</p> + +<p>Dave and Phil found it no easy task to follow +the brook, which wound in and out among the +rocks and brushwood. At one point they had to +do some hard climbing, and once the shipowner's +son slipped and came close to spraining an ankle.</p> + +<p>"Say, I don't believe I'll go much farther, after +all," declared Phil. "This is rough and no mistake!"</p> + +<p>"It is better walking a little farther on, Phil," +announced Dave. "Come on, don't give up this +way! Maybe we'll find some extra large fish up +there."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>Once more they set out, and soon found themselves +in a small clearing, backed up by a cliff fifteen +or twenty feet in height, and overgrown with +brushwood and trailing vines.</p> + +<p>"Hark! What was that?" exclaimed Phil, as +both came to a halt preparatory to casting their +lines into the stream.</p> + +<p>"I think it was a shout," answered Dave. +"Maybe the others are calling to us."</p> + +<p>"No, I think the call came from up on the cliff, +Dave. Listen, there it is again!"</p> + +<p>Both strained their ears and soon heard another +cry. This time it was much closer.</p> + +<p>"Stop! stop! let me alone!" Such were the +words that floated to their ears. "Please don't +hit me! Let me alone!"</p> + +<p>Dave and Phil looked at each other curiously.</p> + +<p>"Who can it be?" questioned the shipowner's +son.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, but I guess we had better try +to find out," answered our hero.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h2>THE CAPTURE OF LINK MERWELL</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Where did that cry come from, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"I think it came from the top of the cliff, Phil. +Listen! there it goes again."</p> + +<p>Both boys strained their ears once more, and +now heard another voice, heavy and threatening.</p> + +<p>"Leave this place! Leave at once, I command +you! No one has any right to disturb me!"</p> + +<p>"Don't hit me, I'll go!" returned the one who +had first spoken, and a few seconds later he came +into view at the edge of the cliff.</p> + +<p>"Hello, it's Link Merwell!" burst out Dave, +in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and see, that wild man is after him!" +added the shipowner's son.</p> + +<p>He was right. Following closely upon the appearance +of Link Merwell the boys at the foot of +the cliff had seen some brushwood thrust aside, +and now appeared the strange fellow who had so +frightened the girls some time previously. He +was dressed up more fantastically than ever, and +had his face smeared with red and yellow. Over +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>his shoulder, suspended by a strap, he carried an +old-fashioned fowling piece, and in his hands was +a heavy club.</p> + +<p>"Go away from here! Go away, I say, and +never come back!" cried the strange individual, +dancing around wildly and flourishing his club +close to Link Merwell's head.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm going! Please don't hit me!" +pleaded the youth, who was plainly in terror of +his life. And then, in his haste to escape, he took +several steps forward.</p> + +<p>"Look out there, or you'll have a bad fall!" +yelled Dave, in quick alarm.</p> + +<p>The warning, however, came too late. Deceived +by the brushwood and vines growing at the +edge of the cliff, Link Merwell lost his footing, +and the next instant came tumbling headlong.</p> + +<p>"Ha, ha! I told you to keep away! Now +don't come back!" yelled the fantastically-dressed +man in the bushes behind the cliff; and then with +another yell he suddenly disappeared from view.</p> + +<p>Dave and Phil rushed forward fully expecting +to find Merwell seriously hurt. But in falling the +youth had been fortunate enough to catch hold of +some of the trailing vines, and these had stayed +his progress somewhat, so that all he received was +a violent shaking-up.</p> + +<p>"Don—don't let—let him sho—shoot +me!" spluttered Link Merwell, as he turned over +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>and scrambled to his feet. Then, for the first +time recognizing those who stood before him, his +face showed more concern than ever.</p> + +<p>"Who's that fellow who attacked you, Link?" +asked Dave, quickly.</p> + +<p>"I don't know—some crazy old lunatic, I suppose," +muttered the former student of Oak Hall. +"Is he—he—coming after me?"</p> + +<p>"No, he just dashed out of sight," answered +Phil. "He's the same chap who nearly scared +the girls to death," he added to Dave.</p> + +<p>"How do you know? He didn't look like that +fellow," returned our hero.</p> + +<p>"I recognized him by his voice, even though +he is dressed quite differently, Dave. He must be +as crazy as they make them."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so you know him, do you?" put in Link +Merwell, questioningly. He had gotten to his +feet and was now straightening out his apparel.</p> + +<p>"I must say, Link, I didn't think I was going +to have the pleasure of meeting you so soon," said +Dave, with a little bit of pardonable sarcasm.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" Link Merwell was on the point +of saying more, but bit his lip and kept silent.</p> + +<p>"So you were on board the steam yacht when +she took fire," put in Phil.</p> + +<p>"I was."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you show yourself; were you +afraid?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>"That was my business. I didn't have to show +myself if I didn't want to."</p> + +<p>"We know well enough why you didn't show +yourself, Link," broke in our hero. "And we +also know why you left Mr. Appleby's camp so +suddenly. You were afraid of arrest."</p> + +<p>"Who told you that?"</p> + +<p>"Nobody told us. We know it," went on +Dave. "You have escaped several times, but I +guess we've got you now."</p> + +<p>"Hi! don't you dare to touch me!" exclaimed +Link Merwell, in fresh alarm. "You haven't got +any right to put your hands on me."</p> + +<p>"Right or wrong, Link, we are going to make +you a prisoner," declared Phil, and advancing he +caught the youth who had helped to rob Mr. +Wadsworth's jewelry works by the arm.</p> + +<p>"You let me go, Phil Lawrence! If you don't +it will be the worse for you!" bawled Link, and +tried to wrench himself loose.</p> + +<p>"Here, none of that!" broke in Dave, quickly, +and stepping forward, he caught the evildoer by +the other arm. "You just march along with +us!"</p> + +<p>"I won't go!" bawled the boy who had gotten +himself into trouble. "Let go of me, I tell +you!"</p> + +<p>He started to struggle, and for a minute or two +Dave and Phil had all they could do to hold him. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>Then, in sudden viciousness, Link kicked out, taking +Dave in the shin.</p> + +<p>"Oh, so that's your game, is it?" cried Dave, +his anger rising. And then, as Link kicked out +once more, he caught the foot and gave the youth +a shove that sent him sprawling on his back. Before +Link could arise, Dave rushed in and sat +down heavily on him.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" grunted the fallen one. "D-don't +cru-crush my ribs!" he panted. "L-let u-up!"</p> + +<p>"I won't let up until you promise to behave +yourself," answered Dave, sternly. "For two +pins, Link, I'd give you the thrashing of your +life. You deserve it. What right had you to +send me that note and call me a 'poorhouse nobody'?"</p> + +<p>"That's right, Dave. Pitch into him! Give +him what he deserves!" agreed Phil. "Maybe +a good licking would knock some common-sense +into him."</p> + +<p>"D-don't you dare to—to t-touch me," panted +the boy under Dave. "If you—you do, I'll +ha-have the l-law on you!"</p> + +<p>"Don't talk about the law!" cried Dave. +"The law will take care of you. When I caught +you down on Cave Island, and you said that you +were sorry that you had joined Jasniff in that robbery +and that you were going to reform, I felt +sorry for you. But you are a faker, Merwell, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>I don't believe you ever will reform, and that's +the reason I'm going to do my best now to place +you in the hands of the law."</p> + +<p>"You—you—you let me u-up!"</p> + +<p>"I won't let you up until you promise to behave +yourself and come along with us."</p> + +<p>"A-all right, I pro-promise."</p> + +<p>"Very well, then, you can get up," answered +Dave, arising. "But remember, you have given +us your word, and if you break it, I'll guarantee +that Phil and I will come down on you like a ton +of bricks. Now, if you know when you are well +off, you'll do exactly as we tell you to."</p> + +<p>"I've got a scheme, Dave," broke in Phil, +bringing out an extra piece of fishline from his +pocket. "Let's tie his hands behind him with +this. Then I don't think he'll care to run away—not +very far, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"Humph! can't you let me walk along without +having my hands tied?" grumbled the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"We are not going to take any chances, Link," +answered the shipowner's son. "Now that we +have caught you we are going to see that you get +where you belong—in prison."</p> + +<p>"You send me to prison and my father will +make it hot for you!"</p> + +<p>"You stop threatening us, Link!" ordered +Dave, sternly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>"All right. But you'll see!"</p> + +<p>Much against his will, Link Merwell was +forced to place his hands behind him, and in a few +minutes Phil and Dave had secured the fishline +around his wrists. Then they picked up his cap, +which had fallen off, and placed it on his head.</p> + +<p>"Now then, march!" ordered Dave. "And +no funny work!" And he led the way back along +the brook, with Merwell following and Phil bringing +up the rear with the fishing outfits.</p> + +<p>"Say, how do you expect a fellow to get over +these rocks with his hands tied behind him?" +grumbled Link Merwell, after he had slipped several +times.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to do the best you can," returned +Phil, coldly. "A jailbird like you can't expect +much consideration."</p> + +<p>"Bah, you make me tired, Phil Lawrence!" +growled the prisoner. "I don't think you'll be +able to send me to prison; not for long, anyhow! +My father's got plenty of money; he'll get me out +some way."</p> + +<p>"If he spends any money on you he'll be foolish," +returned the shipowner's son. "Now go +ahead, we are not going to waste all our time on +you."</p> + +<p>It was not long after this when they came in +sight of the other boys. Ben and Roger were +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>still fishing, while Luke and Shadow were resting +on the rocks, the latter telling one of his favorite +stories.</p> + +<p>"Hello! What luck?" called Ben, looking +up. And then he added: "Great Cæsar's ghost! +if it isn't Link Merwell!"</p> + +<p>"Where did you run across him?" cried Luke, +leaping to his feet, followed by Shadow.</p> + +<p>"We found him running away from some kind +of a wild man," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"The wild man who scared us into fits the other +day?" queried Roger.</p> + +<p>"We don't know if it was that fellow or somebody +else," answered Phil.</p> + +<p>Link Merwell was much crestfallen to confront +so many of his former schoolmates of Oak Hall. +He realized that he was "in the camp of the +enemy" in more ways than one. At one time or +another he had played each of them some sort of +a scurvy trick, and he realized that not one of +them would have a good word to say for him.</p> + +<p>"Well, I see they have made you a prisoner," +remarked Luke, as he noticed that Link's hands +were tied behind him.</p> + +<p>"Humph! they had no right to do it," growled +the prisoner. "Where are you going to take me, +anyhow?"</p> + +<p>"We are going to take you to our bungalows," +announced Dave. "There you will have the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>pleasure of talking the matter over with Mr. +Wadsworth."</p> + +<p>At the mention of the name of the man he had +robbed, Link Merwell winced and his face paled. +Evidently he did not relish what was in store for +him.</p> + +<p>"Say, having his hands tied behind him puts +me in mind of a story," began Shadow. "Once +there was a fellow——" and then, as the +would-be story teller saw a look of disgust coming +over the faces of his chums, he added hastily: +"Oh, well, never mind. I'll tell you that story +some other time."</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Wadsworth staying up here with +you?" asked Link, while Ben and the others prepared +to return to the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"He is," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Is his family with him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are all up here for a short vacation." +Dave looked at his enemy squarely in the eyes. +"Link, do you think you are treating me just +right? I never put a straw in your way, and yet +you have done everything you could to make +things unpleasant for me. I tried to help you +down on Cave Island, and in return for that you +have been sending letters to Nat Poole asking him +to help you in hurting me. And then the other +day you sent that note calling me a 'poorhouse +nobody.'"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>"Oh, don't preach to me, Dave Porter!" +growled the youth who had been made a prisoner. +"I hate that kind of talk. You always tried to +set yourself up as being better than any one else. +Maybe you could get on the soft side of Gus +Plum, but you can't play any such game as that on +me. I know what I am doing."</p> + +<p>"Link, I'm sorry to hear you talk that way," +went on Dave, earnestly. "Do you want to +spend all your life in prison?"</p> + +<p>"Bah, don't talk to me! Didn't I tell you I +don't want any preaching? If I've got to go to +jail I'll go, but it won't be for long, mark my +words! My father has got lots of money, and +I guess the lawyers will know what to do. But +let me tell you something, Dave Porter"—and +now Link Merwell's face showed both cunning +and hatred—"you found fault with that note I +sent to you calling you a poorhouse nobody. +Well, that is all you are; a poorhouse nobody!"</p> + +<p>"See here, Link——" began our hero, his +temper rising.</p> + +<p>"Oh, now, just wait, Dave Porter! Just wait +a little, and you'll find out what I mean. You +are a poorhouse nobody and nothing else. Dave +Porter? Why, you are not Dave Porter at all! +You are a poorhouse nobody; that's all you are!"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h2>BACK IN CAMP</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"What's this you are saying, Link?" demanded +Phil, who had overheard the conversation +just recorded. "You ought to be ashamed of +yourself to talk that way. Just because Dave +spent part of his life in the poorhouse after he +was stolen away from his parents is no reason why +you should speak as you do."</p> + +<p>"And that isn't the reason why I am talking +this way," retorted the prisoner. "I've got another +reason, and Dave Porter will find out what +it is before very long."</p> + +<p>"You just said that I was not Dave Porter," +remarked our hero. "What do you mean by +that?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind what I mean; you'll find out +sooner or later," answered Link, with an expression +of cunning on his countenance.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't listen to him!" broke in Roger; +"he is only trying to worry you, Dave. Let us +get back to the bungalows and tell Mr. Wadsworth +about this capture."</p> + +<p>"I'm not going back with you," retorted Link +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>Merwell. And now, with his hands tied behind +him, he made a leap over the rocks in the direction +of the woods.</p> + +<p>The sudden movement on the part of the prisoner, +surrounded as he was by all of the boys, +came somewhat as a surprise. But Dave, Roger +and Phil were quick to recover, and away they +bounded in pursuit of the fleeing one.</p> + +<p>Terror lent speed to Link Merwell's feet, and +soon he gained the edge of the growth, which at +this point was quite heavy.</p> + +<p>"Hurry up or he'll hide himself!" called +Dave, who was in advance of his chums.</p> + +<p>The runaway might have made good his escape +had it not been for the fact that his hands were +so tightly bound behind him. As he dashed between +the first of the trees, his foot caught on an +outcropping root. Unable to throw out his hands +to save himself, he came down heavily, striking +his forehead on another tree root.</p> + +<p>"I've got him, come on!" cried Dave, and in +a few seconds more was beside the fallen one. +To his surprise Link Merwell lay motionless.</p> + +<p>"Collar him! don't let him get away again!" +yelled Roger, as he came up with Phil beside him.</p> + +<p>"I think he hurt himself when he fell," answered +our hero. "How about it, Link?" and +he bent over his enemy as he asked the question.</p> + +<p>There was no reply, and getting down on their +knees, the three boys raised Link Merwell up and +turned him over. He was unconscious, and the +blood was flowing from a cut on his left temple.</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep202" id="imagep202"></a> +<a href="images/imagep202.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep202.jpg" width="45%" alt="You just said that I was not Dave Porter" /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%;">"<span class="smcap">You just said that I was not Dave Porter," remarked our +hero. "What do you mean by that?"</span>—<i>Page 201.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>"He came down pretty hard, I imagine," said +Dave. "Let us carry him down to the brook."</p> + +<p>Not without some difficulty, the three lads +raised the unconscious form and carried it toward +the brook, meeting the other boys on the way.</p> + +<p>"Hello! what did you do; sock him one?" +queried Luke.</p> + +<p>"No, he fell, and as he couldn't use his hands +he hit his head on a tree root," answered Dave. +"Get a little water, somebody, and we'll see if we +can revive him."</p> + +<p>The water was soon brought, and with this they +washed off the wound, after which they bound up +Link Merwell's head with several handkerchiefs. +The sufferer groaned and gasped several times, +and finally opened and closed his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Say, he may be hurt worse than we think," +remarked Roger, gravely.</p> + +<p>"I guess he ought to have a doctor," added +Dave. "But where to get one around here I +don't know. I don't believe there is one at +Carpen Falls."</p> + +<p>"I know there isn't, because I heard my mother +asking about it," added Ben. "But I think we +ought to get him down to the bungalows."</p> + +<p>All of the boys were agreed that this was the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>best thing to do, and so, after putting up their fishing +outfit, they began the return to the lake shore, +taking turns at carrying the unconscious youth.</p> + +<p>"O dear! who is hurt?" cried Laura, as she +saw the party approaching.</p> + +<p>"It's Link Merwell," answered her brother. +"Call Mr. Wadsworth; will you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave! so you've caught him; have you?" +cried Jessie, while Laura ran off on her errand. +"Did you have a fight?"</p> + +<p>"Not much of a one, Jessie. He got hurt +through a fall."</p> + +<p>"What a very foolish boy he has been!" was +Belle's comment. "But I think his father is +partly to blame. He always allowed Link to do +as he pleased on the ranch, and when Link went +to the city he always gave him more spending +money than was good for him, at least, so my +father said."</p> + +<p>"It was up to Link to do the square thing on +his own account," broke in Roger. "He had all +the chance in the world to make a man of himself. +But he preferred the company of fellows like +Jasniff. And this is the result."