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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..63777fb --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #60977 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/60977) diff --git a/old/60977-0.txt b/old/60977-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ff6df1c..0000000 --- a/old/60977-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7200 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands, by -Mildred Augustine Wirt - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands - -Author: Mildred Augustine Wirt - -Illustrator: Marguerite Geyer - -Release Date: December 20, 2019 [EBook #60977] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SINGING SANDS *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: “Come here quick! Tell me what you see.” - _Girl Scouts at Singing Sands_ (See page 82)] - - - - - _Girl Scouts - at - Singing Sands_ - - _BY_ - MILDRED A. WIRT - - _ILLUSTRATED_ - by MARGUERITE GEYER - - - CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY - _Publishers_ _New York_ - - - - - Copyright, 1955, by - CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY - - _All Rights Reserved_ - - GIRL SCOUTS AT SINGING SANDS - - _Printed in the United States of America_ - - - - -CONTENTS - - - _Chapter_ _Page_ - - 1 Snug Down 5 - - 2 The Locked Door 18 - - 3 Hager’s Hole 29 - - 4 Night Sounds 36 - - 5 Song of the Flute 44 - - 6 The White Witch 52 - - 7 The Treasure Box 61 - - 8 Valuable Cargo 70 - - 9 “Is Joe There?” 79 - - 10 A Midnight Disturbance 88 - - 11 Spell of the Cave 96 - - 12 The Private Road 103 - - 13 The Missing Key 113 - - 14 A Familiar Face 123 - - 15 Judy’s Mistake 132 - - 16 Another Disturbance 141 - - 17 Smoke in the Woods 150 - - 18 An Urgent Call 159 - - 19 The Hide-Out 168 - - 20 Treachery 176 - - 21 Trucker’s Welcome 183 - - 22 Descent into the Cave 192 - - 23 The Siphon 200 - - 24 Help from Captain Hager 207 - - 25 Court of Honor 214 - - - - -_Chapter 1_ - -SNUG DOWN - - -Twilight was creeping up Old Baldy Mountain as the dusty station wagon -turned in at the private road leading to Pine Cone Girl Scout Camp. - -In the front seat beside the driver, Miss Louise Ward, troop leader, -twisted sideways to smile at the six girls who rode directly behind. -All were attired in the neat, green uniform of the organization, but -each member of Beaver Patrol, it seemed, wore her dark green beret at a -different angle. - -“We’ll soon be there now, girls,” the troop leader remarked. “Pine Cone -is lovely. We should have a grand vacation.” - -“I suppose it’s too late for a swim this afternoon,” remarked Judy -Grant. She was one of the newest members of the patrol, a pleasant, -dark-haired girl with saucy brown eyes and a ready wit. - -“I’m afraid that by the time we’re snug down in our tents, it will -be supper time,” the teacher replied, looking at her wrist watch. -“Besides, we’re all rather tired after driving from Fairfield.” - -“I’ll be ready for chow whenever it comes,” declared plump, -good-natured Ardeth Padgett. “This invigorating pine air has given me a -tremendous appetite.” - -“Given it to you?” teased Beverly Chester. “I’d say you always had it!” - -The remark was made and accepted in fun. Nevertheless, Beverly had a -quick tongue which occasionally annoyed even her best friends. At one -time, the dark-haired eighth grader had been leader of the patrol. -However, during the previous winter, an unfortunate skiing incident had -caused her to become conscious of her personality handicap, and she had -insisted upon turning the post over to Kathleen Atwell. - -Kathleen was considered one of the most level-headed girls in the -organization. A natural leader, she always was thoughtful of others and -had a way of getting things done with a minimum of fuss. - -The other patrol members were Betty Bache, who wore her sandy hair in -a short boyish bob, and Virginia Cunningham, an excellent athlete. -Judy had nicknamed the three girls the “A-B-C’s” because of their last -names--Atwell--Bache--Cunningham. - -All the girls lived in the little city of Fairfield, some distance -from Old Baldy Mountain. Throughout Spring, they had worked very hard -to save enough money for an outing at the official Girl Scout Camp on -Morning Glory Lake. Now, as the station wagon turned into the private -road, they felt that they were indeed at the threshold of a wonderful -adventure. - -“Our arrival here is somewhat different from the one last winter when -we trudged into Maple Leaf Lodge,” Virginia Cunningham commented, -grinning at the recollection. “Remember?” - -“Can one ever forget?” chuckled Judy. Contentedly, she drew a deep -breath of the pine laden mountain air. “No one to meet us ... a -dreadful snow storm ... the lodge closed ... and that horrible -caretaker!” - -“A Scout camp is different, I promise you,” Miss Ward assured the -girls. “Everything is carefully planned. Nothing ever is left to -chance. We should be there any minute now.” - -Eagerly, the girls leaned forward in their seats, striving for the -first glimpse of the clear blue lake which they knew would soon be -visible through the tall, stately pines. On either side of the curving -road, they saw rustic signs pointing out interesting trails. - -“There it is!” suddenly cried Betty Bache. - -To the right, the girls caught a flash of blue water. A moment later, -as the station wagon rounded another curve, they saw the camp itself, a -cluster of tents, with main lodge and dining hall. - -The station wagon pulled up at an office near the entrance gate. -Everyone scrambled out, unkinking cramped legs. As the girls helped the -driver unload dunnage, Miss Ward went inside to register the patrol. -She was gone a long while. When finally she rejoined the group, it was -evident by the expression of her face that something had gone wrong. - -“Girls, I hate to tell you this--” she began