</p> + +<p>Mr. Wadsworth was in his bungalow writing a +letter. He was surprised and gratified at the +news brought by Laura, and quickly followed her +outside. A little later Mrs. Wadsworth and +Mrs. Basswood joined the group. The boys had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>unbound Link, and now they placed him on a +large hammock with a comfortable pillow under +his head. As the jewelry manufacturer approached, +the sufferer opened his eyes and then +struggled to sit up.</p> + +<p>"Hello! I guess he isn't hurt as much as we +thought," remarked Shadow, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"Maybe he's only playing 'possum," was +Luke's comment.</p> + +<p>"No, he was hurt, that's sure; the cut on his +forehead shows it," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Well, Merwell, so they have caught you; +have they?" began Mr. Wadsworth, as he +stepped up in front of the youth. "I thought we +would get you sooner or later."</p> + +<p>"I—I can't talk to you no-now," faltered the +prisoner.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it will be necessary to do much +talking, Merwell," went on the jewelry manufacturer. +"We can do our talking later—possibly +in the police court."</p> + +<p>"All right, have your own way about it," +growled the prisoner. "You've got me and I'm +down and out, so you can do your worst." And +with this he rolled over on the hammock once +more and again closed his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Talk about nerve!" whispered Ben. +"Doesn't that take the cake!"</p> + +<p>"I'd like to know whether he is really hurt so +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>much, or only shamming," added Phil. "He always +was a sly one."</p> + +<p>"Tell me how you came to capture him," said +Mr. Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>Thereupon Dave and Phil related how they had +gone up the brook to the vicinity of the cliff, and +there heard the words between Link and the so-called +wild man.</p> + +<p>"O dear! is that awful creature around here +again?" cried Jessie.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Dave. "And I wish he +would keep away."</p> + +<p>Then Dave and Phil related how Link Merwell +had plunged over the cliff and had been made a +prisoner, and then how, later on, he had tried to +escape, struck his head on the tree root, and how +all of the boys had brought him to the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"I am glad he didn't get away from you," said +Oliver Wadsworth. "I think he ought to be in +prison to keep Jasniff company."</p> + +<p>"How will you get him to jail?" questioned +Phil.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what we can do except to march +him down to Carpen Falls. But we can't do that +to-day, for he seems too weak. Perhaps we can +take him down there to-morrow, or else some of +us can go down and get an officer to come up here +and take charge of him."</p> + +<p>The matter was talked over at some length, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>it was finally decided that nothing more should be +done that day. Link Merwell did not join in the +discussion, nor even open his eyes to look at them. +But by close observation, Dave became satisfied +that the prisoner was listening intently to every +word that was said.</p> + +<p>"What will you do with him to-night?" asked +Roger.</p> + +<p>"We might lock him up in one of the rooms in +the bungalow," suggested Dave.</p> + +<p>"I don't think we'll give up one of our rooms +to that fellow!" put in Mr. Wadsworth. "I +think a bunk in the woodshed will be plenty good +enough for him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Pa, wouldn't that be rather hard on +him?" questioned Jessie, who did not want to see +even a rascal like Merwell suffer physical discomfort.</p> + +<p>"I dare say he has been putting up with worse +than that in the woods here and while he was on +Cave Island and in the far West," returned her +father. "We'll place an old couch and some +blankets in a corner of the shed, and that will be +plenty good enough for him."</p> + +<p>"But somebody will have to watch him," answered +Dave. "I'll do it if you want me to."</p> + +<p>"That wouldn't be quite fair, Dave," broke in +Phil. "If he has got to be watched, let us take +turns at doing it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>"We might bind him fast to the cot," suggested +Mr. Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"He's so slick I'd be afraid to risk that," answered +Dave. "I'll not mind staying up watching +him."</p> + +<p>"Let us all take a hand at it," broke in Ben. +"Every fellow can go on guard-duty for two +hours, and call the next fellow." And so, after a +little discussion, the matter was arranged.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I'm not to have anything to eat?" +grumbled Link Merwell, a little later, when they +were arranging to place him in the woodshed, +which was a small lean-to of the Wadsworth +bungalow. This place was used for the storage +of firewood, but just now was almost empty.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, we'll see to it that you get something +to eat," answered Mrs. Wadsworth, quickly.</p> + +<p>"I haven't had a square meal for twenty-four +hours," went on the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Give him all he wants, but nothing fancy," +said Mr. Wadsworth. "He deserves nothing but +the plainest kind of victuals."</p> + +<p>"Where have you kept yourself since you ran +away from Mr. Appleby's camp?" questioned +Phil, curiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I just roamed around in the woods," was +the somewhat sullen answer.</p> + +<p>"Did you meet that wild man more than +once?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>"No. If it hadn't been for that fellow, whoever +he is, you wouldn't have caught me," added +Link, bitterly.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what the Pooles will do when Mr. +Basswood tells them what we think, that it is Mr. +Wilbur Poole," came from Dave. "Perhaps +they will send some of the sanitarium authorities +up to try to catch him."</p> + +<p>"I hope they do catch him!" came from Jessie. +"I'll never feel safe as long as that man is at +large."</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h2>THE ESCAPE</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Mr. Dunston Porter had been down to Carpen +Falls for a walk and to get the mail. He returned +late that evening, bringing several letters +with him. He was of course much surprised to +learn of the capture of Link Merwell, and listened +with interest to the details concerning the affair.</p> + +<p>Among the letters which his uncle had brought +along was one for Dave, which he read with deep +interest. It was from Nat Poole, who evidently +had not yet heard anything regarding his missing +uncle.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I want to tell you of what has happened here +lately," (wrote Nat). "I have received two +visits from a young fellow named Ward Porton, +who is, I believe, a moving-picture actor, and the +same fellow that you helped to rescue from a burning +steam yacht. This fellow was in town once +with Link Merwell, and then came here alone. +He has been visiting a number of people who are +well acquainted with you, and also visited the +poorhouse here and talked to several of those in +authority, and those who used to have the running +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>of the poorhouse years ago, when you were an +inmate there. This Ward Porton acted as if he +had something of great importance on his mind, +but what it was he would not tell, but he did let +slip that it was something concerning you—that +there was a big surprise in store for you. He also +let slip that he, too, had been in a poorhouse when +he was a little boy, and that he had never been +able to learn where he had really come from.</p> + +<p>"I am writing this to put you on your guard +in case he should show himself either at your camp +or at the Wadsworth mansion after your return. +I must confess that I don't like the fellow's manner, +and I rather surmise he is laying pipes to play +you some trick."</p></div> + +<p>Dave read this letter over several times, and +was much perplexed. He had not forgotten what +Link Merwell had said to him shortly after being +captured, nor had he forgotten the fact that he +had seen Link and Ward Porton in Crumville at +the old Potts farm.</p> + +<p>"Those fellows are certainly up to something," +our hero told himself. "Link said that I was not +Dave Porter. Now, what did he mean by that? +Those fellows must be hatching up some plot +against me."</p> + +<p>"Dave, you look rather worried," remarked +Phil, as he caught the youth reading the communication +for the third time. "No bad news I +hope?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>"I can't tell whether it is or not, Phil," was the +reply. And Dave handed the letter to his chum.</p> + +<p>"Phew! This looks like a mystery," was the +comment of the shipowner's son. "Dave, do +you think this had anything to do with what Link +Merwell said when we caught him—that you +were not Dave Porter?"</p> + +<p>"That's the way it looks to me, Phil."</p> + +<p>"But that's rank nonsense. We all know you +are Dave Porter."</p> + +<p>"Well, I've always thought I was Dave Porter, +ever since I met my Uncle Dunston out in those +South Sea Islands."</p> + +<p>"Why of course you are! Don't you look just +like your Uncle Dunston? This is some game, +Dave."</p> + +<p>"I think so myself."</p> + +<p>"What are you fellows confabbing about?" +asked Roger, walking up.</p> + +<p>"We're talking about a letter I just received," +answered Dave. And then the senator's son also +read the communication.</p> + +<p>"Say, this is a mystery and no mistake!" was +Roger's comment. "And so Nat thinks that +Ward Porton is mixed up in it, eh? That is +strange."</p> + +<p>"What do you suppose he has to do with it, +Roger?" questioned Phil.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>"I am sure I don't know. But come to think +of it, he did look like——" And then Roger +broke off in confusion.</p> + +<p>"Look like what, Roger?" asked Dave, +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, never mind, Dave, let's drop the subject +and talk about what we are going to do with Link +Merwell."</p> + +<p>"I think I know what you were going to say," +went on our hero, and he tried to speak calmly although +his heart gave a sudden jump. "You +were going to say that Ward Porton looked +like my Uncle Dunston and like me."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you must know it, Dave, that is what +did come into my mind. I don't think he resembles +you quite as much as he resembles your +uncle, to be really honest."</p> + +<p>"Oh, say, Roger, drop that!" interposed Phil, +hastily. "I think Dave looks a good deal +more like his uncle than Porton looks like Mr. +Porter."</p> + +<p>"It's a queer mystery, that's certain," returned +Dave, slowly. "I don't like it, I must say," and +his face showed more concern than it had for a +long while.</p> + +<p>"Don't you take this too seriously, Dave!" +cried Roger. "I believe at the most it's only +some game gotten up by Link Merwell. Now +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>that we have him a prisoner and can send him to +jail for that robbery, more than likely you won't +hear anything further about it."</p> + +<p>"I sincerely hope you speak the truth," was +our hero's sober reply.</p> + +<p>After a plain but substantial meal, Link Merwell +was taken to the woodshed and told he would +have to remain there until morning. Then the +boys cast lots to find out who should go on guard +first.</p> + +<p>"I'm number one," announced Phil, after drawing +one of a number of slips of paper placed in a +cap.</p> + +<p>"And I follow you," announced Luke.</p> + +<p>"I'm guard number three," came from Ben, and +the other boys announced what slips they had +drawn.</p> + +<p>Usually the woodshed was dark, but now a lantern +had been hung on a nail to illuminate the +place. There were two doors, one connecting +with the bungalow proper, and the other leading +into the backyard of the place. There was also +a small window, over which in times past several +stout wooden bars had been nailed to keep out +prowling wild animals.</p> + +<p>"Think I'll run away, eh?" remarked Link +Merwell, as he sat down on the couch which had +been placed in the woodshed.</p> + +<p>"You'll not get the chance," returned Phil, who +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>had armed himself with one of the double-barreled +shotguns. "If you try to get away, Link, you'll +get a dose of shot in you, just as sure as fate."</p> + +<p>"Humph! I don't think I'll want to run +away," grumbled the prisoner. "There is no +place to run to in this forsaken section of the country. +What you folks can find here to make it +pleasant is a mystery to me."</p> + +<p>The door leading to the outside had been closed +and bolted. The other door leading to the bungalow +proper was left open for ventilation, and Phil +sat on a low stool beside it, with the shotgun across +his knees.</p> + +<p>"Are you quite sure you can manage him, +Phil?" questioned Mr. Wadsworth, as he came +to the doorway after the others in both bungalows +had retired.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can manage him easily enough," returned +the shipowner's son. "I've got this, you +see," and he tapped the shotgun suggestively.</p> + +<p>"Well, don't have any shooting unless it becomes +absolutely necessary," answered the jewelry +manufacturer; and then he, too, retired.</p> + +<p>For a short while Link Merwell lay down on the +couch and turned over as if to go to sleep. But he +was restless, and presently, when all was quiet, he +turned over again and sat up.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do with me when you +get me to Carpen Falls?" he questioned.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>"We are going to hand you over to the authorities."</p> + +<p>"Is Dave Porter going along to the Falls?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that. That's for Mr. +Wadsworth to say," answered Phil. "By the +way," he continued, "what did you mean by telling +Dave that he was not Dave Porter?"</p> + +<p>"Never you mind, you'll find out soon enough," +grumbled the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Very well, Link, if you don't want to tell me +you don't have to. Just the same, if you are trying +to hatch out some plot against Dave, I warn +you to be careful. He has stood about as much +as he intends to stand."</p> + +<p>"This is no plot; this is something real," +grumbled Link Merwell. "Just you wait, that's +all," and then he lay down on the couch once more +and pretended to go to sleep.</p> + +<p>At the proper time Luke came to relieve Phil, +and was followed by Ben, and then by Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Say, it's cold to-night," remarked the former +story-teller of Oak Hall, as he took the shotgun +and sat down on the stool. "If this weather +keeps on, before long we'll have frost up here, +and we'll all be thinking of going home."</p> + +<p>"Better put on an extra coat; here is one," answered +Ben, and passed the garment over. Then +he returned to the other bungalow, for he was +tired.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>Shadow had expected to have quite a talk with +the prisoner, but in this he was disappointed, for +Link appeared to be asleep, and he did not have +the heart to awaken the prisoner. He sat on the +stool, thinking over several of the stories he had +told from time to time, and trying to invent one or +two new ones.</p> + +<p>In the midst of his revery a sound from outside +startled him. It was the hooting of an owl, and +so close that the mournful sound made Shadow +shiver.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to shoot that owl," he told himself, as +the hooting continued. "If I brought him down I +could have him stuffed," he thought, with some +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>Shadow looked at the motionless form on the +couch, and then arising from the stool, tiptoed his +way into the big living-room of the bungalow. +One of the windows was wide open, and he looked +out of this to see if he could locate the owl. The +hooting was now closer than before and seemed to +come from a tree not twenty-five feet away.</p> + +<p>"Say, there's a chance for a shot," murmured +the youth to himself. "If I could only spot that +owl I'm sure I could——"</p> + +<p>Thump! Shadow received a staggering blow +in the back of the neck, and then felt himself +hurled to one side, while the shotgun was wrenched +from his grasp. Then, before he could recover +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>from his astonishment, a figure leaped through +the open window and dashed across the moonlit +dooryard.</p> + +<p>"Hi! Stop!" yelled Shadow, as soon as he +could recover his breath. "Stop! Help!"</p> + +<p>"What's the racket?" The cry came from +Roger, and then he and Dave burst into the room, +followed by Phil.</p> + +<p>"Merwell! He's escaped! He got the gun +away from me, and jumped through the window!" +panted poor Shadow. "Oh, what a fool I was to +think he was asleep!"</p> + +<p>"Where did he go?" questioned Dave, and at +the same time bounded back into the bedroom, to +don his shoes and part of his clothing.</p> + +<p>"He jumped out of the window with the gun. +That's all I know about it," answered Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you have a fight?" questioned Phil.</p> + +<p>"No, I came to the window to look at an owl +that was hooting around here. Link came behind +me and gave me a fierce crack in the neck. Then +he grabbed the gun and went through the window +like a flash. And I thought he was asleep!"</p> + +<p>By this time Dave had returned, partly dressed, +and catching up another one of the fowling pieces +in the bungalow he, too, leaped through the window, +followed by Shadow. A few seconds later +the other boys joined them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>"Have you any idea which way he went?" +questioned our hero.</p> + +<p>"I don't know exactly, Dave, but I think he +went that way," and the former story-teller of Oak +Hall pointed with his hand.</p> + +<p>"Let's scatter a little," ordered Dave, and +while he passed in the direction pointed out, the +other boys separated to both sides of him. All +advanced to the edge of the woods and there came +to a halt. While the moon made it fairly bright +in the open space surrounding the bungalows, beneath +the trees it was dark, and consequently little +could be seen.</p> + +<p>"Might as well look for a pin in a haystack," +grumbled Roger. "If he got into these woods it's +good-bye to him. We might search all night and +not get a trace of the rascal."</p> + +<p>"I guess you're right, Roger," answered Dave, +"but let's search around a little anyway."</p> + +<p>Long before this the alarm had become general, +and now Dunston Porter and Mr. Wadsworth +appeared, followed shortly by Mrs. Wadsworth +and Mrs. Basswood and the girls.</p> + +<p>"Let us take the flashlights and lanterns and see +if we can't get on the track of him," ordered the +jewelry manufacturer. "We must capture him if +it is possible to do so."</p> + +<p>And then the search began in earnest.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h2>MORE OF A MYSTERY</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Did you see anything of him?"</p> + +<p>"Not a thing. Did you?"</p> + +<p>"I saw something move under the trees, but I +guess it was a wild animal."</p> + +<p>"He's gotten away, and that is all there is to +it," said Dave, as he looked at his chums and at +the men, who had also joined in the search for +Link Merwell.</p> + +<p>"This is certainly too bad!" remarked Mr. +Wadsworth, with a shake of his head.</p> + +<p>"And it was all my fault!" broke out Shadow, +bitterly. "Oh, I could kick myself full of holes +every time I think of it!"</p> + +<p>Over an hour had been spent in the woods surrounding +the clearing on Mirror Lake. During +that time the men and the boys had stirred up several +small wild animals, but that had been all.</p> + +<p>"He must have legged it for all he was worth +after he jumped through the window," was Roger's +comment. "For all we know he may be miles +away from here by now."</p> + +<p>"If he ran straight into those woods it was a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>hazardous proceeding," said Dunston Porter. +"He'll become hopelessly lost in the darkness, and +when daylight comes he won't know how to turn +to get out."</p> + +<p>"Oh, perhaps he'll climb a tree and locate his +surroundings that way," suggested Dave. "You +must remember that Link isn't like a city fellow. +He was brought up in the wild West, and knows +how to do for himself in the open."</p> + +<p>"We may as well give up the hunt," said Mr. +Wadsworth, and turned toward Bear Camp, followed +by the others.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, did you catch him?" The cry +came from Jessie, who stood on the porch with the +others, awaiting their return.</p> + +<p>"No, he got away."</p> + +<p>"That's too bad!"</p> + +<p>"You should have kept him bound, Dave," said +Laura.</p> + +<p>"That's it, Dave," added Belle. "In the West +they would tie a rascal like Link fast to a tree with +a lariat. If you secured him properly he would +stay there until you freed him."</p> + +<p>"Well, there is no use in crying over spilt milk," +remarked Mrs. Basswood. "I suppose we may +as well go to bed again." And on this the others +agreed.</p> + +<p>Several days, including Sunday, passed, and +nothing more was seen or heard of Link Merwell +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>or Ward Porton. During that time the young +folks went out on the lake several times, and also +went fishing. Swimming was mentioned, but as +the weather was getting colder rapidly, only Dave +and Phil went in for a plunge. One day they +planned to visit the moving-picture people, but it +rained and they did not go.</p> + +<p>"It will soon be time for hunting," announced +Roger. "I hope we do get a chance to bring +down something before we have to go back."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'd like to have a crack at a deer, myself," +answered Dave, who had not forgotten the +sport he had had on Squirrel Island and at other +places in the vicinity of Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with a crack at a bear?" +interposed Phil. "A great big shaggy fellow that +would weigh eight hundred or a thousand pounds."</p> + +<p>"Say, Phil, you don't want much in life!" cried +Ben. "Why don't you make it a two-thousand-pound +bear while you are at it?"</p> + +<p>"Say, speaking about heavy bears puts me in +mind of a story I heard!" cried Shadow, his face +lighting up for the first time since the escape of +Link Merwell. "This yarn was told by an old +western hunter and trapper, and he said it was +strictly true. He said he was out on the ranges +one day when he found himself suddenly pursued +by three Modoc Indians. He shot at them several +times without hitting anybody, and then, to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>his consternation, he found that his ammunition +had given out. He legged it up a mountain-side, +and the three Modocs came after him, yelling to +beat the band. Just as they were following him +up the steep trail, he saw a monstrous bear come +plunging out from a thicket near by. He was so +upset that he hardly knew what to do, but he +grabbed up a big rock and sent it at the bear. It +struck the monstrous animal on the head and +keeled him over, and the bear rolled down the +steep mountain-side, and knocked over the three +Modoc Indians, smashing every one of them."</p> + +<p>"Wow! That's some bear story!" exclaimed +Luke.</p> + +<p>"Shadow, how could you bear to tell such a +story?" asked Dave, reproachfully.</p> + +<p>"That knocks out all the dime novels ever written," +said Ben.</p> + +<p>"Why, Ben! do you mean to say you have read +them all?" cried our hero, in pretended surprise.</p> + +<p>"All? I don't read any of them!" snorted +Ben. "Just the same, that's the biggest whopper +I ever heard."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not vouching for the story," interposed +Shadow, dryly, "I'm just telling it as it was +told to me."</p> + +<p>"Speaking about being frightened by a bear puts +me in mind that it's queer we haven't seen or heard +anything more of that wild man," remarked Roger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>"We don't want to see or hear anything more +of him!" burst out Laura. "One scare was +enough."</p> + +<p>"It's queer that the Pooles don't send some one +up here to look for him," remarked Jessie. "If +he were my uncle I certainly wouldn't want him to +be roaming around in the woods that way."</p> + +<p>"If he is just roaming around I wonder how he +manages to live," said Dave. "And where does +he get all that outlandish outfit?"</p> + +<p>"He must have some sort of a habitation here," +returned Phil. "Maybe he has taken possession +of some bungalow or cabin that was locked up. +If he has, won't the owners of the place be mad +when they find it out, especially if he is using their +things!"</p> + +<p>"I wonder if we couldn't go up to that cliff and +track him in some way from there?" said Phil. +"He may have left some sort of trail behind him. +Unless he follows some kind of paths through the +woods he would be apt to get lost, just like anybody +else."</p> + +<p>"If he really is Wilbur Poole, I'd like to capture +him and send him back to the sanitarium; +where he belongs," remarked Roger. "I think +Nat would like us to do it."</p> + +<p>"What do you say about starting on a regular +hunt to-morrow?" asked Dave. "We might go +out directly after breakfast and carry our lunch +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>with us. Who knows but what in looking for the +wild man we might run across some trace of Link +Merwell."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, you mustn't get into any trouble!" +cried Jessie, hastily.</p> + +<p>"If we go out we'll go armed and be on our +guard," he replied.</p> + +<p>The matter was talked over for some time, and +at last it was decided that the boys should start out +in a body directly after breakfast the following +morning, provided it remained clear. They were +to carry a shotgun and a rifle, and also a substantial +lunch, and were not to return to Bear Camp until +evening.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to go on such a tramp myself," announced +Belle. "It would be lots of fun climbing +over the rocks and up the mountains."</p> + +<p>"I think you girls had better remain around the +bungalows," said Mrs. Wadsworth. "You can +go out some other time, when the boys are not +looking for that wild man and Link Merwell."</p> + +<p>During the past few days those at Bear Camp +had seen but little of the moving-picture company. +That afternoon the old hunter, Tad Rason, +stopped at the dock in his rowboat, and made the +announcement that the company had gone to the +other end of the lake, to take pictures for several +more dramas.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Appleby wanted me to tell you that that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>young feller, Ward Porton, ain't goin' to be with +'em no more," announced Tad Rason to Dave. +"He says the young feller writ a letter sayin' that +he was on the track of his parentage, and he +guessed as how he'd have plenty of money of his +own when he could prove who he was."</p> + +<p>This announcement was of great interest to +Dave, and he immediately questioned Tad Rason, +to learn if the old hunter knew anything further. +But that was all Rason could tell. He even did +not know how long Ward Porton had remained +with the moving-picture company after his arrival +in the Adirondacks.</p> + +<p>"The huntin' season will be openin' to-morrow," +announced Tad Rason, in reply to a question +from Phil. "I'm bound down the lake now to +meet a party of hunters comin' from Albany. I +take 'em out every season, actin' as guide."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps we'll get you to go out with us some +day," said Roger.</p> + +<p>"All right, boys. I'll be glad to go, if I ain't +got any job with them other fellows," announced +the old hunter.</p> + +<p>Although he was not willing to admit it to the +others, Dave was greatly worried over the news +brought by Tad Rason. Coupling it with what he +had heard from Link Merwell and Nat Poole, he +could reach but one conclusion, which was that in +some way Ward Porton was going to try to prove +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>that the boy from the Crumville poorhouse was +not the real Dave Porter.</p> + +<p>"Maybe he'll come along with a story that he +is the real Dave," thought our hero, bitterly. +"He said he was raised in a poorhouse, just like +myself, but he also said it was away down East +and not anywhere near the vicinity of Crumville. +How he is going to get around that is beyond me. +I don't think he'll be able to make anybody believe +his story. Just the same, I wish this thing hadn't +come up. I'd like to forget those poorhouse days +entirely." And at the remembrance of those bitter +times, Dave sighed deeply.</p> + +<p>"Dave, you look awfully worried," said Jessie, +that evening when the boys were getting ready for +their next day's tramp. "What is the trouble?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, it isn't much," he answered, evasively. +"I was just thinking over what Link Merwell +said."</p> + +<p>"Dave, don't let him worry you so!" cried the +girl, sympathetically. "He is a bad boy, and +everybody knows it."</p> + +<p>"But he said some things that I don't like at +all, Jessie. I don't like him to call me a poorhouse +nobody."</p> + +<p>"Dave, don't you mind him! I don't care if +you did come from the poorhouse. I think just as +much of you anyway," and Jessie's eyes showed her +earnestness.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>"It's splendid of you to say that," he returned, +in a low tone, and catching both her hands, he +squeezed them tightly. "It's a grand good thing +to have somebody who believes in you."</p> + +<p>Early in the evening there was a slight shower, +and some of the boys thought they were in for a +steady rain. But soon the clouds passed, and the +moon and stars came out as brightly as ever.</p> + +<p>"A perfect day!" announced Roger, on arising +the next morning. "Just cool enough to make +mountain climbing a pleasure."</p> + +<p>The servants had an early breakfast ready for +the boys, and by the time the girls and the others +appeared they had partaken of the repast and were +ready to depart. Dave carried the rifle and Roger +the shotgun, while the others were loaded down +with several knapsacks of provisions and some +extra wraps and a blanket or two.</p> + +<p>"You want to take plenty of things with you," +Dunston Porter had cautioned them. "You may +get farther away from home than you anticipate, +and may have to stay out all night."</p> + +<p>"That's true, Uncle Dunston," Dave had answered. +"And that being so, if we don't turn up +at a reasonable hour, don't worry about us."</p> + +<p>"But what will you do if you capture that wild +man?" asked Mrs. Basswood.</p> + +<p>"If it's Wilbur Poole, we'll make him a prisoner +and bring him with us," announced Dave.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>"Well, good luck to you!" cried Dunston Porter, +as the boys prepared to leave. "Remember +the hunting season opens to-day, so if you get a +chance at any game don't let it slip you."</p> + +<p>"Trust us for that, Uncle Dunston!" cried +Dave.</p> + +<p>With shouts of good-bye, the boys turned away +from the bungalows, and a few minutes later disappeared +along the path running beside the brook.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h2>SHOOTING A WILDCAT</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Less than half an hour later, the boys found +themselves at the top of the cliff where Dave and +Phil had seen the encounter between Link +Merwell and the so-called wild man. A brief look +around convinced them that the locality was deserted.</p> + +<p>"Now to find the wild man's trail, if he left +one," announced Dave, and the boys scattered in +several directions, looking at the ground and the +brushwood with great care.</p> + +<p>"If we only had one of those Reservation Indians +with us, he might help us pick up the trail," +declared Roger. "As it is, I must confess I'm not +much of a trail-finder."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't give up so soon," returned Dave. +"Remember we have the whole day before us."</p> + +<p>Presently Ben and Luke, who had turned southward +on the cliff, let out a shout.</p> + +<p>"Here is something of a trail," announced Ben, +when the others came hurrying in that direction, +and he pointed to footprints which led through +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>some soft soil between a number of low bushes. A +little further on they could see where somebody's +shoes or boots had carried some of the mud up on +to the rocks beyond.</p> + +<p>"That certainly does look like a trail," declared +Dave. "Let us follow it up a bit, and see where +it leads to."</p> + +<p>This was considered good advice, and soon, led +by our hero, the whole party was moving through +the brushwood and over the rocks. Then they +came once again to the woods, and here discovered +a well-defined trail running southwestward.</p> + +<p>"This may be an animal trail for all we know," +remarked Shadow. "For my part, I can't tell +one kind of trail from another."</p> + +<p>"It's quite likely that a fellow like that wild man +would use any trail he came across, and so would +anybody else trying to move around in a wilderness +like this," answered Dave. "I don't think it will +do any harm to follow it for some distance."</p> + +<p>"Better keep your eyes open, Dave," cautioned +Phil. "It may lead us into danger."</p> + +<p>"I've got my eyes wide open, and I've got the +rifle handy, too," answered our hero, as he once +more led the march forward.</p> + +<p>The trail was very narrow in places, so that they +had to walk in single file. It made a long curve +through the forest, and then came out in a little +clearing, backed up by a series of jagged rocks. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>Here there was a small stream, and behind it a +spring of pure, cold water.</p> + +<p>"It looks to me as if the animals used this trail +when they wanted a drink," was Luke's comment. +"That water looks pretty good to me," and bending +down, he took a deep draught. "It's fine," +he went on; "try it!"</p> + +<p>The others did as requested, and agreed with +Luke that the water was as good as any they had +ever tasted. Then began more searching, and before +long they found another trail, this time veering +to the westward.</p> + +<p>The boys pushed forward once again, Dave still +in the lead; and thus a half mile more was covered. +Then they found themselves between a number of +rocks where, presently, the trail seemed to lose itself.</p> + +<p>"Say, Dave, we don't seem to be getting anywhere," +announced Phil, as having climbed over +several very rough rocks, he stopped to regain his +breath.</p> + +<p>"That's right!" broke in Luke. "And say, +we had better go slow unless somebody wants to +sprain an ankle. This is the roughest ground I +ever tried to get over."</p> + +<p>"It is easier walking just ahead," announced +Dave, who now stood on the top of one of the +rocks, gazing forward. "Come on! I think I +see the trail too," and he made a leap from one +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>rock to another and was soon some distance in advance.</p> + +<p>The rough rocks left behind, the boys came out +on a trail which seemed to come from the north +and lead directly up a steep hillside well covered +with tall trees. Here the shade was very thick, +and the slight breeze that was stirring made the +atmosphere decidedly cool.</p> + +<p>"Wonder what time it is?" remarked Luke, +and drew out his watch as he spoke. "Well, I +never! Only ten o'clock! I thought it must be +about noon!"</p> + +<p>"Getting hungry already?" laughed Dave. +"If you are, we might stop for a bite."</p> + +<p>"That's it! let's have a bite to eat, and rest at +the same time," cried Phil. "We brought plenty +of lunch along—enough for several meals."</p> + +<p>The boys sat in a sort of circle on some rocks +and a fallen tree, and while thus resting partook +of a light lunch from one of the knapsacks. Then +they moved forward, up the hillside, and presently +found themselves on the top of the rise.</p> + +<p>"Here is quite a view!" announced Shadow, +and they spent a little time in taking in the panorama +spread before them. On one side they +could see Mirror Lake, and on the other the +nearby mountains and also a faraway wagon-road, +which they rightly guessed was that running to Carpen +Falls and the villages beyond.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>"See anything worth looking at outside of the +scenery?" questioned Roger of our hero.</p> + +<p>"I see some smoke down in yonder hollow," announced +Dave. "That must come either from +some campfire or else from some cabin, and +whether it is from a campfire or a cabin it means +that some human being must be there."</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Dave! And that human being +may be that wild man, or Link Merwell," answered +Ben, quickly.</p> + +<p>"How far do you think it is to that smoke?" +asked Phil.</p> + +<p>Various guesses were made, and the consensus +of opinion was that the smoke was not over half a +mile distant.</p> + +<p>"Let us take the trail leading off in that direction," +said Dave, and a few minutes later the boys +struck out once more.</p> + +<p>Much to their surprise, getting down into the +hollow between the hills and the nearby mountain +was by no means as easy as they had anticipated. +The way proved exceedingly rough, and more than +once one or another of them was in danger of a +serious tumble. As it was, Shadow slipped on the +rocks and scraped his hands in several places. +Then Luke gave a grunt, announcing that he had +barked his left shin.</p> + +<p>Dave was still in advance, and now he made a +leap from a rock into some low brushwood. As +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>he did this there came a sudden cry and a snarl, +followed by the movement of some body through +the brushwood a short distance ahead.</p> + +<p>"Hello! what was that?" cried Phil, who was +nearest to our hero.</p> + +<p>"I didn't get a very good view of it, Phil," answered +Dave, who now had his rifle ready for +use, "but unless I was much mistaken, it was a +wildcat."</p> + +<p>"A wildcat! Great Cæsar! We don't want +to run into any such beast as that, Dave."</p> + +<p>"Did you see a wildcat? Where is it?" demanded +Roger, quickly, as he, too, reached Dave's +side.</p> + +<p>"It went off in that direction," answered Dave, +pointing with the barrel of his rifle. "See! +There it is!"</p> + +<p>As Dave uttered the last words, Roger and Phil +saw a small, tawny-colored body creep out of some +distant bushes and make a leap onto a flat rock. +The beast was indeed a wildcat, and as it came +from cover it swung around for a brief instant to +gaze savagely at the boys. Then it crouched low, +preparatory to making a leap to another rock +higher up.</p> + +<p>Crack! It was Dave's rifle that rang out. And +following the report the wildcat was seen to leap +into the air and then fall back on the rock, where it +whirled over and over several times.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>"You hit it, Dave!" yelled Phil and Roger, +simultaneously.</p> + +<p>"What did you shoot at?" called out Ben, as +he came plunging forward, followed by Luke and +Shadow.</p> + +<p>"A wildcat! See, there it is on the rocks!" +cried Roger.</p> + +<p>"A wildcat! I didn't know there were any left +around here," returned Ben, and then he added, +quickly: "There it goes! You didn't kill it +after all, Dave."