apologetically. - -“Don’t say we aren’t to stay!” exclaimed Beverly Chester. “That would -be the last straw!” - -“We’re staying,” the teacher replied. “However, there’s been a mix-up -on reservations. Another patrol, which wasn’t expected until next week, -arrived ahead of time.” - -“Then there’s no place for us?” Kathleen asked. - -“Miss Lubell, the camp director, is extremely upset about it. One tent, -which sleeps four, is available. If we can make out with that for -tonight, more satisfactory arrangements probably can be completed by -tomorrow.” - -“There are seven of us,” Beverly pointed out. - -“The more the merrier!” declared Judy cheerfully. “I don’t mind being -crowded for a night or two. For that matter, it’s warm enough to sleep -out under the trees. We’ll get along fine.” - -“Of course,” added Kathleen heartily, “Scouts aren’t softies.” - -“I knew you’d feel that way about it,” Miss Ward said, pleased by the -willingness of the girls to accept inconvenience. “Miss Lubell is -taking me in with her, so that will make only six for the tent.” - -After registration had been completed, the girls were shown to their -temporary quarters. They stowed their dunnage, spread their blankets -and changed into informal camp clothes. Carefully reading the rules -posted on a bulletin board, they learned that they would have only a -half hour until the evening meal would be served. - -“Let’s see the beach at least,” Virginia proposed. “We have a few -minutes free time.” - -A walk led down a gentle slope to Morning Glory Lake, a deep bowl of -deep blue, edged with a ruffle of green forest. The beach had been -cleared of stones and sticks, extending for a long distance. There was -a roped off area for safe swimming, as well as a dock to which were -tied a sailboat and two rowboats. - -Judy bent down to test the water with her finger. “Cold,” she reported -with a laugh. “It’s just as well, I guess, because otherwise, I’d be -tempted to leap in, clothes and all!” - -The girls of Beaver Patrol met the waterfront director, their unit -leader and several counselors. Members of other patrols and troops -came by to chat and to provide scraps of information relative to camp -routine. - -Several of the Beaver Patrol girls were inspecting the outdoor ovens -when the unit leader approached the group. - -“I’m looking for Judy Grant,” she said. - -“Here I am,” Judy said, separating herself from the other girls. She -could not guess why she had been singled out for attention. - -“I have a telegram for you. It came only a moment ago from the village.” - -“A telegram?” Judy repeated. She was startled, and stood staring at -the yellow envelope which the unit leader offered. - -A half dozen fears assailed her. Her father or mother might have -been taken unexpectedly ill! Perhaps her brother Ted had suffered an -accident! At the very least, something must have gone wrong at home, -and now it might be necessary for her to return to Fairfield before the -vacation really started. - -“Well, Judy, why don’t you open it?” Virginia demanded. “Don’t look so -scared.” - -“This is the first telegram I ever received,” Judy replied, a bit -shakily. - -Ripping open the envelope, she scanned the message. Her chubby face -with its splattering of freckles became a study as she read. - -“Bad news?” Betty Bache finally asked. - -“No, not exactly. It’s from Aunt Mattie.” - -“I don’t recall having heard you speak of her,” remarked Virginia. - -“Aunt Mattie is a character. She’s coming here for two weeks.” - -“To the Scout Camp?” Beverly inquired. - -“Oh, no! Only to the resort area.” Judy folded the telegram and placed -it in the pocket of her slacks. “Aunt Mattie, as usual, must have -acted on impulse. Anyway, she wants me to find her a nice cottage with -reasonable rent.” - -“And you haven’t a bed to call your own!” chuckled Kathleen. “From -what I’ve heard, space is at a premium in this locality.” - -“That’s right,” agreed Ardeth. “I noted as we drove up the mountain, -that there were no vacancies anywhere. Everything seemed to have been -taken.” - -“I saw one place for rent,” Virginia informed the group. “Remember that -sign that said: ‘To Calico Cave?’” - -“Yes, I noticed it particularly,” nodded Judy. “I was wondering if -Calico Cave is only a name, or if the road leads to a real cave.” - -“A cottage that looked practically new stood on the opposite side of -the road,” Virginia went on. “It was rather cute, I thought. At any -rate, a signboard in the yard said the place was for rent. A real -estate man’s name was given, but I didn’t make note of it.” - -“That cottage may be just the ticket!” Judy declared. “I’ll talk to -Miss Ward, and if she says I may, I’ll try to rent the place tomorrow.” - -Actually, it was nearly noon the next day before the girls gave further -thought to Aunt Mattie’s housing problem. Camp routine absorbed them -completely. There were so many fascinating things to do, so many -interesting places to explore, that they neither desired nor sought -permission to leave Pine Cone. - -A brisk swim in the lake preceded breakfast, and after the camp work -was done, there were classes in nature lore and first aid. - -At luncheon, however, Judy broached the problem that was on her mind, -showing Miss Ward the telegram. - -“I’m sure Aunt Mattie wouldn’t have made the request, if she had -realized how difficult it is to obtain cottages here,” she apologized. - -“Why, I think it’s nice your aunt is coming,” Miss Ward replied. “Of -course we’ll help her find a place. _A Girl Scout’s duty is to be -useful and to help others._” - -“That’s law three,” Judy said with a relieved grin. “I just didn’t want -to put anyone to the trouble of having to take me to the village. Aunt -Mattie’s good fun, and I’ll love having her near.” - -Later that afternoon the Scout leader arranged for all the girls in the -Beaver Patrol to ride down the mountain to the little town of Milburn, -a