</p> + +<p>As Ben spoke, the wildcat gave another whirl on +the rock, and then slipped off through the bushes +out of sight of the boys.</p> + +<p>"I'll give him a shot from my gun if he needs +it," announced Roger, as he hurried forward.</p> + +<p>"Be careful that he doesn't get at you first!" +cried Dave, warningly. "If he's only slightly +wounded he'll be a dangerous customer to tackle."</p> + +<p>The other boys followed Roger, and, having reloaded +his weapon, Dave followed suit. Soon all +were standing close to the flat rock where the wildcat +had been hit.</p> + +<p>"Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't see him anywhere."</p> + +<p>"Be careful, he may land on you before you +know it!"</p> + +<p>"There! There! Look yonder!" The last +cry came from Luke, and at his words all turned +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>quickly, to see the wildcat crouch between two +trees growing close to the rocks. With a snarl, +the beast leaped out toward them, the blood flowing +from a wound along one forequarter.</p> + +<p>Roger had the shotgun ready, and without taking +time to bring the weapon to his shoulder, he +pulled the trigger.</p> + +<p>Bang! went the piece, and then, with a final leap, +the wildcat sprang toward the boys, only to drop +dead at their feet.</p> + +<p>"Good! That's the way to do it!" cried Phil, +enthusiastically. "That wildcat won't bother us +any more."</p> + +<p>"Dave hit him in the forequarter," announced +Roger, after an examination of the dead animal. +"More than likely the beast would have died from +that wound."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that," returned our hero; +modestly. "You are the one who settled him. +That was a fine shot, Roger. It couldn't have +been better." And on this the others agreed.</p> + +<p>As no one cared to take the trouble to skin the +wildcat, the beast was left where it had fallen, and +the boys once more took their way along the trail +leading to the spot where they had seen the smoke. +Soon the trail made another turn, and then came +out on a path which was wider and showed considerable +usage.</p> + +<p>"Here are footprints," said Ben, pointing to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>them. "I believe we are getting close to some +sort of a house or cabin."</p> + +<p>A few minutes later the broad path they had discovered +made another turn, and then in the distance +they saw a neat log cabin, located on the bank +of a small mountain torrent. From the chimney +of the cabin a thin wreath of smoke was curling.</p> + +<p>"That's the smoke we must have seen," announced +Dave. "Now the question is: Who +lives there?"</p> + +<p>"And how will they take our arrival," added +Phil.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute!" ordered Dave, and put out +his hand to stop his chums from advancing. He +had seen a man come limping from the mountain +torrent with a bucket of water in his hand. Now +the man stopped in front of the door to the cabin +as if to look around before entering.</p> + +<p>"Well, that isn't the wild man; that's sure! +And it isn't Link Merwell, either," announced +Roger.</p> + +<p>"Say, I've seen that man before!" cried Phil, +in sudden excitement.</p> + +<p>"You have, Phil?" questioned Dave. "Who +is he?"</p> + +<p>"Who is he? Unless I am greatly mistaken, +that is my missing uncle, Lester Lawrence!"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h2>THE MAN AT THE CABIN</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"That man is your uncle?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean the man who disappeared so +mysteriously after that robbery?"</p> + +<p>"That's the man." Phil's manner showed increased +excitement. "Isn't this the strangest +thing that ever happened? To think of my running +across my uncle in this out-of-the-way place!"</p> + +<p>"You want to make sure that he is your uncle +first," warned Dave. "Perhaps he is only somebody +who looks like your relative, the same as that +Ward Porton resembles me," added our hero, with +a grim smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am sure that man is my uncle," declared +the shipowner's son.</p> + +<p>"Do you think he is the same fellow we saw before—the +wild man?" queried Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't know as to that. Maybe he is," and +Phil's face now showed worriment. "I do hope +my uncle hasn't lost his mind!"</p> + +<p>"Well, he might do that because of his +troubles," was Shadow's comment. "It was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>trouble that affected Wilbur Poole, if you'll remember."</p> + +<p>During the course of this conversation, the boys +had withdrawn to the shelter of some trees and +brushwood. In the meantime the man with the +bucket of water had disappeared within the cabin.</p> + +<p>"I noticed he limped considerably," remarked +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he had his left foot bound up," announced +Luke. "More than likely he hurt it in +some way."</p> + +<p>"It would be an easy matter for somebody to +hurt his foot if he cut up like that fellow who +nearly scared the girls and Link Merwell to +death," remarked Ben.</p> + +<p>"I am going to the cabin and see what he has to +say for himself," declared Phil, resolutely starting +forward.</p> + +<p>"If you go we had better go with you," announced +Dave. "But be careful, Phil. If that +man is out of his head he may be dangerous."</p> + +<p>"I don't think my Uncle Lester would hurt me +even if he was out of his mind," answered the shipowner's +son, as he moved toward the cabin, followed +closely by the others.</p> + +<p>The boys were still a hundred feet or more away +from the habitation when the man reappeared at +the doorway. On catching sight of the newcomers +he uttered a sudden cry of dismay, and then <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>disappeared +like a flash, banging the cabin door shut behind +him.</p> + +<p>"Evidently he's not very sociable," remarked +Luke, dryly. "I guess he doesn't want any visitors."</p> + +<p>Advancing to the door, Phil knocked loudly.</p> + +<p>"Go away from here! I don't want to see any +of you!" cried a heavy voice from within. "Go +away, I tell you!"</p> + +<p>"Open the door, please. I want to speak with +you," answered Phil, as calmly as he could.</p> + +<p>"I won't talk to you! I don't want any one +around this place!" came angrily from within the +cabin. "Go away, or I'll shoot!"</p> + +<p>"Say, I don't like this!" cried Shadow, in a low +voice. "I guess we had better get out," and he +started to retreat, followed by Luke and Ben. +Phil, however, stood his ground, and not to desert +their chum, Dave and Roger did the same.</p> + +<p>"We are not going to molest you," called out +Phil, after several seconds of silence. "All I +want to do is to talk to you."</p> + +<p>"I won't talk to anybody, I tell you! Go +away! If you don't I'll use a shotgun on you!" +returned the man in the cabin.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you Mr. Lester Lawrence?" demanded +Phil.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" And now the voice of the +man showed sudden interest.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>"I say: Aren't you Mr. Lester Lawrence?" +repeated Phil.</p> + +<p>"Who said I was Lester Lawrence?" demanded +the man, suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"If you are, I must talk to you. I am Phil +Lawrence, your nephew."</p> + +<p>"Phil Lawrence!" the boys outside heard the +man mutter to himself. "Phil Lawrence? Oh, +it can't be!" Then he raised his voice: "You +are trying to play some trick on me," he shouted.</p> + +<p>"It isn't any trick," put in Dave. "This young +man here is Philip Lawrence, and he is looking for +his uncle, Lester Lawrence. He has good news +for him."</p> + +<p>"Good news? I can't believe it! It is some +trick. I want you all to go away."</p> + +<p>"Uncle Lester, it isn't any trick. I am Phil, +your nephew. I want to talk to you. I've got the +best kind of news for you; something that you'll be +glad to hear. Won't you please open the door +and let me talk to you?"</p> + +<p>"It's a trick, I know it's a trick," came from the +man, in almost a whine. Nevertheless, he advanced +toward the door, and with trembling hands +threw off the bolt that had been shot into place. +Then, with great caution, he opened the door several +inches and peered out.</p> + +<p>"Who says he is Philip Lawrence?" he questioned, +sharply.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>"I am, Uncle Lester," announced the shipowner's +son. "Don't you remember me? You +used to think the world and all of me some years +ago, when you lived across the street from us."</p> + +<p>The man opened the door a little wider, and +gazed sharply into Phil's face. Then his manner +seemed to change, and, allowing the door to swing +wide open, he tottered back and sank down on a +bench.</p> + +<p>"It's Phil—little Phil, sure enough," he murmured. +"How in the world did you come to follow +me to this faraway place?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't follow you, Uncle Lester," returned +the youth. "I and my friends were looking for a +wild man who is roaming around in this vicinity, +scaring people, and we reached this place by accident. +We saw you coming to the cabin with a +bucket of water, and I easily recognized you at +once."</p> + +<p>"I thought I was safe here—safe from the +whole world," muttered Lester Lawrence. "But +you said you had good news for me," he added +quickly. "What is it?"</p> + +<p>"It's the best kind of news, Uncle Lester. +Don't you know that shortly after you disappeared +the bank authorities and the police found the guilty +parties?"</p> + +<p>"They did?" And now the man's face showed +his amazement.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>"Why, sure they did! And then, of course, +they knew that you were innocent."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Phil! can this be true?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is true, Uncle Lester, every word +of it! You are an innocent man, and everybody +at home knows it. Father has been trying his +best to get into communication with you. He inserted +personals in the newspapers, and even put +detectives on your track; but, as you know, without +avail."</p> + +<p>"Then the world knows that I am innocent! +Thank God for that!" exclaimed the man, with +fervor. "Oh, how I have suffered! And for +such a long time, too!" And tears stood in his +eyes.</p> + +<p>"But why didn't you communicate with +father?" asked the nephew. "You ought to +have known that he would be tremendously worried +about you."</p> + +<p>"I was bitter, bitter against the whole world. +I didn't think I had a friend left!" cried Lester +Lawrence. "I didn't want to see anybody, and +I didn't want anybody to see me. I was afraid +that they might catch me and put me in jail, and +then if I could not prove my innocence—and there +was to my mind no way of doing that—they +would send me to prison for a long term of +years. That's why I made up my mind to disappear."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>"And you've been up here ever since?" asked +Phil.</p> + +<p>"No, I've been here only since last Summer. +Before that I was in another section of the Adirondacks."</p> + +<p>Lester Lawrence looked at Dave and Roger, +who had followed Phil into the cabin, and at the +other boys, who were crowded around the doorway.</p> + +<p>"Who are these; some of your school chums?" +he questioned.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Uncle Lester," answered the shipowner's +son, and introduced his friends one after another. +"They are all good fellows, and I hope you will +consider them as friends."</p> + +<p>"I will do that, Phil, if you want me to," was +the reply. "Your revelation has lifted a great +weight from my shoulders. Tell me all the particulars."</p> + +<p>Sitting down beside his relative, the shipowner's +son related all that he knew of the occurrences of +the past. Mr. Lawrence listened to the recital +with close attention and asked many questions, his +face meanwhile showing his intense satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"What you have told me makes me feel ten +years younger," he declared. "If all this is true—and +I have no reason to doubt your word—I +can once more face the world and those who are +dear to me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>"Phil has got another surprise for you, Mr. +Lawrence," put in Dave, when the recital was at +an end. "You will not only be a free man when +you return to your former home, but you will also +have a good deal of money coming to you."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! And how is that?"</p> + +<p>"It's this way, Uncle Lester," answered Phil, +and thereupon gave a few of the details concerning +the land which the rival railroads wished to purchase +from the uncle and Phil's father.</p> + +<p>"That certainly is splendid news!" declared +Lester Lawrence, his eyes lighting up. "What a +wonderful change the last hour has brought! Before +you came I thought I was doomed to live here, +unknown and alone, for perhaps the rest of my +life."</p> + +<p>"But how have you managed to live?" asked +Dave, curiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that has been easy. You see, when I left +home I had quite a little money that belonged to +me. I buy necessary provisions down in one of +the towns, and also do some hunting and fishing. +This cabin belongs to the daughter of an old hunter +who lived here for years, and as she did not wish +to occupy it she let me have it at a very reasonable +rental."</p> + +<p>"Do you know anything of that wild man who +is in this vicinity?" queried Roger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>At this direct question Lester Lawrence dropped +his eyes and showed much confusion.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I do," he answered, shamefacedly. +"The fact of the matter is, it was I who played +the wild man, dressing myself up in some old outfits +that were left in this cabin by those who used to +live here."</p> + +<p>"But what was your purpose?" questioned +Luke.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to scare the folks in this vicinity, so +they would not come near this cabin. I was afraid +if too many people came to this neighborhood, +sooner or later somebody might recognize me and +inform the authorities."</p> + +<p>"You nearly scared the ladies and girls in our +bungalows to death," said Ben, bluntly.</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry for it, now," was the reply. +"But you see, what Phil has told me has put an +entirely different face on the matter. I looked at +all strangers as enemies. I was very bitter against +everybody."</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess you had a right to feel bitter, +Uncle Lester," returned Phil, who could realize +how his relative had suffered. "But it's all past +now, and you must give up your life here and come +home with me."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to go home, now that I know my +name is cleared," answered Lester Lawrence. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>"But I can't travel just yet," he added, ruefully, +looking down at his bandaged foot.</p> + +<p>"What is the trouble?" questioned Dave, +kindly.</p> + +<p>"I sprained my ankle the day I followed one of +you boys—that is, I suppose it was one of your +crowd. I mean the chap who fell over the cliff."</p> + +<p>"Link Merwell!" ejaculated Phil. "He is no +friend of ours, he is an enemy. By the way, Uncle +Lester, have you seen him since then?"</p> + +<p>"He is an enemy, you say!" cried Mr. Lawrence. +"Is that so? Yes, I saw him. He was +here early this morning, and I chased him away."</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h2>TWO DEER</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"He was here, and you chased him away!" +exclaimed Dave. "Have you any idea where he +went to?"</p> + +<p>"I think he took the trail back of the house; the +one leading to Carpen Falls," answered Lester +Lawrence. "I slipped on my most outlandish +costume, and I must have scared him out of his +wits, for he ran like a deer," he added, with a +smile.</p> + +<p>"In that case there is no use in our looking for +him around here," announced Roger.</p> + +<p>"I think I'll give the hunt up," said Phil. +"Finding my uncle has changed matters completely. +What I want to do is to send word to my +father that my uncle is found. Then, as soon as +he is able to travel, I'll leave you fellows and take +him home."</p> + +<p>"I think I'll be able to walk on the foot in a +day or two," answered Lester Lawrence. "You +see I can already hobble around. But that sprain +was a pretty bad one, I can assure you!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>After this the situation was discussed for some +time—in fact, until well after the noon hour. +Then one of the boys suggested that they have +dinner, and while Phil and his uncle continued to +talk over their personal affairs, Dave and his +chums set about getting ready the meal.</p> + +<p>While all in the cabin partook of the midday +meal, the boys told the hermit about their life in +camp, and also of their adventures at Oak Hall +and in other places. Lester Lawrence listened interestedly +to the recital, and asked innumerable +questions concerning their doings, and also questioned +Phil regarding conditions at home.</p> + +<p>"I'll leave the matter of that land deal entirely +to your father," he said to his nephew. "He always +had a better head for business than I've got. +He'll know the right thing to do."</p> + +<p>After the meal it was decided that Phil should +remain at the cabin with his uncle, while the other +boys returned to Bear Camp. Phil wrote out a +message which he asked Dave and the others to +send to Carpen Falls, from which point it might be +transmitted by telephone and telegraph to his parents, +announcing the finding of the long-lost uncle.</p> + +<p>"Now that I have found Uncle Lester, I don't +want to leave him," said Phil to Dave and Roger, +as he drew his two particular chums to one side, out +of hearing of the others. "Uncle Lester may be +all right in his mind—in fact I hope he is—but +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>at the same time, he has acted so queerly that I +don't want to give him any chance to get away +from me. Besides, I think he ought to rest so that +his lame ankle can get well. I'll do all the work +around here and stay until some of you get back, +which I suppose will be in a day or two."</p> + +<p>"All right, Phil. You stay with him, by all +means," answered our hero. "We'll attend to +this message, and we'll wait to see if any message +comes back from your father."</p> + +<p>The boys to return to Bear Camp had thought +they must go by the way they had come, but Lester +Lawrence told them to follow the mountain torrent +for a distance of a quarter of a mile, and then +they would reach a broad and well-defined trail +leading to the brook which flowed into Mirror +Lake.</p> + +<p>"It's a much shorter route," he said, "and you +will find the traveling much easier."</p> + +<p>It was about half an hour later when Dave and +the others bid Phil and Mr. Lawrence good-bye, +and set out on the return to Bear Camp. Our +hero still had possession of the rifle, and Roger +carried the shotgun. Under the heavy trees it +was both dark and cold, and the boys hurried +along as rapidly as possible, not only to make time, +but also to keep warm. Dave and Roger were in +advance, discussing the finding of Phil's uncle.</p> + +<p>"I'm mighty glad on Phil's account that his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>uncle has been found," remarked Dave. "The +selling of that land at a handsome profit will be a +big lift for the Lawrence family."</p> + +<p>"Yes. And how it will please Phil's parents +to have Mr. Lawrence's brother back!" responded +Roger. "As it was, they did not know +whether he was dead or alive. It's a terrible +thing to——"</p> + +<p>Roger broke off short, for at that instant Dave +clapped his hand over his chum's mouth and drew +him quickly behind a nearby tree. They were +well in advance of their friends, and now our hero +motioned the others to keep back.</p> + +<p>"What is it? What is the trouble?" called +out Ben.</p> + +<p>"It's a deer, keep quiet!" answered Dave, in +a low tone.</p> + +<p>"A deer! Where?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"Over yonder, by the white birch."</p> + +<p>The senator's son looked in the direction indicated, +but for the moment saw nothing out of the +ordinary. Then, however, a head appeared from +between some bushes back of the white birch, and +presently a beautiful deer stalked into view.</p> + +<p>"I see him," whispered Roger, excitedly. +"There is your chance, Dave, plug him!"</p> + +<p>Our hero already had the rifle raised. He was +about to pull the trigger when he paused, for he +had seen the bushes back of the deer move.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>"What's up? Why don't you shoot?" whispered +Roger, his voice betraying excitement.</p> + +<p>"I think there's another deer there, Roger," +whispered our hero, in return. "Yes, there he +is! Now then, you will have a shot yourself. +Take the one on the left and I'll take the one on +the right."</p> + +<p>"All right," returned the senator's son, and +raised the double-barreled shotgun. "Are you +ready?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. When I say 'three,' fire," answered +Dave, quickly. "One, two, three!"</p> + +<p>Crack! Bang! The two pieces rang out in +quick succession, and as the reports echoed +through the forest both deer gave a wild leap into +the air. Then the animal at which Dave had shot +plunged forward on its knees and fell into some +brushwood, kicking wildly. The other deer +whirled around and started to run for cover.</p> + +<p>"Give it the other barrel, Roger!" yelled +Dave, as he ran forward.</p> + +<p>There was no need of this advice, for while +Dave was yet speaking the second barrel of the +shotgun was discharged at the flying deer. +Roger's aim this time proved to be better than +before, and plunging forward, the deer ran full +tilt into a tree and then pitched over on its side, +where it soon breathed its last.</p> + +<p>Long before Dave reached his quarry he was +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>ready for a second shot should the game require +it. But when he reached the deer's side he found +that the end of the animal was close at hand. +Then he rejoined his chum, who was watching the +other deer.</p> + +<p>"Is he dead, Roger?" he asked, quickly.</p> + +<p>"I think he is, Dave," was the answer, and +Roger's tone showed his exaltation. "My! but +this is luck; isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I should say yes! Two deer at a clip!"</p> + +<p>"How about the one you hit; is it dead?"</p> + +<p>"Just about," was Dave's reply, and then he +hurried over to the game, to note that it was +breathing its last.</p> + +<p>"How did you make out?" The cry came +from Ben, as he came running forward, followed +by Luke and Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Did you hit anything?" queried the former +story-teller of Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"Did they hit anything!" yelled Luke. "Say, +this is great, they got two of them!"</p> + +<p>"This is what I call wholesale hunting!" announced +Ben.</p> + +<p>"You fellows certainly opened the hunting +season in great shape," was Shadow's comment. +"A wildcat and two deer all in one day!"</p> + +<p>The boys dragged the two deer together, and +it must be confessed that Dave and Roger looked +at their quarry with great pride.</p> + +<div class="img"><a name="imagep254" id="imagep254"></a> +<a href="images/imagep254.jpg"> +<img border="0" src="images/imagep254.jpg" width="45%" alt="Crack! Bang! The two pieces rang out in quick succession." /></a><br /> +<p class="cen" style="margin-top: .2em;"><span class="smcap">Crack! Bang! The two pieces rang out in quick succession.</span><br /> +<i>Page 253.</i><span class="totoi"><a href="#toi">ToList</a></span></p> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>"How are we going to get those down to the +bungalows?" asked the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"I think the best thing to do will be to tie their +feet together and slip each of them on a long +pole," returned Dave.</p> + +<p>A small hatchet had been brought along for +possible use in cutting firewood, and with this the +boys cut down two long and slender saplings. +Then they tied up the deer as our hero had mentioned, +and a sapling was thrust between the front +and hind legs of each of the game, allowing the +body to hang below.</p> + +<p>"Here, Ben, you can carry the rifle," announced +Dave. "I'll take one end of one load."</p> + +<p>"And I'll help carry with you," announced +Luke.</p> + +<p>"I'll carry my share of the load," offered +Roger, and he picked up one end of the second +sapling, while Shadow took the other. Thus carrying +the loads between them, and with Ben going +ahead with the rifle, they continued on the return +to Bear Camp.</p> + +<p>Progress with such heavy loads was necessarily +slow, and several times the boys stopped to rest. +It was well toward nightfall when they reached +the stream flowing into Mirror Lake.</p> + +<p>Having gained the watercourse, it was an easy +matter for them to continue onward until they +reached the vicinity of the two bungalows. As +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>soon as they came in sight of the camp, several +set up a shout, which quickly brought Laura and +Belle into view.</p> + +<p>"Home again, and with lots of good news!" +cried Dave, swinging his cap.</p> + +<p>"Oh, look, they have two deer!" exclaimed +the girl from the West. "Isn't that grand?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is," returned Laura; but her voice +had little of enthusiasm in it.</p> + +<p>"Where is Uncle Dunston?" cried Dave. "I +want him to look at what Roger and I shot."</p> + +<p>"Your uncle has gone home," answered Belle. +At the same time Laura turned away.</p> + +<p>"Gone home!" repeated Dave, in bewilderment. +"Why, what made him do that? I didn't +know he was going until next week."</p> + +<p>"He went with Mr. Wadsworth," continued +Belle. "They had some very important business +to attend to."</p> + +<p>"What was it? Laura, do you know?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know, Dave," answered the girl, and +now her voice had a curious, uncertain ring in it. +"Oh, Dave, it's the most awful thing I ever heard +of! I don't see how I am ever going to tell +you!" she burst out; and then, of a sudden, began +to cry and ran into the bungalow.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> + +<h2>STARTLING NEWS</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Dave was so surprised that for the moment he +knew not what to say or do. His eyes followed +Laura as she disappeared within the bungalow, +and then he turned in bewilderment to Belle.</p> + +<p>"Laura takes it awfully hard, but I don't think +she ought to—at least not yet," said the girl from +Star Ranch. "There may not be a word of truth +in the story. Anyway, I'm not going to believe +it until they prove it."</p> + +<p>"But what are you talking about, Belle?" +questioned Dave, his face still showing his perplexity. +"What is it all about? Has anything +happened at home? It isn't my father; is it?"</p> + +<p>"No, there is nothing wrong at your home, +Dave—at least not in the way you think." Belle +paused for a moment as if not knowing how to go +on. "You remember what Link Merwell said; +don't you?"</p> + +<p>"About me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Of course I don't believe it at all. +But this young fellow, Ward Porton, sent word +to your father, and that has upset him a great +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>deal, so that he sent word to your Uncle Dunston +and Laura, as well as to Mr. Wadsworth. The +word came in this morning, a couple of hours after +you had left; and after talking the matter over, +your uncle and Mr. Wadsworth made up their +minds to return to Crumville without delay."</p> + +<p>"And what did this Ward Porton have to +say?" questioned our hero, and it was with an +effort that he steadied his voice.</p> + +<p>"I can't give you all the particulars, because +Laura did not show me the letter. Poor dear! +it just broke her up completely, and I've had an +awful time with her—and I've had an awful time +with Jessie, too."</p> + +<p>"But you must know something," went on +Dave, while the others gathered around, their +faces showing their intense curiosity.</p> + +<p>"Well, as near as I can make out, this Ward +Porton has been investigating matters connected +with himself and with you, and he claims that he +is the real Dave Porter and that you are somebody +else."</p> + +<p>"Oh, say, that's nonsense!" burst out Phil, +quickly. "Why, we proved Dave's identity beyond +question, when we came back from our trip +to the South Seas."</p> + +<p>"Sure we did!" added Roger. "Dave's +uncle went into all of the details with the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>Crumville +poorhouse authorities, and also got the particulars +of how that fellow named Sandy Margot, +the good-for-nothing husband of that crazy nurse, +Polly Margot, abducted Dave and took him on +a railroad train, and then got scared and put him +off at Crumville."</p> + +<p>"I am sure I hope what you say is true, +Roger," responded the girl from the West. +"What this Porton bases his claim on I don't +know. As I said before, I didn't read the letter +Dave's uncle turned over to Laura."</p> + +<p>"I must go in and find out about this," said +Dave, in a curiously unnatural voice. His mind +was in a whirl, and for the time being his good +luck at hunting, and the finding of Phil's uncle and +the clearing up of the mystery of the wild man, +were completely forgotten.</p> + +<p>He found Laura in one of the bedrooms of the +bungalow, sitting in a chair by the window, with +her hands clasped tightly together and her face +firm-set and drawn. As she looked up at him, +two fresh tears stood out on her cheeks.</p> + +<p>"They tell me that Uncle Dunston got a letter +about me," said the youth, doing his best to steady +his voice. "Will you let me see it?"</p> + +<p>"It's on the table," returned the girl, motioning +with her hand. And then she added impetuously: +"Oh, Dave, I can't believe it's true, I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>simply can't! Why, it's the most dreadful thing +that ever came up! I am sure there must be some +mistake!"</p> + +<p>"I—I can't understand it," Dave stammered +in return, and then picked up the communication +which had been sent by special messenger from +Carpen Falls. The letter ran as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Dunston</span>:</p> + +<p>"A most astonishing thing has come up, and +I wish you would return to Crumville at once; +and it might be well to bring Mr. Wadsworth +with you.</p> + +<p>"I cannot go into all the details because I am +completely upset. Briefly stated the matter is +this: A young man named Ward Porton—the +same fellow who was in Crumville some time ago +with Link Merwell—has written to me, stating +that he has every reason to believe that he is the +real Dave Porter, and that our Dave is somebody +else. His story is that he was left in a poorhouse +at Lumberville, Maine, by an old woman who obtained +him from Sandy Margot, who told her the +child had been under the care of Polly, his wife. +The claim is also made that Sandy Margot had in +reality stolen two children, little boys, at about +the same time, and the theory is advanced that +the other boy was the one dropped from the train +at Crumville. The young man states that he has +gone into the matter very carefully, and has a +number of proofs which he will submit whenever +called on to do so. He adds that he feels sorry +for Dave, but hopes that I will find in him as +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>good a son, and also hopes that Laura will like +him as well as a brother.</p> + +<p>"I am so upset that I hardly know what to +think or what to do. If this young man's story +is true, then all of us have made a sad mistake, +and what Dave is to do in the matter I don't know. +Come on as soon as possible and help me to get +to the bottom of this terrible mix-up.</p> + +<p class="right"> +<span style="padding-right: 8em;">"Your affectionate brother,</span><br /> +<span style="padding-right: 6em;" class="smcap">David Breslow Porter."</span></p></div> + +<p>Dave read this letter with care, and then allowed +the communication to slip from his fingers. +If his mind had been in a whirl before, it was +more so now, and for the moment he could hardly +think straight. If he was not Dave Porter, who +was he? A thousand ideas ran riot through his +brain.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave! it can't be true; can it?" came +half-pleadingly from Laura.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," he answered dumbly. "I +don't know."</p> + +<p>"But, Dave, I thought that you and Uncle +Dunston proved your identity completely, even +before you found father and met me."</p> + +<p>"I always supposed we did prove it, Laura," +he answered. "We went into the matter very +carefully at that time. Nothing was ever said +about Sandy Margot stealing two little boys. I +always supposed he had taken only one child."</p> + +<p>"And to think this other young man is a perfect +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>stranger," went on Laura, dolefully. "There is +no telling what sort of a person he is."</p> + +<p>"He's no stranger to me. I helped to pull him +out of the water when the steam yacht was on +fire," answered Dave. "I guess he's all right as +far as that goes, although I don't think much of +his keeping company with Link Merwell."</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose it can be a plot hatched up +by Link Merwell?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think. This news stuns +me. I've got to consider it. Maybe I had better +go back to Crumville, too."</p> + +<p>"No, Uncle Dunston said you had better stay +here—at least for the present. He said if they +wanted you they could send you word."</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," and now Dave's voice showed +a faint trace of bitterness. "Maybe they don't +want me around, if they have really settled it that +I am not the real Dave Porter."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave! Don't want you around!" +Laura sprang to her feet, and coming over to him, +caught both his hands in her own. "Don't talk +that way. Even if they should prove that you are +not my brother, I shall always think just as much +of you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for saying that, Laura," he returned, +with much emotion. "It's nice to know +that there is somebody who won't go back on +me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>"I don't believe anybody will go back on you, +Dave—you have always been so good. Oh, I +think this is dreadful—just dreadful!" and +Laura showed signs of bursting into tears once +more.</p> + +<p>"Where are Jessie and Mrs. Wadsworth, and +Mrs. Basswood?"</p> + +<p>"I think Jessie went over to the other bungalow +with her mother. She was as much upset as +I was."</p> + +<p>"Does she think the story is true?"</p> + +<p>"She hopes it isn't. But of course she can't +do anything—and I can't do anything either."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't see what I can do." Dave took +a turn up and down the room, and then sank on a +chair. "This just knocks me endwise. I can't +even seem to think straight," he added, helplessly.</p> + +<p>"You poor boy!" Laura came over and +brushed back the hair from his forehead. "You +don't know how this hurts, Dave. Oh, it can't +be true!"</p> + +<p>"I wonder how long I've got to wait before I +hear from Crumville?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure I don't know. I think, though, +we'll get word just as soon as they know anything +definite."</p> + +<p>At that moment came a timid knock on the +door, and Laura opened it to admit Jessie. The +appearance of the girl showed that she was much +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>upset. Her face was tear-stained and her hair +awry.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave!" was all she said. And then +coming straight toward him, she threw her head +on his shoulder and burst into a fit of weeping.</p> + +<p>"There, there, Jessie! Don't you cry so," he +said, soothingly. "I am sure it will be all right."</p> + +<p>"But Da-Dave, hasn't Laura to-told you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, she has told me."</p> + +<p>"And did you read that letter?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"But it can't be true, Dave! Oh, tell me it +can't be true!" went on the girl, pleadingly.</p> + +<p>"I can't tell you whether it is true or not, Jessie, +for I don't know," answered the boy, as +bravely as he could. "I suppose they'll investigate +the matter at Crumville and at that place in +Maine, and let me know." He looked at her +curiously. "What if they prove I am not the +real Dave Porter, Jessie—will you care very +much?"</p> + +<p>"Care? Of course I'll care, Dave! But +don't misunderstand me," she added, quickly. +"Even if they prove you are not the real Dave +Porter, it won't make any difference to me. I +shall think just as much of you, no matter who you +are."</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean that?" and he clutched +her tightly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>"I certainly do! What difference will it really +make? You will be yourself, no matter what +your name is."</p> + +<p>"I know, Jessie, I'll be myself; but who will I +be? Perhaps I'll be a 'poorhouse nobody' after +all," and he smiled bitterly.</p> + +<p>"Never!" returned the girl, emphatically. +"You'll never be a nobody, Dave. You are too +true, both to yourself and to those around you. +You'll make a name for yourself in this world even +if they take your present name away from you;" +and as she spoke the girl's words rang with +earnestness.</p> + +<p>A great and peculiar joy seemed to creep over +Dave, and despite the blackness of the situation, +his heart for the moment felt light. He gazed +with emotion at both Laura and Jessie.</p> + +<p>"If that's the way you feel about it—and +Laura says she feels the same—I'm not going to +worry just yet," he answered.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> + +<h2>WHAT HAPPENED IN THE NIGHT</h2> +<br /> + +<p>That evening the sole topic of conversation at +Bear Camp was the news concerning Dave. The +other lads could not bear to question Laura or +Jessie on the subject, knowing how badly both of +them must feel; but they asked Belle to tell all she +knew, and also quizzed Mrs. Wadsworth and +Mrs. Basswood.</p> + +<p>"It's the worst state of affairs I have ever +known," was the way the jewelry manufacturer's +wife expressed herself, in private to Roger and +Phil. "We, as you know, think the world and +all of Dave, and we don't want him to drop back +and become a nobody, even in name. He is a +splendid boy, and no matter what happens we shall +always think as much of him as we ever did."</p> + +<p>"I think all his friends will stick to him," answered +Roger. "At the same time, this will cut +him to the heart; and what he'll do if they really +prove he isn't Dave Porter, I don't know."</p> + +<p>"Maybe the Porters will continue to keep him +in the family as an adopted son," suggested Phil. +"That is, if this report really proves to be true, +which I don't believe will happen."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>"I have always thought a great deal of Dave, +ever since he saved Jessie from that gasoline explosion," +returned Mrs. Wadsworth. "Should +they find out that he is not a Porter, I think I +would be strongly in favor of my husband adopting +him."</p> + +<p>"Say, that wouldn't be half bad!" burst out +Phil, "and the suggestion does you credit, Mrs. +Wadsworth. Personally, I think Dave is the +finest fellow in the world."