railroad and tourist center. - -“I may as well tell you the bad news,” Miss Ward remarked regretfully -as the camp station wagon rolled smoothly around the curves. “You’ll be -crowded into a single tent for another night or two. Miss Lubell tried, -but wasn’t able to make other arrangements.” - -“Oh, it wasn’t half bad last night,” Kathleen returned. “We’ll manage.” - -“Of course,” added Judy cheerfully. - -By this time, the station wagon approached a crossroad which bisected -the main highway nearly at a right angle. - -“There it is!” Ardeth cried, rolling down the car window. “The road to -Calico Cave! That cottage Virginia noticed is on the other side of the -highway, perched up on a slope among the trees. See it?” - -“I do!” cried Judy. “Why, it’s a darling little cottage! I’m sure Aunt -Mattie would love it--if the rent isn’t too high.” - -“All rents are sky high in this area,” Beverly Chester warned. “I’ll -bet they’re asking a small fortune for the place. Probably that’s why -it’s vacant.” - -“Anyway, it will do no harm to inquire,” Judy said. As the station -wagon halted for a moment, she jotted down the name of the real estate -agent, who offered the cottage for rent. - -Twenty minutes later the girls were in Milburn, standing at the door of -the Timothy F. Krumm Realty Co. office. - -Mr. Krumm was busy making entries in a book, but he laid aside his -pen as the Scouts approached his cluttered desk. He was a baldish, -middle-aged man with a nervous habit of moistening his lips. - -Judy introduced the group, and mentioned her interest in the cottage -which was for rent. Timidly, she inquired the rental price. - -“Let’s not talk about price,” Mr. Krumm said briskly. “First, I want -you to see Calico Cottage. Five beautiful rooms, including kitchen, -fully equipped, and a tiled bath with hot and cold running water. A -collosal bargain! And you’ll not find another cottage vacant within six -miles of Morning Glory Lake.” - -Judy glanced uneasily at Miss Ward and remained silent. She very much -feared that “the bargain” would be offered at a price too steep for -Aunt Mattie’s modest pocketbook. - -“Well, I don’t know,” she began doubtfully. “My aunt isn’t prepared to -pay a very high rental--” - -“Give that detail no thought,” Mr. Krumm insisted. “I’ll run you up -there in my car. If you like the cottage--and you’ll be crazy about -it--we can come to terms.” - -Almost before she could think, Judy was escorted to the realtor’s car -which was parked at the curb. Miss Ward, Virginia and Ardeth also -decided to accompany them, while the others elected to wait in the -village. - -During the swift ride up the mountain road, Mr. Krumm talked endlessly, -extolling the virtues of the cottage he hoped to rent. - -“It’s a classy little place,” he told the girls. “Brand spanking new! -You’ll not find a snappier cottage anywhere in the area.” - -“But the rental--” Judy began again. - -“Now don’t try to get the cart before the horse,” Mr. Krumm interrupted -once more. “Just hold your ponies until you see the cottage.” - -Soon the car drew up amid the tall pines, in a lonely but lovely -section of the forest. Mr. Krumm went ahead to remove the front door -key from beneath an over-sized rubber “Welcome” mat on the porch. He -unlocked the door. - -“No neighbors hereabouts to bother one,” he asserted, stepping aside so -that the girls might enter. “You’ll find everything in apple-pie order. -Two airy bedrooms. Good mattresses. Nice draperies. Everything the very -best--top hole!” - -“It seems a bit musty,” Miss Ward commented. - -“Oh, the place needs an airing,” Mr. Krumm replied, quickly raising the -windows. “You know how it is after a cottage has been closed for a long -while.” - -“A long while?” the teacher repeated. “Then you’ve had no recent -renters?” - -“That was a slip of tongue, a mere figure of speech,” the real estate -man said carelessly. “You like the place?” - -“It is attractive,” Judy said after completing a quick inspection of -the kitchen. “My aunt though, will be alone. She requires only one -bedroom. So I’m afraid the rent may be too high.” - -“Tell you what! I’ll make you a special offer,” Mr. Krumm said, eyeing -the girl shrewdly. “That is, I will if you’ll agree that the cottage -will be occupied for the full period of the rental. Say, fifty dollars?” - -“A week?” - -“For the two weeks. You can’t say that isn’t a generous offer. Rents -are high at Morning Glory Lake.” - -“It’s a very reasonable rental, I’m sure,” Judy agreed. “There isn’t -anything--wrong with the place?” - -Mr. Krumm drew himself up haughtily. “What an idea! I take a shine -to you girls and offer you a real bargain. Then you think there’s -something wrong with the cottage! You think I’m pulling a fast one, -handing you a cabbage!” - -“I’m sorry,” Judy apologized hastily. “My question wasn’t tactful. The -cottage is beautifully furnished. If Miss Ward says it is all right, -I’ll take it.” - -“Your aunt should be quite comfortable here,” Miss Ward replied after a -moment’s hesitation. - -“Fine!” Mr. Krumm approved. He whipped a receipt book from his pocket. -“Now if you’ll kindly pay in advance, we’ll close the deal on the spot.” - -Judy had brought only twenty-five dollars with her, but Miss Ward -advanced the remainder, knowing she would be repaid. Mr. Krumm then -handed over the key. Judy asked him if he would mind if the cottage -were put to use before the arrival of her aunt. - -“The rent’s paid, and the place is yours, for better or for worse,” the -realtor replied. “All I ask is that you don’t come running to me with -complaints, or a demand for a return of your money. The deal’s final.” - -“That’s understood,” Judy agreed. - -Having pocketed the fifty dollars, Mr. Krumm seemed eager to be away. - -“You may want to look the place over more carefully,” he said quickly. -“I have a pressing engagement in town. Suppose I have your friends pick -you up in the camp station wagon. Okay?” - -“Yes, that will be satisfactory,” Miss Ward replied. - -“Oh, by the way,” Mr. Krumm said, apparently as an after-thought. -“Better keep that door to the cellar locked.” - -“Door?” Judy repeated with misgiving. “I didn’t notice a door. Is there -a special reason--” - -Mr. Krumm did not wait for her to complete the question. The girls -were certain he heard and wished to avoid answering. At any rate, -without offering further information, he tipped his hat and hastened -down the weed-grown path to his car. - - - - -_Chapter 2_ - -THE LOCKED DOOR - - -Miss Ward and the Scouts watched Mr. Krumm drive away with mingled -feelings. Already they were wondering if they had made a mistake in -renting the cottage. - -“‘For better or for worse,’” Judy echoed the real estate man’s words. -“‘Final deal.’ It all has an ominous sound.” - -“Especially that remark about the locked door,” remarked Virginia. “But -the rent seemed so attractive.” - -“Anyway, it was the only place available,” Ardeth pointed out. “So why -worry?” - -Judy left the porch to inspect the foundation of the building. -Stooping, she ran an exploratory hand across the crumbling mortar -between the bricks. - -“This cottage may be brand spanking new,” she remarked, “but the -building foundation certainly isn’t! Not that it matters, if the place -is comfortable.” - -“I’d like to know what Mr. Krumm meant about keeping the cellar door -locked,” Virginia said. “Let’s investigate.” - -However, before the girls could reenter the cottage, a milk delivery -truck rolled into the private drive. From the cab leaped a young driver -with reddish hair and a carefree smile. A frisky black and white -short-haired dog trotted at his heels as he came over to the porch with -a wire rack filled with milk bottles. - -“Good afternoon,” he said politely, doffing his white cap. “I see you -are moving in. Will you be needing any milk or cream?” - -“I’ll take a quart of milk,” Miss Ward decided, selecting a bottle from -the rack. - -“How about regular delivery?” - -“We’ve rented the cottage for my aunt, who won’t be here for a day or -two,” Judy explained. “If you’ll drop by later on, I’m certain she’ll -sign up.” - -“Cloverleaf supplies the best,” the young man said. “My name, by the -way, is Bart Ranieau.” - -“You must be of French descent,” Miss Ward remarked. - -“My father came from France, but I inherited my red hair and my temper -from my mother. I’m a mixture--like Pete here.” - -The cheerful milkman indicated the little dog that was sniffing at -Judy’s heels. - -“He’s real cute,” she declared, patting him. “You call him Pete?” - -“He’s mine only by adoption,” Bart replied. “He kept following my -truck, so finally I let him ride. Now he sticks like a burr. Never -could find his owner.” - -Picking up the rack of bottles which he had set down on the porch, the -young milkman turned to leave. Directing his remark at Judy, he said in -an offhand way: “Your aunt is the hardy type, I hope. Not the kind that -worries about strange noises?” - -“We-ll,” Judy replied, startled by the odd question. “Aunt Mattie is -inclined to be nervous. Is there any reason why she should worry about -this place?” - -“Oh, the cottage is okay so far as I know,” Bart answered evasively. -“I’d be the last person to run it down, particularly when Old Krumm is -so desperate for a renter.” - -“Desperate? Oh, dear, we thought it was just the opposite!” - -“That you were getting a bargain?” - -Judy nodded miserably. “Now it proves to be a lemon!” - -“I didn’t say that!” the milkman corrected her. “And the cottage _is_ a -bargain for anyone hardy enough to stay here.” - -“But what’s wrong with the place?” Judy demanded. - -“Maybe your aunt won’t find anything out of the way,” Bart said, edging -off with his rack of bottles. “I shouldn’t have said a word. Old Krumm -would have a fit if he knew I’d so much as opened my kisser.” - -“Those noises--” - -“Forget ’em. Forget I said a thing. You can take my word for it, -there’s nothing really harmful or dangerous about Calico Cottage.” - -The Scouts followed Bart and his dog down the walk, trying to learn -more. But the young milkman obviously was in retreat. With a friendly -wave of his hand, he sprang into the delivery wagon and with Pete at -his side drove off. - -“There _is_ something wrong with this cottage!” Judy declared with firm -conviction. “That young man spoke of strange noises.” - -“Maybe they have a connection with that locked door Mr. Krumm -mentioned,” Ardeth said. “Judy, I think you’ve rented a house with a -mystery!” - -“If that’s all that’s wrong with it, I’ll be pleasantly surprised!” -Judy responded, her voice grim, “I wish I could get my money back.” - -“No chance of that, I’m afraid,” commented Miss Ward. “Mr. Krumm -warned us the deal was final. He may have taken advantage of us. That -remains to be seen.” - -“Let’s really inspect the cottage,” Virginia proposed. “Mr. Krumm -purposely took us through at a whirlwind pace, so we wouldn’t notice -too much.” - -Dejectedly, the girls trooped into the cottage. The living room was -pleasant enough with a rug on the floor, a slightly musty-smelling -davenport, chairs, a good reading light and attractive red calico -curtains at the windows. - -Bedrooms also were well furnished and ample wardrobe space had been -provided. Water ran rusty from the kitchen tap when Judy turned it on. - -“Apparently, the cottage has been empty a long while,” she remarked. “I -guess Mr. Krumm tagged me for an easy mark all right!” - -“If you were taken in, so was I,” said Miss Ward. “All the same, I -can’t for the life of me see very much wrong with this place.” - -“Let’s inspect the kitchen,” Virginia urged. “Probably the drain won’t -work.” - -The sink proved to be an attractive new unit with shiny faucets and an -unmarred enamel finish. Judy, testing the drain, found that it worked -perfectly. - -Ardeth had turned her