</p> + +<p>"I am sure we all think that," added Roger. +"Since he went to Oak Hall he has made a host +of real friends, and I don't think one of them will +desert him."</p> + +<p>While this conversation was going on, the other +boys were talking to our hero, doing their best to +cheer him up and to convince him that, no matter +what happened, they would stick to him.</p> + +<p>"You take it from me," declared Luke, "this is +some scheme gotten up by Link Merwell and this +other fellow!"</p> + +<p>"Certainly it's a scheme!" added Shadow. +"It puts me in mind of a story I once heard about +a fellow down South who stole three watermelons, +and——But, oh, pshaw! what's the use of trying +to tell a story now? I'm going to cut them +out until we get this thing settled," he added, in +disgust.</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry, Dave. I am sure it will +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>come out all right in the end," was what Ben said, +speaking with an apparent conviction that he did +not by any means feel.</p> + +<p>"You're all kind, fellows, and I appreciate it +very much," answered Dave. "But this is a blow +to me. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to take a little +walk by myself and think it over." And thus +speaking, the youth withdrew from the crowd, and +walked slowly to the lake and along a footpath +bordering the shore.</p> + +<p>"It's the rankest shame I ever knew!" declared +Ben, when the others were left to themselves. +"If I had that Ward Porton here I'd wring his +neck."</p> + +<p>"I guess we'd all like to do that," responded +Shadow. "Nevertheless, if he is the real Dave +Porter you can't blame him for trying to prove it."</p> + +<p>"There is only one thing about it that troubles +me," said Luke. "Don't you remember that all +of those who saw this Ward Porton agreed that +he looked very much like Mr. Dunston Porter?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but Dave looks like Dunston Porter, +too," came quickly from Ben.</p> + +<p>"It's queer that he resembles his uncle more +than he does his father," was Shadow's comment. +"Maybe this Ward Porton resembles Mr. David +Porter."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's fierce; that's all I've got to say," +declared Ben. "And what Dave is going to do +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>if they prove he isn't the real Dave Porter is something +I don't like to think about. In those days +when we first went to Oak Hall, you'll remember +how bitter he felt when some of his enemies referred +to him as that 'poorhouse nobody,' and +how eager he was to clear up the mystery of his +identity, even though it cost him a trip to the +South Sea Islands."</p> + +<p>Dave walked on and on along the lake shore, +paying little attention to where he was going. +His mind was in a state bordering on bewilderment. +In a faint, uncertain way he had anticipated +some such calamity, but now that the blow +had fallen, the matter looked almost hopeless to +him. Had he followed his own inclinations, he +would have made preparations to return to Crumville +at once.</p> + +<p>"But evidently they don't want me there," he +told himself, bitterly. "They want to solve this +mystery without my interference. And if they do +make up their minds that I am not the real Dave +Porter, I wonder how they will treat me? Of +course, they may be very kind to me—the same +as Laura and Jessie and the others up here. But +kindness of that sort isn't everything. I don't +want any one to support me if I haven't some +claim on him." And then Dave shut his teeth +hard, clenched his hands, and walked on faster +than ever.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>Finally tired out because he had been on his feet +since early morning, Dave sat down on a flat rock +to rest. As he did this, he heard the put-put of +a motor, and presently around a bend of the shore +showed the headlight of Mr. Appleby's motor-boat.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if they are simply going down to the +end of the lake, or whether they are going to stop +at our place," said Dave, to himself. "I'd rather +they wouldn't stop at Bear Camp to-night, when +everything is so upset."</p> + +<p>As the motor-boat swung around, the headlight +flashed full upon our hero and there followed an +exclamation from the manager of the moving-picture +company, who was at the wheel of the +craft, with two men beside him.</p> + +<p>"Hello there, Porter! What are you doing—fishing?"</p> + +<p>"No, I just came down here to sit on the rock +and do a little thinking," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"We are making a little trip around the lake," +went on Mr. Appleby. "I was going to stop at +your dock and deliver a letter that came in our +mail by mistake. It's a letter for you, so I might +as well give it to you now."</p> + +<p>"A letter for me, eh?" answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes, here you are!" went on Mr. Appleby, +as the motor-boat came to a standstill close by. +"I'll put it in the newspaper and you can have that +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>too, as we have read it;" and suiting the action +to the word, the man placed the letter in the folds +of the paper and tossed the latter ashore.</p> + +<p>"Will you stop?" questioned Dave.</p> + +<p>"Not to-night. We are going to make a call +on the other side of the lake. I just thought I'd +give you the letter, that's all," and then, with a +pleasant good-bye, the manager steered his motor-boat +out into Mirror Lake again.</p> + +<p>It was too dark to read the letter without a +light, and as Dave did not happen to have even a +match, he walked back to the bungalows. The +lanterns were hung out on the porches as was the +custom, and under the light of one of these he +looked at the communication he had received.</p> + +<p>"It's from Crumville!" he exclaimed to himself, +eagerly, as he looked at the postmark. But +then, as he recognized the handwriting, his face +fell. "It's only from Nat Poole."</p> + +<p>The communication from the money-lender's +son was a long one, containing much news which +it will be unnecessary to give here. There was, +however, one paragraph in the letter which Dave +read with great interest.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"I am sorry if you put yourselves out trying to +catch that wild man thinking he was my Uncle +Wilbur. As I told you, my uncle got away from +the sanitarium and they had quite a job to locate +him. They found him up in the vicinity of Oak +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>Hall, at one of the houses where he had once +stayed. They got him to return to the sanitarium +without any trouble, and the doctors think that he +is now doing finely."</p></div> + +<p>"Hello, Dave! what are you reading?" remarked +Roger, coming up.</p> + +<p>"Here's a letter from Nat Poole," and our +hero told how he had received it. "You can read +it for yourself. They have found Wilbur Poole, +and have put him back in the sanitarium."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Well, I am glad they caught +him." And then Roger read the letter, and went +off to spread the news among the other boys.</p> + +<p>The next day was a long one for Dave. While +Ben and Luke went to Carpen Falls with a letter +directed to Phil's father, he spent part of the time +dressing the two deer. But his heart was not in +the work, and his friends noted his absent-mindedness. +Several times he looked down in the direction +of the trail leading to Carpen Falls, and they +knew he was hoping for some messenger to appear, +summoning him to come to Crumville.</p> + +<p>"It makes me sick to see Dave so downcast," +whispered Ben to Roger, that evening. "I wish +we could cheer him up."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how we are going to do it. We +can't lift that burden from his mind. We have +simply got to wait until some word comes from the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>Porters at Crumville. I don't believe they'll keep +Dave waiting any longer than necessary."</p> + +<p>"But think of the terrible suspense!"</p> + +<p>"I know it. It's too bad!"</p> + +<p>The afternoon had been cloudy, and late in the +evening it began to rain. Then the wind came up, +moaning through the forest in melancholy fashion +and sending thousands of whitecaps across the +surface of the lake.</p> + +<p>"It isn't Mirror Lake to-night," said Belle, +with a little shiver. "It's more like Foamy +Lake."</p> + +<p>"I don't think I'd want to go out in a canoe +to-night," returned Phil, who was beside her.</p> + +<p>"I think we are going to have quite a storm," +said Laura. "Just listen to that wind!"</p> + +<p>With fitful gusts tearing around the bungalows, +no one felt much like going to bed. About ten +o'clock came a hard downpour, lasting for half an +hour. Then the wind died away, and gradually +the rain ceased.</p> + +<p>"I guess the worst of it is over," announced +Mrs. Wadsworth, presently. "I think we may as +well retire." And shortly after that all of the +inmates of both bungalows were in bed.</p> + +<p>For a long while Dave could not sleep. As +had been the case the night previous, he tumbled +and tossed on his couch, thinking of the trouble +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>that had come to him. But at last tired nature +claimed its own, and he sank into a profound +slumber, from which he did not awaken until some +time after sunrise.</p> + +<p>"Hello! I must have overslept," he declared, +as he leaped up, to see that his chums were almost +dressed.</p> + +<p>Dave was just finishing his toilet, and the other +boys and some of the girls had started to walk +down to the dock to look at the lake, when a cry +came from the kitchen of the bungalow.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Wadsworth! Mr. Porter!" came a +call from the hired girl. "Please come here!"</p> + +<p>"What is it, Mary?" asked Mrs. Wadsworth, +as she appeared from her own room.</p> + +<p>"Sure, ma'am, a whole lot of things are missing!" +declared the girl.</p> + +<p>"Missing! What is missing?"</p> + +<p>"Sure, ma'am, almost everything in the kitchen +is missing, ma'am!" and the girl pointed around +in a helpless sort of fashion. "All the knives and +forks and spoons are gone! And so are some of +the pots and pans and kettles!"</p> + +<p>"Is that possible?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am. And that ain't all, ma'am. +Sure, and most of the things in the pantry and in +the ice-box are gone, too!" announced Mary, running +from one place to another. "Sure, ma'am, +we've been burglarized, ma'am!"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> + +<h2>DELLA FORD'S STATEMENT</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Burglars!"</p> + +<p>"Did they take any of our valuables?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wonder if they were in our rooms!"</p> + +<p>"Mary, were all the things here when you went +to bed?" questioned Mrs. Wadsworth, of the +servant girl, who was now in the wildest possible +state of excitement, wringing her hands and running +from one room to another.</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am, when I went to bed everything +was in its place. I'm sure of it, ma'am."</p> + +<p>The boys as well as the girls crowded into the +kitchen, and then looked into the pantry, in a +corner of which was located the ice-box.</p> + +<p>"How about this pantry window, Mary? Did +you leave it open last night?" asked Dave, pointing +to the window in question.</p> + +<p>"Sure, sir, I did not! I always lock up well +before I go to bed," answered the girl.</p> + +<p>"You didn't open the window this morning?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then that is where the thief must have come +in," remarked Roger.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>"I think we had better take a look around and +see just how much is missing," advised Phil. +"The thief may have cleaned us out more than +we imagine."</p> + +<p>Upon this, a systematic search was made +through all the rooms of the bungalow. In the +midst of the work Ben came running over from the +other place.</p> + +<p>"Say, what do you know about this!" he called +out. "Somebody visited our bungalow last night +and took nearly all our victuals and our tableware +and our kitchen utensils!"</p> + +<p>"The same thing happened here, Ben," answered +Dave. "We are just sizing up the situation, +to find out how much is gone."</p> + +<p>"The others are at that now over at our bungalow. +I thought I'd run over to tell you. I'll go +back and tell them you are in the same fix. This +is fierce; isn't it?" And then Ben hurried away.</p> + +<p>An examination of the premises showed that all +the tableware of value had disappeared, along +with two rings which Laura had left on the mantelpiece +in the living-room. From the kitchen +nearly everything used in cooking was gone, and +likewise almost everything from the pantry and +the ice-box.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my two rings!" burst out Laura. "The +diamond that dad gave me and the beautiful ruby +from Uncle Dunston!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>"It's too bad, Laura!" declared Jessie.</p> + +<p>"That's what it is!" said Dave. "We'll have +to get after that burglar, whoever he is."</p> + +<p>"This looks to me like the work of some of +these people who are camping out in the Adirondacks," +announced Roger. "What would an ordinary +burglar do with a lot of kitchen utensils, not +to mention canned goods and stuff from an ice-box?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe they took the stuff from the ice-box to +eat," suggested Dave. "It might be that they +would rather camp out than run the risk of going +to Carpen Falls, or to some of the hotels, for their +meals."</p> + +<p>Having completed the search in the bungalows, +the boys, followed by the others, went outside. +Here they discovered a great number of footprints +leading back and forth from the pantry window to +the edge of the forest. Among some jagged +rocks, the trail was lost.</p> + +<p>"Looks to me as if there must have been half a +dozen fellows in this raid," announced Roger. +"What do you think of it, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"Either that, or else the fellow who did the +job made a dozen trips or more. To me, the footprints +look very much alike."</p> + +<p>Presently the crowd went over to the Basswood +bungalow, and there learned that, among other +things, some solid silver tableware which Mrs. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>Basswood had brought along had vanished.</p> + +<p>"I was foolish to bring such expensive silver," +declared the lady of the house. "But I thought +we could use it if we happened to have visitors. I +never dreamed of being robbed up here."</p> + +<p>At the Basswood bungalow an entrance to the +kitchen and pantry had been effected through the +woodshed, the door of which had been broken +open. From this shed a trail led up to the jagged +rocks previously mentioned.</p> + +<p>"The same rascal or the same crowd that did +one job did both," declared Dave.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what we are going to do for +breakfast," declared Mrs. Wadsworth, rather +helplessly. "We have next to nothing to cook, +and nothing to cook it in."</p> + +<p>"We are in the same fix," answered Mrs. Basswood. +"It certainly is a terrible state of affairs. I +wish my husband was here to tell us what to do."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't worry about something to eat!" +cried Dave. "We can go down to Carpen Falls +and get whatever we want, and also get some extra +kitchen utensils, and don't forget the deer-meat. +What worries me is the loss of Laura's rings and +Mrs. Basswood's silverware."</p> + +<p>"We might go up into the woods and look +around," suggested Ben, "although it's mighty wet +up there from the rain."</p> + +<p>The matter was talked over for a while longer, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>and in the meantime the ladies and the girls, aided +by the hired help, made an inventory of what was +left in the way of eatables.</p> + +<p>"We can give all of you some coffee and some +fancy crackers," said Mrs. Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"And we have found two cans of baked beans," +added Mrs. Basswood. "They'll go some distance +toward filling up the boys," and she smiled +faintly.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what we might do!" cried Roger. +"Supposing four of us fellows jump into the four-oared +boat and row up to the Appleby camp? I +am sure they have plenty of provisions, and they'll +lend us some until we can get in a new lot from +Carpen Falls. And maybe they'll lend us a few +cooking utensils, too."</p> + +<p>"That's the thing to do!" returned Ben. +"Come on, let's go up there at once;" and so it +was settled.</p> + +<p>Dave and Luke accompanied Ben and Roger on +the trip; and as the four youths had often rowed +together on the Leming River at Oak Hall, they +soon covered the distance to the camp of the moving-picture +people. They saw the crowd getting +ready to depart for the enacting of the final drama +in that locality.</p> + +<p>"Hello, you're out bright and early in your +boat!" cried Mr. Appleby, as he waved his hand +to them. "Taking a little exercise, eh?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>"No, we came for assistance," called back Ben.</p> + +<p>"Assistance!" repeated the manager. +"What's the trouble?"</p> + +<p>"We have been burglarized, and we have +hardly anything left to eat!" broke in Luke, and +at this announcement all of those in the Appleby +camp came down to the dock to learn the particulars +of what had occurred.</p> + +<p>"In one way you have come at just the right +time to get those things," said the manager of the +moving-picture company to the boys. "We are +going to leave here to-morrow to go back to +Boston, so we shall want but little of the food that +is on hand. And you'll be welcome to use our +tableware and kitchen utensils. They belong here +in the cottage, so all you'll have to do when you +get through with them will be to bring them back."</p> + +<p>While rowing to the Appleby camp, Dave had +been giving serious thought to his own affairs. +He remembered what he had heard concerning +Ward Porton and Della Ford, and resolved to +question the young lady and the other members +of the moving-picture company about the young +man who claimed to be the real Dave Porter. +Our hero's chance came when the other boys were +busy placing some provisions and cooking utensils +in the rowboat. He motioned Della Ford and +her aunt to one side, and the three walked out of +hearing of the others present.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>"If you don't mind, I would like to ask you +something about Mr. Ward Porton," said our +hero, to the girl.</p> + +<p>"O dear, I thought I was done with that young +man!" cried Della, with a toss of her head.</p> + +<p>"He bothered my niece so much while he was +a member of the company she got quite sick of +him," declared Mrs. Ford. "He was a very forward +young man."</p> + +<p>"I'd like very much to find out about his past +history: where he came from, and all that," went +on Dave. "It's something very important."</p> + +<p>"I know more about Mr. Porton than he thinks +I do," announced Della. "That's one reason +why I dropped him."</p> + +<p>"But Della, you don't want to get into any +trouble," interposed the girl's aunt, quickly.</p> + +<p>"If you'll tell me what you know about Ward +Porton, I'll promise that it won't get you into any +trouble," answered Dave, quickly. "I want, if +possible, to find out where he came from, and who +brought him up."</p> + +<p>"Who brought him up?" queried Mrs. Ford. +"Didn't he live with his parents?"</p> + +<p>"He says not. He claims to have come from +a poorhouse in a town down in Maine."