attention to the big electric refrigerator. When -she plugged in the cord, the machinery began to hum. - -“Nothing out-of-order here,” she reported. - -Miss Ward meanwhile, quietly had been checking the kitchen doors. One -opened onto a back porch and another into a storage room. The third -one, which apparently led down to the cellar, was locked. - -She turned the knob and rattled it a couple of times. - -“Any key?” Judy inquired. - -“None in the door.” - -“Why do you suppose it’s kept locked?” Ardeth speculated. “Is there -any reason why we shouldn’t inspect the cellar? After all, it’s part of -the cottage.” - -“In a way, it isn’t,” Judy remarked. “I’m certain from examining the -foundation of this place, that the cottage was built on an old base.” - -“I don’t see anything so mysterious about a locked cellar door,” -Virginia asserted, losing interest. “Like enough, the basement is damp -and musty. So Mr. Krumm advised keeping the door locked.” - -“Why should he tell us to keep it locked, when we have no key with -which to open it?” Ardeth demanded. She was struck by an intriguing -thought. “Say, maybe that key is here somewhere!” - -“I know I’m not going to waste time searching for it,” Judy declared. -“I am a bit worried though, about that milkman’s reference to strange -noises. I wish I could be sure the cottage is all right before Aunt -Mattie moves in.” - -“There is a way,” Miss Ward returned. “We could sleep here for a night. -In fact, it would relieve the congestion at Pine Cone Camp. We might -try it tomorrow night.” - -“Why not?” cried Virginia enthusiastically. “It would be fun!” - -“We could stock the cottage larder and have everything ready for your -aunt when she comes, Judy,” added Ardeth with equal zest for the -proposal. “How about it?” - -“I’d like to stay,” declared Judy. “It will give us a chance to learn -if anything is wrong with the cottage.” - -The girls remained on the premises another half hour. By the time they -were ready to return to Pine Cone Camp, their friends drove up in the -station wagon. - -“At least Mr. Krumm relayed our message,” Ardeth said, as she climbed -into the car. “Maybe he isn’t such a bad egg after all.” - -From Calico Cottage, the station wagon followed a smooth pavement which -wound in easy curves up the mountain. At a lookout point, the driver -halted briefly to permit the girls to obtain a view of the distant -peaks and valleys. They went on again, but presently were stopped by a -forest ranger, whose green car was parked at the roadside. - -“What have we done now?” Beverly Chester muttered uneasily. - -The ranger greeted the campers courteously, dropping a handful of -literature into Miss Ward’s lap. - -“Welcome to Old Baldy Mountain,” he said. “This entire area is a -national forest preserve. You’re staying at Pine Cone Camp?” - -“Yes, we arrived last night,” Miss Ward replied. - -“Girl Scouts always are careful about starting fires,” the ranger -continued. “I wish other visitors here were as cooperative. You’re -familiar with the regulations. The most important one is never to start -a fire except in the designated places. You’ll find them all marked on -the forest map.” - -“We’ll be careful,” Miss Ward promised. - -“My name is Arthur Wentz,” the ranger ended his little talk. “If I can -be of service at any time, let me know.” - -Back at Pine Cone Camp a few minutes later, the girls found they had -just enough time for a brisk swim in the lake before dinner. - -Judy and Kathleen, who were good swimmers, were paired together. They -tried their skill on the diving board, watched a group of other Scouts -receiving instruction in Red Cross Life Saving, showered off and were -ready for a hot meal when it was served promptly at 5:30 p.m. - -Later, when all the girls had gathered for songs and a nature -talk in the main lodge room, Miss Lubell mentioned a plan whereby -all interested patrols would take part in a competitive first-aid -expedition. - -“It will work like this,” she related. “Arrangements have been made -for a forest patrol plane to drop messages to the various Scout groups -which will scatter over the mountainside. The notes will provide -fictional location of a plane crash. The patrols are to proceed as -quickly as possible to the site of the crash, administer first aid and -summon help. There will be an award for the patrol which accomplishes -its mission first and with the most skill.” - -“If it’s all to be imaginary, how will we give first aid?” Betty Bashe -asked in a puzzled tone. - -“Everything will be worked out carefully,” Miss Lubell replied, with -a smile. “Although the crash is to be imaginary, counselors will be at -the secret site selected. Notes pinned on their clothing, will provide -clues as to the type of injury supposedly suffered. For example, one -counselor may have an imaginary broken arm. The unit reaching the scene -first, will be expected to care for the injuries exactly as if they -were real.” - -“Say, that will give us first class experience,” Kathleen declared -enthusiastically. “I hope Beaver Patrol wins!” - -Next day in camp the girls were given opportunity to brush up on -previous first aid training, and patrol leaders received maps of the -mountain area in the vicinity of Pine Cone Camp. - -Throughout the day, when not otherwise absorbed by camp activities, the -girls of Beaver Patrol pored over the map, thoroughly familiarizing -themselves with every road and trail. - -After lunch a telegram came for Judy from her Aunt Mattie Meadows, -announcing that she would arrive in two days at Milburn. - -“That doesn’t give us too long to prepare the cottage and make certain -that everything is satisfactory there,” Judy remarked, as she showed -Miss Ward the message. “Will we be permitted to stay at the cottage -tonight?” - -“I’ve talked it over with Miss Lubell,” the Scout leader replied. -“While she considers it irregular for any of the girls to remain away -from the camp, she realizes that through no fault of hers or ours, -one of the tents is badly overcrowded. So until that situation can -be corrected, she is granting permission for three of the girls, and -myself, to sleep at the cottage. We’ll prepare our own breakfasts -there, and then return here for the day’s program.” - -“We’re staying at Calico Cottage tonight then?” - -“Yes, Kathleen, as patrol leader, will remain here with Beverly and -Betty. Ardeth and Virginia will go with us to the cottage. The camp -station wagon will take us to Milburn where we can buy necessary -supplies. Then we’ll be deposited at Calico Cottage, and be picked up -again tomorrow morning.” - -The plan was acceptable to everyone, although Kathleen, Beverly and -Betty secretly were a bit disappointed that they were not to be -included in the party. - -“Never mind!” Miss Ward assured them. “Perhaps tomorrow night, we can -trade places.” - -At four o’clock, the station wagon came to take Miss Ward, Judy, Ardeth -and Virginia to the Village. Most of their luggage was left behind, but -each girl had packed a few essentials which would be needed for the -over-night stay. - -At Milburn, the Scouts sought a grocery store, there to make careful -purchase of a list of supplies they had worked out. As she paid for the -groceries, Judy remarked that they were to be used at Calico Cottage. - -“Calico Cottage?” repeated the woman who had waited upon her. “Don’t -tell me you’re staying at that place!” - -“Yes, we are for a few days,” Judy admitted. “I rented the cottage for -my aunt. Until she comes, a few of the Scouts plan to use some of the -bed space.” - -“You may like the cottage,” the woman replied. “No one could hire me to -stay there though!” - -“Why not?” Judy inquired, instantly alert. “What _is_ wrong with the -cottage?” - -“That’s what folks around here would like to know,” the woman replied -with an expressive shrug of her shoulders. “It’s close to Hager’s Hole -for one thing.” - -“Hager’s Hole?” - -“Some call it Calico Cave.” The clerk rang up the sale and packed the -groceries into sacks for convenient carrying. She did not seem inclined -to carry on the conversation. - -“Please tell us what you know about the cottage,” Judy requested -earnestly. - -“Really, I don’t know a thing. I shouldn’t have said a word. It’s just -that it seems sort of queer about the tenants.” - -“Did anything happen to them?” - -“Oh, no,” the woman answered. “But the last couple stayed only two -days. They moved out in the middle of the night. Since then Mr. Krumm -hasn’t been able to find another renter.” - - - - -_Chapter 3_ - -HAGER’S HOLE - - -The sun had lowered behind the spruce trees as the camp station wagon -unloaded three sober-faced Scouts and their leader at the doorstep of -Calico Cottage. - -“I’m not certain that we should stay here,” Miss Ward remarked -uneasily. “All this talk we’ve heard about the place makes me wonder if -I’m acting wisely to allow the group to remain overnight.” - -“And I’m worried about Aunt Mattie coming here,” Judy added. “I wish I -never had taken the cottage. We’ve rented a lemon, that’s certain.” - -The girls had been unable to glean any definite information from the -woman in the grocery store. However, her observation that other tenants -repeatedly had moved out, had filled them with misgiving. - -At Miss Ward’s suggestion, Judy had gone to Mr. Krumm to ask for a rent -refund. He had rejected the request, impatiently assuring her that -nothing was wrong with the cottage. - -“I thought Girl Scouts had nerve,” he lectured her. “What happens? You -hear a few busybodies passing gossipy remarks, and immediately jump to -false conclusions. When you rented the cottage I gave you a good price -on it with the understanding that you’d stick by the deal. Now you come -crying to me before you’ve spent even a night in the place.” - -“Girl Scouts do have nerve,” Judy had replied, carefully controlling -her temper. “We believe in being cautious though. And we don’t like to -be misled or cheated.” - -“It was your own proposition,” Mr. Krumm retorted. “You wanted the -cottage and you got it. I’m making no refund!” - -So now, as the three Scouts stood on the porch waiting as Miss Ward -unlocked the door, they were wondering what the night might bring forth. - -There was little conversation as the girls quietly set to work making -the cottage more liveable. Ardeth opened the windows to air out the -rooms. Virginia made up the beds, while Judy and Miss Ward put away the -groceries. - -“You’re not much worried about staying here tonight are you?” Judy -asked the leader as she stacked eggs in the refrigerator. - -“No. If I were, I’d take the girls back to Pine Cone Camp,” Miss Ward -replied. “Frankly though, I don’t like the things we’ve heard. I can’t -imagine why tenants would leave here suddenly unless--” - -“Calico Cottage may have a ghost,” Judy supplied with a nervous giggle. - -“Judy, we know there are no such things!” - -“Maybe by staying here we can disprove the rumors that have been -circulating,” Judy said soberly. “Now, if we could, that would be -performing a real service for Mr. Krumm.” - -An inspection of the cottage and the grounds immediately surrounding -it, proved reassuring. Save that a musty, damp odor lingered in the -dwelling even after rooms had been thoroughly aired, the girls could -detect nothing amiss. - -“Our telephone is connected,” Miss Ward reported. She had tested it by -calling Miss Lubell at Pine Cone Camp. “It’s reassuring to know that if -anything should go wrong, we’ll not be cut off from help.” - -“As we were last winter at Maple Leaf Lodge!” Judy added with a laugh. -“Remember how that man, who pretended to be a caretaker, cut the wires?” - -“And the exciting time we had at Penguin Pass with Monstro the -Snowman!” contributed Virginia, who had overheard the conversation. -“Those were the days!” - -“You speak as