</p> + +<p>"Why, you don't tell me, Mr. Porter!" exclaimed +the lady, in astonishment. "He told me +once that he had lived with his folks up to the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>time he was about ten years old, and that then his +parents had died and he had gone to live with an +uncle."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he did live with an uncle—or at +least some man he called his uncle," added Della.</p> + +<p>"Are you certain of this?" asked our hero, +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I am, Mr. Porter."</p> + +<p>"And may I ask what the thing was that you +knew about him that caused you to drop him?" +continued Dave.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute, Della, before you answer that +question," interposed Mrs. Ford, hastily. "I +think we ought to know why Mr. Porter is after +this information."</p> + +<p>"Since we have gone so far, I may as well tell +you," returned Dave. And in as few words as +possible he related how it had come about that +Ward Porton was now claiming to be the real +Dave Porter.</p> + +<p>"Why, what a queer story!" declared Mrs. +Ford. "It sounds like some novel."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it's true, Mr. Porter!" cried +Della Ford. "I believe he is a faker! At first +I thought he was quite nice, but I soon discovered +otherwise. He is addicted to gambling, and when +he gets the fever he gambles away the very clothing +on his back."</p> + +<p>"Then that is why you broke with him?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>"That was one reason. But as I said before, I +know more about Mr. Porton than he imagined. +One day we had been out walking, and after he +left me I picked up a letter which must have +dropped from his pocket when he pulled out his +cigarette case. As the letter had no envelope, I +did not know whose it was, and read it. It was +evidently written by a very angry man. The +writer, who signed himself Obadiah Jones, said +that he was sick and tired of putting up for Ward; +that Ward could no longer expect any assistance +from him; that he cast the young man off, and +never wanted to hear from him again."</p> + +<p>"And you say that letter was signed by a man +named Obadiah Jones?" asked Dave, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Rather an old-fashioned name; isn't +it?"</p> + +<p>"Did the man give his address?"</p> + +<p>"No, there was no address of any kind on the +letter," answered Della Ford.</p> + +<p>"Was this Obadiah Jones the man he said was +his uncle?" continued our hero.</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that," answered the girl.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX</h2> + +<h2>THE BIG BEAR</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Dave was very thoughtful as the four boys +rowed back to the bungalows with the things procured +from Mr. Appleby. His talk with Della +Ford and her aunt had lasted until the others were +ready to depart, but he had gained little information +beyond that already known to the reader.</p> + +<p>"If only I had the address of that Obadiah +Jones, I might go and see him and listen to what he +has to say about Ward Porton," he told himself. +"Of course he may not be Porton's uncle at all—I +know lots of children taken from poorhouses and +orphan asylums who call the folks aunt and uncle. +But even if he isn't, he may be able to give me +some information that will put me on the right +track regarding this affair."</p> + +<p>The morning was spent by those at the bungalows +in getting settled once more. The provisions +brought from the Appleby camp were divided between +the two places, and likewise the kitchen +utensils.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to set some sort of a trap and catch +those burglars," declared Ben.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>"I don't see how you're going to do it," returned +our hero. "I doubt very much whether +they will show themselves in this vicinity again. +More than likely they are miles away."</p> + +<p>"Dave, do you think Link Merwell had anything +to do with this?"</p> + +<p>"It's possible, Ben, although I don't see how he +would have the nerve to come back here after what +happened. I should think he would feel like quitting +this territory entirely."</p> + +<p>Another day went by, bringing no word from +Crumville. Our hero and Roger had tramped all +the way to Carpen Falls, hoping for letters, but +the only one to come in was a re-directed epistle +for Ben, inviting him to become a subscriber to +some local charity.</p> + +<p>"O shucks! I suppose the charity is all right," +said Ben, when he got this letter, "but I'd like to +get some real news from dad or somebody else at +home."</p> + +<p>Dave said little, but he felt more downcast than +ever. He had thought that a letter would surely +come by now. Roger noticed how he felt, and +placed a kindly hand on our hero's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry, Dave, old man," he said +feelingly, "this will come out all right in the +end."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, Roger," was the answer. "But +this suspense wears on a fellow."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span>"Perhaps if you went to Maine to that town +where the poorhouse is located that Ward Porton +says he came from, you might be able to find out +something about that Obadiah Jones," went on the +senator's son, who had been told of what the +Fords had revealed.</p> + +<p>"I was thinking something of that, Roger, and +if I can't get on the track any other way, I'll go +there," was the reply. "But I hate to think of +leaving here until I get some kind of word from +Crumville."</p> + +<p>"Well, some things move slowly, Dave, don't +forget that. More than likely your unc—I +mean the folks down in Crumville—are doing all +they can to get to the bottom of the matter. +Most likely they are investigating the proofs that +Ward Porton said he was willing to present."</p> + +<p>On the following morning there was something +of a surprise. About eleven o'clock, while some +of the lads were fishing, and Dave had Jessie out +in a canoe, there came a shout from up the brook, +and looking in that direction our hero saw Phil +approaching, with his uncle beside him, leaning on +the youth's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Mr. Lawrence's ankle must have got +better quickly!" cried Dave.</p> + +<p>"And is that the so-called wild man?" returned +Jessie. "He doesn't seem to be very wild now."</p> + +<p>"You've heard us tell why he acted in that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>outlandish +way," was the answer, as Dave paddled +toward the dock.</p> + +<p>Soon the boys were surrounding the new arrivals, +and Mr. Lawrence was led to a couch, upon +which he was glad to sit down and thus rest his +injured ankle. The ladies and the girls were introduced, +and the man shook hands with them +rather shamefacedly.</p> + +<p>"I'll have to apologize to you for acting so +rudely," said Lester Lawrence, after the introductions +were over. "I suppose the boys have +told you why I did it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Lawrence," answered Mrs. Wadsworth, +kindly. "And under the circumstances we +are quite willing to let bygones be bygones."</p> + +<p>"Can we do anything for your ankle?" questioned +Laura, who was a natural-born nurse.</p> + +<p>"I guess about all it needs is rest," answered +Lester Lawrence. "It was quite a journey from +my shack to this place. But I saw that Phil was +getting anxious to rejoin you, so I told him we +might as well make the venture to-day rather than +wait. He has been hoping that you would have +some word for him from my brother."</p> + +<p>"No word yet, Phil," answered Dave, "but +there may be in the mail to-day."</p> + +<p>"Say, we had some scare this morning just before +we left the cabin!" declared the shipowner's +son. "I was nearly frightened into a fit!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>"What was that?" came from several of the +others.</p> + +<p>"I was cleaning the dishes after breakfast, and +I went outdoors to throw some scraps in a heap +behind some bushes. Just as I got there with my +panful of stuff, up jumped—what do you think?—a +great big bear!"</p> + +<p>"A bear!" shrieked the girls.</p> + +<p>"Did you shoot him?" broke in Shadow.</p> + +<p>"Shoot him? What with—a frying-pan?"</p> + +<p>"Then the bear got away?" asked Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether the bear got away or I +got away. I dropped that frying-pan, and I +legged it for the cabin for all I was worth. In the +meantime the bear disappeared among the trees +just back of the cabin. I got my uncle's rifle and +went out to look for him, but it was no use."</p> + +<p>"O dear, a bear!" murmured Jessie. "Suppose +he comes down here?" and she gave a slight +shiver.</p> + +<p>"Why, that would be fun!" declared Belle. +"I'd like to see that bear, and get a shot at him, +too," went on the girl from Star Ranch.</p> + +<p>"If that bear is anywhere in this vicinity we +might organize a hunt for him," suggested Luke, +who, on the day previous, had gone out with Ben +and Shadow and brought down a partridge.</p> + +<p>"That's the talk!" cried Roger. "Come on, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>let us go on a hunt! It will give us something to +do."</p> + +<p>The matter was discussed for a quarter of an +hour, and during that time Roger and Ben managed +to take Phil to one side and tell him about the +news from Crumville. The shipowner's son was, +of course, much astonished.</p> + +<p>"I believe it's a fake!" he declared, flatly. +"Dave is Dave Porter, and no mistake! We +cleared that matter up directly after our return +from the South Seas."</p> + +<p>"Just what I said, Phil," responded Roger. +"At the same time, I suppose the Porters have got +to listen to Ward Porton's claim."</p> + +<p>"Bah! it's a conspiracy I tell you—a conspiracy +gotten up by this fellow, Porton, and by Link +Merwell! You can't tell me any different!" and +Phil's face showed his earnestness.</p> + +<p>It was decided that all of the boys should go out +directly after lunch, in a hunt for the bear. The +number of shotguns and rifles on hand was enough +to go around, so that each of them would be +armed. They also provided themselves with +some provisions, not knowing how late it would +be before they got back.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, do be careful!" pleaded Jessie, +when the boys were ready to depart. "Don't let +that bear eat you up!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>"Don't worry," he answered. "I'll take care +of myself." And then he added with something +of a sigh: "I hope you have good news for me +when I get back."</p> + +<p>"I hope so too, Dave. But just remember +what I said," she went on, looking him straight in +the eyes. "I'll think just as much of you even if +they prove that you are not Dave Porter."</p> + +<p>Phil was with the crowd, and all headed up the +brook, and then along the trail leading to the cabin +which had been occupied by Lester Lawrence. +Arriving there, a hunt was made through the +forest back of the cabin.</p> + +<p>"It's a good deal like hunting for the proverbial +needle in a haystack," remarked Roger.</p> + +<p>"Where did you see the bear last, Phil?" questioned +Luke.</p> + +<p>"Just about here," was the reply, and the shipowner's +son pointed with his hand. "I think he +went in that direction," he added.</p> + +<p>The boys spread out in a long, straight line, and +in this fashion proceeded through the forest for +the best part of a mile. During that time they +thought they saw a deer in the distance, and Roger +might have taken a shot, but Dave imperatively +stopped him.</p> + +<p>"We can't shoot at anything if we want to get +close to that bear," announced our hero. "Bears +are very scary creatures, and if you make too much +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>noise that beast will run for miles and miles before +he stops."</p> + +<p>Late afternoon found the boys still on the +search. They had seen nothing to shoot at, and +some of them were growing disheartened. Luke +was limping slightly, having caught his foot between +a crevice in the rocks.</p> + +<p>"I move we rest and have something to eat," +announced Ben, and this suggestion was quickly +seconded by the others. Then, when the sun was +well down in the west, they decided to turn back +toward the bungalows.</p> + +<p>It was a tramp of over a mile and a half, and as +the footing in many places was uncertain, they had +to proceed with great care.</p> + +<p>"Such a hunt!" grumbled Ben. "It's been all +hunting and no shooting."</p> + +<p>"Which puts me in mind of a story!" cried +Shadow. "Oh, this is a short one, so you needn't +frown at it," he went on quickly, glancing around. +"It's about a fellow who came along and saw an +old man fishing in a lake. 'How's fishing?' he +asked of the old man. 'Couldn't be better,' was +the answer. 'Catch anything?' 'No.' 'Then +what do you mean by saying the fishing is good?' +'So it is. I didn't say anything about the catching.'" +And at this a grin went around.</p> + +<p>"We ought to be getting in sight of the bungalows +soon," remarked Roger, after they had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>climbed over some rough rocks and were walking +through a dense patch of the forest.</p> + +<p>"Say, this is a fine place to get lost in," remarked +Phil.</p> + +<p>"It will be all right as long as the sunlight +lasts," answered Dave. "I am using that for a +compass."</p> + +<p>Soon they came to the edge of a clearing, on the +other side of which were a series of rocks with +vines and brushwood. The boys were about to +advance across the clearing when suddenly +Shadow's arms went up into the air.</p> + +<p>"St—st—stop!" he spluttered, in a low tone. +"Dr—dr—drop down, all of you!"</p> + +<p>The others saw that he was much in earnest, and +immediately sank down behind the trees and rocks. +Then all gazed inquiringly at the former story-teller +of Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"It's the be—be—bear!" spluttered +Shadow. "Sa—say, don't you think we had +be—be—better run for it?"</p> + +<p>"The bear! Where is it?" demanded Dave.</p> + +<p>"I saw him just lift his head up among the rocks +yonder," returned Shadow. "Say, he looked like +an awful big fellow!"</p> + +<p>"Well, if he is there, you bet we are not going +to run away from him!" declared Phil. "Come +on, let's see if we can't shoot him."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>"Wait a minute, Phil," advised Dave. "If +the bear is among yonder rocks, as Shadow says, +we had better spread out a little, and thus get a better +chance at him."</p> + +<p>Seeing that his companions were not frightened, +Shadow regained some of his composure and followed +them, although keeping a little to the rear. +With great caution, and holding their firearms +ready for use, the whole crowd of boys crossed the +clearing and gained the first of the rocks beyond. +Fortunately, the breeze was coming from ahead of +them, thus carrying their scent away from where +the bear was supposed to be.</p> + +<p>It had been agreed that when necessary Dave +should give the signal to fire. He was slightly in +advance, and now with great caution he looked +over some rocks just ahead of him. The sight +that met his gaze was an interesting one. There +was a slight depression there, partly filled with +brushwood, and in the midst of this stood a big +bear. He had his head down in a hole, and was +digging out various things with his forepaws, flinging +them to one side and behind him. Out came a +kettle, a frying-pan, some knives and forks, cups, +saucers, a pie-plate, a dishpan, and numerous other +articles, which clattered over the rocks.</p> + +<p>"Great hambones, Dave! what kind of a noise +is that?" asked Phil, who was beside our hero.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>"It's our stolen stuff, that's what it is, Phil!" +cried Dave. "Those burglars must have thrown +the stuff in that hole!"</p> + +<p>"But what would the bear be doing among that +stuff?" questioned Luke.</p> + +<p>"He's after grub," answered our hero. +"They must have thrown some of the food in +there with the other stuff. Come on, boys, get +ready to fire!"</p> + +<p>Fortunately for the lads, the bear was so interested +in what he was trying to accomplish that he +did not notice their approach. The noise of the +flying kettles and pans drowned out the voices.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with all taking a shot at +him at the same time?" questioned Phil.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'm willing," responded Dave, +quickly. "We might as well all have the glory +of killing him—if we have that luck."</p> + +<p>Every rifle and every shotgun was quickly raised +and aimed at the bear. Just as Dave was on the +point of giving the order to fire, the beast came out +of the hole and looked around. Then in alarm he +raised up on his hind legs, a truly terrifying animal +to behold.</p> + +<p>Bang! Crack! Bang! went the rifles and +shotguns in an irregular volley. And then, as the +report died away, the huge beast gave a leap +into the air, and coming down, sprang directly toward +the boys.</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> +<br /> + +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXX</h2> + +<h2>GOOD NEWS—CONCLUSION</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Here he comes!"</p> + +<p>"Give him another shot, boys!"</p> + +<p>Crack! Bang! Crack! Again the shotguns +and rifles rang out.</p> + +<p>Whether the shots were absolutely necessary or +not it would be hard to say, for just as the boys +discharged their various weapons the huge bear +was seen to stumble and fall. He gave several +convulsive shudders, and then lay still.</p> + +<p>"Is he—is he de—dead?" gasped Shadow, +who was still a few feet in the rear of the others.</p> + +<p>"I think he is," responded Dave. "Load up +again as quickly as you can and we'll watch him," +and then he proceeded to take care of his own firearm.</p> + +<p>But watching was unnecessary, for the huge +beast had breathed his last. It was a proud crowd +of boys that surrounded the game.</p> + +<p>"Say, that's some shooting!" declared Phil, +his eyes glistening. "Won't the others be surprised +when they hear of it?"</p> + +<p>"He certainly is a big one!" said Ben. "I +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>don't believe they grow them much bigger than +that anywhere around here." And this assertion +proved true, as the boys learned when, later on, +Tad Rason saw the game at the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"Well, we've got our kitchen utensils and most +of the tableware back, anyway," declared Roger, +after an inspection of the hollow where they had +first discovered the bear at work. "Hello, here's +the stuff Mr. Bruin was after!" he added, holding +up a chunk of meat which still lay in a pan in the +hollow. This meat had been taken from the +Wadsworth ice-box; but why it had been placed in +the hollow was a mystery.</p> + +<p>"But it's a good thing the burglars put it +there," declared Luke. "That is what attracted +the bear and made him dig."</p> + +<p>A careful search of the hollow revealed nearly +everything that had been taken from the two +bungalows except Laura's rings and Mrs. Basswood's +silverware.</p> + +<p>"I guess they thought those things too valuable +to leave here," was Dave's comment. "I am convinced +of one thing," he added.</p> + +<p>"What is that?" questioned Ben.</p> + +<p>"I believe Link Merwell is at the bottom of +this. No ordinary burglar would bother his head +about that kitchen stuff. Merwell did it, just to +cause us trouble. Maybe he thought we'd have to +give up camping here for the time being."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>"By Jove, Dave, I think you have solved it!" +declared Roger.</p> + +<p>"All of which doesn't give my mother her silverware +nor Laura her rings," returned Ben.</p> + +<p>A sapling with some stout branches attached +was cut down, and on to this the boys rolled the +bear and tied him fast. Thus they managed, after +a good deal of hard labor, to haul the carcass down +to the bungalows.