if our adventures are over,” chuckled Ardeth. “I have a -hunch we may have a few here at Calico Cottage before we’re through.” - -The three girls became thoughtful as they reflected upon a recent -skiing excursion to Maple Leaf Lodge on Candy Mountain. Judy, at the -time, had been a Tenderfoot Scout. However, she had proven her courage -and by passing difficult tests, had moved up in rank. - -For that matter, not only Judy, but the entire patrol had won the -admiration of villagers by the efficient manner in which the capture -of a dangerous criminal had been accomplished. This story of the Girl -Scouts’ meeting with a clever impersonator has been told in the first -volume of a series, entitled: “The Girl Scouts at Penguin Pass.” - -Judy and Ardeth peeled potatoes for the evening meal, set the table and -prepared a simple salad. - -“Anything more?” Judy then inquired. - -“Not for awhile,” Miss Ward replied. “The meat loaf will take at least -thirty minutes more in the oven. Then we’ll have dinner.” - -“Mind if Ardeth and I do a bit of exploring?” - -“Not if you’ll be back within half an hour.” - -“We will,” Judy promised. “Want to come along, Virginia?” - -“No, thanks, I’ll stay to help Miss Ward with last minute things,” she -decided. “Besides, I had enough hiking this morning.” - -Letting themselves out the screen door, Judy and Ardeth walked through -the aisle of tall trees to the main highway. Then, without any -discussion, they turned into the narrow private road, and struck off in -the general direction of Calico Cave. - -“No telling how far it may be,” Judy presently remarked. “Or whether -we can find it quickly. I simply have to see that place!” - -“Caves always fascinated me,” declared Ardeth, walking fast to keep up -with her friend. “I hope this one has stalactites.” - -For awhile, the girls walked directly into the setting sun. The road -was hemmed in on either side with stately evergreens which spiced the -air with a pleasant fragrance. Presently, hearing a sound behind her, -Judy looked back and was astonished to see a small dog following almost -at her heels. She halted to coax him to her. He wagged his stub tail, -and licked her hand affectionately. - -“Why, Ardeth, it’s Pete!” she exclaimed. - -“Not the milkman’s dog?” - -“It’s the same dog, I’m sure. Do you suppose he jumped off the milk -truck and is lost?” - -“He doesn’t act lost,” Ardeth rejoined as the animal started on ahead -of Judy. “In fact, he seems to know right where he’s going.” - -“Maybe we should catch him,” Judy said doubtfully. “He might get lost -in the woods.” - -The two Scouts started after Pete, but the faster they hurried, the -more distance the dog put between them. Now and then, he would pause to -look back and bark, as if to tell them that he thoroughly enjoyed the -game. - -Presently the weed-grown private road came to a dead-end in a loop -which permitted a car to turn around and retravel the route it had -come. A weather-beaten signboard read: “To Calico Cave,” its painted -arrow pointing up a rocky trail. - -“Come back here, Pete!” Judy called. “Why, you little scamp!” - -Paying not the slightest heed, the dog trotted up the trail. - -“He acts as if he’s been here before,” Ardeth observed. “Maybe he’s -trying to guide us to the cave!” - -“We really should turn back,” Judy said. “Oh, well, if we hurry, maybe -we’ll have time to take a quick peek at the cave.” - -Struggling up the sharp incline, the girls soon came to an opening amid -the tall bushes. To their right was an expanse of limestone rock, badly -eroded by the elements. - -“There it is! The cave!” Judy cried as she discerned a small, dark -opening. - -Pete had gone directly to the entrance and stood there, barking and -jerking his head, as if to beckon the girls. - -“That dog has been here before all right!” Judy declared. “Otherwise he -wouldn’t be so excited about the place.” - -With Ardeth close behind, she picked her way across the rocky path to -the projecting shelf. The cave opening was barely shoulder height and -not more than four feet wide. - -Curiously, Judy peered down into the dark interior. “It’s just a -narrow passage leading gradually into a deep endless hole,” she -reported. “I imagine though, that the cave may open up into a large -chamber somewhere below. Want to explore?” - -“You and your jokes!” - -Judy laughed and turned to leave. Ardeth however, crouched down to -direct her gaze into the opening. - -“I can hear water dripping,” she reported. “Say, why do you suppose the -name of this place was changed from Hager’s Hole to Calico Cave? Or are -they one and the same?” - -“Ask Pete,” Judy replied with a chuckle. “He seems to know more about -the place than we do.” - -She whistled to attract the dog’s attention, but he paid her no heed. -Even after she and Ardeth started down the path, he kept sniffing at -the cave entrance. - -“Come on, Pete!” Judy called impatiently. - -“Maybe he thinks he’ll find a rabbit down in that hole,” Ardeth -remarked. “I hate to leave him here alone. I’ve heard of dogs losing -themselves in caves.” - -“He’ll come in a minute or two,” Judy returned. “He’s only trying to -tease us.” - -Pete, however, did not follow the girls. At the bend of the path, they -looked back again. Even as they called to him, he barked and vanished -into the dark hole. - - - - -_Chapter 4_ - -NIGHT SOUNDS - - -“Why, that crazy Pete!” Judy cried as she saw the dog disappear into -the opening. “He went into the cave!” - -Worried lest the pet lose himself in the dark cavern, the girls quickly -ran back to the shelf of projecting rock. - -Anxiously, Judy peered into the deep, rather terrifying hole. - -“Pete!” she called. “Pete! Come back here!” - -The little dog could not be seen, but the girls heard a muffled, -answering bark. It seemed to come from far down in the bowels of the -rock. - -“He’s a long distance in,” Judy said anxiously. “What’ll we do, Ardeth? -Go