</p> + +<p>"Oh, here they come, and they've got a bear!" +shrieked Belle, who saw them first, and all the +inmates of the bungalows hurried to the scene, +even Mr. Lawrence hobbling up with the aid of a +cane.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we got a bear, and we got more than +that!" cried Ben, excitedly. "We've found all +the kitchen stuff!" and he and the other youths +gave the particulars.</p> + +<p>A little later some of the boys returned to the +hollow and transferred the stolen stuff back to the +bungalows. A good deal of the canned provisions +was still in perfect condition. The other things, +including the meat the bear had scented, were +thrown away.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave!" cried Jessie, as soon as she could +motion our hero to one side, "I've got something +I want to tell you! I think maybe it will be of assistance +in proving your identity," and the girl's +eyes glowed with anticipation.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span>"What is it, Jessie?" he asked, quickly. +"Have you heard something from home?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I've heard something from Mr. Lawrence, +Phil's uncle. Isn't it the strangest thing +ever! I was talking to him after you left, and +told him what trouble you were having, and mentioned +Ward Porton and that man the Fords told +you about, Obadiah Jones. And, would you believe +it! years ago Mr. Lawrence had some business +dealings with a man named Obadiah Jones, +and he is quite sure that man had a nephew who +was named Ward!"</p> + +<p>"Jessie! can this be true?" exclaimed Dave, +with pardonable excitement.</p> + +<p>"That's what Mr. Lawrence told me. I think +you had better speak to him, and without delay."</p> + +<p>"I certainly will!" declared our hero, and going +up to the crowd that was still around the bear, +he touched Phil's uncle on the arm.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Porter? Oh! I suppose you +want to see me about that man, Obadiah Jones. +Well, I'll tell you all I know. Come on back to +where I can sit down. This lame ankle of mine +is still rather weak." And thus speaking Mr. +Lawrence led the way around to the front porch +of the bungalow.</p> + +<p>"What I want to know is if this Ward Porton +was really a nephew of Obadiah Jones," said Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's what Miss Jessie wanted to know, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>too. Of course I don't know for sure, but I do +know the boy's name was Ward and that he called +Jones, Uncle Obadiah. You might write to Obadiah +Jones and find out. He lives in Burlington, +Vermont, and that's not so very far from here—just +on the other side of Lake Champlain. His +full name is Obadiah L. L. Jones. We used to always +call him Old L. L. About everybody in +Burlington knows him."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I'd better go and call on Mr. Jones," +suggested Dave. "I'd hate to wait for an answer +to a letter."</p> + +<p>It was not long before the others in the camp +knew what Dave had learned concerning Ward +Porton and his supposed uncle, Obadiah L. L. +Jones. The boys agreed with Dave that it might +pay to make a trip to Burlington to see him, and +Phil and Roger volunteered to go along.</p> + +<p>"You might want a witness or two," declared +the senator's son.</p> + +<p>The upshot of the matter was that the following +day found the three boys bound for Burlington. +The other lads helped to row them to the +upper end of the lake, and there, at a camp belonging +to a rich New Yorker, they managed to obtain +a horse and buckboard on which they rode to +the nearest railroad station. They were in time to +catch the midday train for Plattsburg, where they +had to remain over night. Then they caught the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>first boat across Lake Champlain to the city for +which they were bound.</p> + +<p>Dave had been told by Mr. Lawrence where +they might find Obadiah Jones, who was interested +in a coal, lumber, and real estate business. Our +hero, accompanied by his two chums, found the +man in his office, a small, dingy coop of a place surrounded +by huge piles of lumber. He was a short, +stout, bald-headed individual, wearing large spectacles, +and he looked up rather uninvitingly as they +entered.</p> + +<p>"Is this Mr. Obadiah Jones?" questioned +Dave, politely.</p> + +<p>"That's my name, young man. What can I do +for you?" demanded the lumber dealer, brusquely.</p> + +<p>"I came to get a little information from you, +Mr. Jones, if you'll give it to me," went on our +hero. "My name is Dave Porter. I came to see +if you have a nephew named Ward Porton."</p> + +<p>"Well, I did have a nephew by that name, but +he's a nephew of mine no longer!" cried Obadiah +Jones, his face showing sudden anger. "If you +came here in his behalf, the sooner you get out the +better! I wrote to him and told him I never +wanted to see him nor hear from him again!"</p> + +<p>"I didn't come in his behalf, Mr. Jones. I +came on my own account," answered Dave. "All +I want to know is: Is he a real nephew of yours +or not?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>"Yes, he's my real nephew—the son of my +youngest sister, who married a good-for-nothing +army man. But that doesn't make any difference +to me, young man. I won't do a thing more for +him, nephew though he is. He's a young scamp, +and as I said before, I never want to see him nor +hear from him again."</p> + +<p>"The reason I ask is, because there has come +up a question regarding Ward Porton's identity," +continued Dave, who could scarcely conceal his +satisfaction over the turn the conversation had +taken. "Porton declared to me that he had been +brought up in a Maine poorhouse."</p> + +<p>"That's all tommy-rot, young man! It isn't so +at all!" stormed Obadiah Jones. "After his +father ran away, to join some revolutionists in +Mexico, his mother was hard put to it to support +herself, and when she took sick and died, he was +placed in the Lumberville poorhouse by some +neighbors. As soon as I heard of it I sent for him +to come to Montpelier, where I was then doing +business. After that I brought him here. I gave +him a good education and did everything I could +to set him on his feet, but he began to smoke and +drink and gamble, and get into bad company generally, +and finally he left here and went on the +stage as an actor. I heard he didn't do very well +at that business, and so he got into the moving-picture +business." Obadiah Jones looked sharply +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>at Dave. "But what do you want to know all this +for?" he questioned, quickly.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you why, Mr. Jones," answered Dave. +And without waiting to be invited he sat down on +a chair beside the lumber dealer and told the man +the particulars of the trouble Ward Porton had +caused him.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" snorted Obadiah Jones at the conclusion +of the recital. "That sounds just like one +of Ward's fairy tales. Don't you take any stock +in that story, because there is absolutely nothing in +it. I have disowned him, it is true, but, nevertheless, +he is my nephew, the son of my youngest +sister, Clarice Jones Porton. Her good-for-nothing +husband was Lieutenant Jarvey Porton of the +army, who was discharged because of irregularities +in his accounts. I never wanted her to marry +the lieutenant, but she wouldn't listen to me for a +minute."</p> + +<p>After this a conversation lasting the best part of +half an hour ensued. The lumber dealer became +quite interested in Dave's case, and readily consented +to sign a document stating the facts concerning +Ward Porton as he knew them. Roger, +Phil and an office clerk witnessed the lumber +dealer's signature, and then the boys bade Obadiah +Jones good-bye and left.</p> + +<p>"Dave, let me congratulate you!" cried Roger, +grasping our hero's hand warmly.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>"Oh, I knew it would all come out right in the +end!" cried Phil, as he placed a loving arm over +Dave's shoulder. "Say, you'll have one on Ward +Porton when you show him that document!" he +continued, with a chuckle.</p> + +<p>"You don't know what a weight this has lifted +from my shoulders," murmured Dave. And despite +his efforts to control himself, two tears stood +in his eyes. "The thought that I might not be the +real Dave Porter after all was something terrible!" +he murmured.</p> + +<p>"What will you do; send word to Crumville and +then go back to camp?" asked Roger.</p> + +<p>"I suppose that would be best," answered +Dave. "I'll first send word home and wait in +Burlington for a reply."</p> + +<p>It was not long after this when they entered a +local telegraph office, and there Dave wrote out a +telegram addressed to his father at Crumville. +He asked that a reply to the communication be addressed +to a leading hotel of Burlington, where the +three lads afterwards went for dinner.</p> + +<p>"A telegram for Mr. David Porter!" called +out one of the hotel boys, just after the lads had +finished eating; and he passed the communication +over to our hero.</p> + +<p>"It's from Crumville, and from my father," +said Dave, as he glanced at the communication, +which ran as follows:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span>"Your telegram received. Glad to know the +truth. We had suspected Porton of trickery. +Merwell is in the game."</p> + +<p>"It's just as I thought," said Dave, when he allowed +his friends to read the communication. +"Link Merwell told Porton about how I had come +from the poorhouse, and then the pair hatched up +this game between them. I only hope my folks +catch them and give them what they deserve."</p> + +<p>That afternoon found the lads again on the +way to Plattsburg, and early on the following +morning they set out on the return to Bear Camp.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave! did you learn anything?" cried +Laura, when the boys appeared.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Laura, it's all cleared up!" he exclaimed, +in a voice filled with joy. "Ward Porton is +nothing but a faker. He is the real nephew of +Obadiah Jones, and the son of Jones's youngest +sister. I've got a document in my pocket to prove +it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, I'm so glad! so glad!" was the +cry of the sister, and she threw herself into his +arms and kissed him several times. Then Jessie +came up and kissed him too, and so did Belle, +followed by Mrs. Basswood, and finally Mrs. +Wadsworth, who held him closely to her.</p> + +<p>"I'm very, very glad for your sake, Dave," +said the wife of the jewelry manufacturer. "But +if you hadn't proved to be Dave Porter, I should +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>have been only too glad to have adopted you as my +son."</p> + +<p>It was certainly a happy return, and that evening +both bungalows were lit up brightly in honor +of the occasion. Shadow was allowed to tell some +of his best stories, Luke played on his banjo and +his guitar, and the young folks sang one familiar +song after another.</p> + +<p>Three days, including Sunday, passed, and then +came another surprise. Late in the evening Dave +heard a well-known whistle on the trail leading to +Carpen Falls, and a little later one of the old stage +coaches came into view. All in the bungalows ran +out to meet the newcomers, who proved to be +Dave's father, his uncle, Mr. Wadsworth, and Mr. +Basswood.</p> + +<p>"Dad!" yelled Dave, and rushing to his parent +he caught him tightly in his arms.</p> + +<p>"My boy! my boy!" murmured Mr. Porter. +"How very glad I am that this black cloud has +passed away. But, Dave, don't think that I believed +that story. I thought it was a fake from +the start."</p> + +<p>"And so did I," said Dunston Porter. +"There couldn't be any Dave Porter but you!" +and he gave Dave a good-natured thump between +the shoulders that nearly knocked the wind out of +the youth.</p> + +<p>"We've got more news," declared Mr. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>Wadsworth, +as he, too, came up for a handshake, followed +by Ben's father. "They have collared +Link Merwell at last."</p> + +<p>"Is that so!" cried our hero.</p> + +<p>"Yes, they caught him in a pawnbroker's shop," +said Mr. Basswood. "And the best part of it is +that they caught him trying to pawn my wife's +silver spoons and Laura's two rings. The pawnbroker +got suspicious, and as he happened to be an +honest man, he called in a detective. This detective +remembered the picture he had seen printed +of Link at the time he and Jasniff stole the jewelry, +and he at once placed Link under arrest."</p> + +<p>"And then I went to see Link in prison," broke +in Dave's father. "I had a long talk with him, +about the burglary up here, and he admitted that +he had thrown all that other stuff in the hollow +just to inconvenience you. Then I made him confess +that he and Ward Porton had concocted this +scheme concerning Porton's identity between them. +Merwell tried to bribe me by saying he wouldn't +tell the truth about Porton unless I aided him to +get clear of the charge made against him by Mr. +Wadsworth. Of course I wouldn't agree to do +that."</p> + +<p>"It won't be necessary to have Link Merwell +testify against Porton," declared Dave. "I've +got a document here that shows up Porton for just +what he is;" and later on he allowed his father +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>and the others to read the paper which he had had +Obadiah L. L. Jones sign.</p> + +<p>"Oh, to think I'm to have my rings back, and +Mrs. Basswood is to have her silverware!" cried +Laura, with satisfaction. "Isn't it perfectly +lovely?"</p> + +<p>The days to follow at Bear Camp were happy +ones indeed. The boys went hunting and fishing +to their hearts' content, and often took the girls +out in the boats or in the canoes. In the meanwhile +some of the men folks returned to Crumville, +and Phil took his uncle home.</p> + +<p>It may be stated here that Phil's father and +mother were filled with joy to have Lester Lawrence +once more with them, and later on the land +that the rival railroads wanted was sold to one of +the roads for an even sixty thousand dollars, +three-quarters of which amount went to Phil's +father and the other quarter to the boy's uncle.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe Ward Porton will ever bother +you again, Dave," said Roger, one day, but the +surmise of the senator's son proved incorrect. +When Ward Porton learned that our hero had +visited Obadiah Jones he lost no time in disappearing +for awhile. But then he got back to his +old tricks, and what he did will be related in +another volume, to be entitled, "Dave Porter and +His Double; Or, The Disappearance of the Basswood +Fortune."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>When Link Merwell was brought to trial, his +father came forward and did everything he could +for the wayward son. But it was proved beyond a +doubt that Merwell had been as guilty as Jasniff, +and he received an equal sentence of imprisonment.</p> + +<p>"Poor Link! I feel sorry for him," was +Dave's comment. "He might have made quite a +man of himself."</p> + +<p>The weather was now growing colder every day, +and soon there was a trace of snow in the air.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to leave Bear Camp very soon unless +we want to be snowed in," declared Mrs. +Wadsworth. And then after a conference, it was +decided by all hands to pack up and go home.</p> + +<p>"Well, in spite of our troubles, it's been a grand +outing!" declared Roger.</p> + +<p>"One of the best ever!" added Phil.</p> + +<p>"I've had a perfectly lovely time!" came from +Jessie. "But I do hope Dave never again runs +into such trouble as he had up here."</p> + +<p>"Well, a fellow has got to take things as they +come," answered our hero.</p> + +<p>And here, with the future looking cloudless and +bright, we will leave Dave Porter and say good-bye.</p> +<br /> + +<p class="cen">THE END</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> +<br /> +<h2>DAVE PORTER SERIES</h2> + +<p class="cen"><b>By EDWARD STRATEMEYER</b></p> +<br /> + +<p>"Mr. Stratemeyer has seldom introduced a more popular hero +than Dave Porter. He is a typical boy, manly, brave, always ready +for a good time if it can be obtained in an honorable way."—<i>Wisconsin, +Milwaukee, Wis.</i></p> + +<p>"Edward Stratemeyer's 'Dave Porter' has become exceedingly +popular."—<i>Boston Globe.</i></p> + +<p>"Dave and his friends are nice, manly chaps."—<i>Times-Democrat, +New Orleans.</i></p> +<br /> + +<p class="noin"> +<b>DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The School Days of an American Boy</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Strange Cruise of the Stormy Petrel</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER'S RETURN TO SCHOOL</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or Winning the Medal of Honor</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER IN THE FAR NORTH</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Pluck of an American Schoolboy</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER AND HIS CLASSMATES</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or For the Honor of Oak Hall</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER AT STAR RANCH</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Cowboy's Secret</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER AND HIS RIVALS</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Chums and Foes of Oak Hall</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER ON CAVE ISLAND</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or A Schoolboy's Mysterious Mission</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER AND THE RUNAWAYS</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or Last Days at Oak Hall</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER IN THE GOLD FIELDS</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Search for the Landslide Mine</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Wild Man of Mirror Lake</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER AND HIS DOUBLE</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Disappearance of the Basswood Fortune</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER'S GREAT SEARCH</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or The Perils of a Young Civil Engineer</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER UNDER FIRE</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or A Young Army Engineer in France</span><br /> +<br /> +<b>DAVE PORTER'S WAR HONORS</b><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or At the Front with the Fighting Engineers</span><br /> +</p> + +<h5>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt +of price by the publishers</h5> + +<h4>Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</h4> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<div class="tr"> +<p class="cen"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>Transcriber's Note</p> +<br /> + +Typographical errors corrected in the text:<br /> +<br /> +Page 43 Dunton changed to Dunston<br /> +Page 89 westtern changed to western<br /> +Page 124 manfacturer changed to manufacturer<br /> +Page 132 rooom changed to room<br /> +Page 187 committted changed to committed<br /> +Page 195 fakir changed to faker<br /> +Page 203 soak changed to sock<br /> +Page 266 manfacturer's changed to manufacturer's<br /> +Page 282 fakir changed to faker<br /> +Page 304 fakir changed to faker<br /> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Dave Porter At Bear Camp, by Edward Stratemeyer + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP *** + +***** This file should be named 29859-h.htm or 29859-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/8/5/29859/ + +Produced by David Edwards, Barbara Kosker and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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