after him?” - -“No, we don’t dare,” the other decided. “It’s dangerous to explore -caves without taking precautions. Besides, Miss Ward is expecting us at -the cottage.” - -“Pete may never find his way out. That’s what worries me.” - -The dog’s smothered bark gradually faded until no sound could be -heard. Thrusting head and shoulders into the hole, Judy tried again to -catch a glimpse of the truant pet. - -“Not a sign of him,” she reported hopelessly. “All we can do is report -to Bart Ranieau. He was such a nice little dog--” - -“Do you see him?” Ardeth demanded as Judy broke off her remark. - -For a long moment, Judy made no reply. Then she pulled her head out of -the opening, staring at her friend rather wide-eyed. - -“What’s wrong?” Ardeth questioned. “Did you see a ghost?” - -“You look down there in that hole,” Judy urged. “Tell me what you see.” - -Ardeth moved in close beside her, peering into the darkness. A gust of -wind ruffled her hair and nearly bowled her headlong into the cave. She -grasped a projection of limestone rock for support. - -“See it?” Judy demanded. - -“Pete, you mean?” - -“No! No! Look far down the passageway, Ardeth.” - -Try as she would, Ardeth could see nothing save empty space. Now that -her eyes were becoming more accustomed to the blackness, she could make -out a white rock floor, and on the ceiling, a wet patch where grew a -tight mat of lichens. But that was all. - -“Look down,” Judy directed again. “I’m sure I didn’t imagine that I -saw something moving in the passageway.” - -Once more Ardeth directed her gaze below, and involuntarily stiffened. - -“Now I see it!” she exclaimed. “Why, it looks like a moving light!” - -“I thought so too,” Judy agreed. “You don’t suppose anyone could be -down there?” - -“At this late hour?” - -“It doesn’t seem likely, does it?” - -“Maybe Calico Cave has a ghost,” Ardeth declared with a nervous giggle. -“Wouldn’t that be something!” - -Judy had peered into the cave again. “The light is moving away, -descending the passageway,” she reported. “Ardeth, Pete may have -started down there to investigate.” - -“If he did, he’s welcome to the job! Just to look down into that ink -well gives me the jitters. Poor Pete! We’ll never see him again, I’ll -bet.” - -“Someone will have to get him out,” Judy insisted. “It would be too -heartless to let him die in there. Miss Ward will know what to do.” - -Though she would not have admitted it, the moving light which seemed to -have no explanation, had somewhat unnerved her. With dusk coming on, -she was eager to be away from the lonely locality. - -“Okay,” Judy agreed reluctantly. - -Before getting up from the crouched position, she took a last look -into the cave. The light had vanished completely and Pete likewise -could not be seen. - -“Since we can’t save Pete without risking our safety, I guess we may as -well hike for Calico Cottage,” Ardeth declared quickly. - -The chill of evening was in the air as the two girls silently trudged -back the way they had come. A rising breeze whipped the evergreens -overhead, making ragged shadows, and causing the needles to whisper -mournfully. Far below, the White River remained visible in the dying -sunlight, a wide, shining band of silvery blue. - -At Calico Cottage, supper was nearly ready. Judy and Ardeth, however, -had little appetite. Dejectedly, they related their discovery of the -cave, and their misfortune in losing Pete. - -“You were wise not to try to venture into that hole,” Miss Ward assured -the two girls. “The dog may wander out by himself. Even if he is lost, -the risk of trying to bring him out without a guide, would be very -great.” - -“You really think Pete will get out by himself?” Judy asked, -brightening. - -“He may. At any rate, he’ll survive for many days. I’ll telephone the -young milkman and tell him his dog is lost. You’re certain the pet was -his?” - -“It was Pete, all right,” Ardeth answered. “He acted as if he’d been in -that cave before too.” - -“Then there’s an excellent chance he may find his way out,” the troop -leader asserted. “I’ll telephone the dog’s owner now. Do you recall his -name, Judy?” - -“Bart Ranieau.” - -Miss Ward went directly to the telephone, but was unable to contact the -young man. She learned that he roomed in the village, and was informed -by his landlady that after coming in from his milk route, he had left -without saying where he intended to go. - -“If we can’t get word to him by tomorrow morning, I’ll notify the -forest rangers,” Miss Ward decided. “They’ll know how to proceed.” - -As night came on, the girls washed all the dishes and tidied the -kitchen. The very nearness of the cave and the knowledge that Pete was -lost somewhere in its vast recesses, tended to depress them. - -Virginia spoke somewhat wistfully of Pine Cone Camp, speculating upon -whether or not the other Scouts might be having a ceremonial fire and -singfest there. - -“We’re cut off from the fun here,” Judy acknowledged. “It’s my fault -too. If Aunt Mattie hadn’t sent that telegram, we’d all be in camp -together.” - -“Considering the mix-up over reservations, the sleeping arrangement is -much better here,” Ardeth declared. “Besides, we don’t want your aunt -to have this cottage if it isn’t suitable.” - -“It’s a Girl Scout’s duty to be useful and to help others,” added -Virginia gravely. “At any rate, we like Calico Cottage.” - -“I can’t see anything wrong with the place,” Ardeth picked up the -conversation. “Of course, it’s isolated and a bit lonely off here in -the pines. Now and then that musty odor hangs over the place, and one -can’t seem to localize it. The cottage isn’t really damp.” - -“I’ve been annoyed by that odor myself,” said Miss Ward. “It was -especially strong when first we opened up the cottage. I wonder if it -comes from the cellar?” - -“With that door locked, we can’t investigate,” Judy responded. “What do -you suppose became of the key? And why did Mr. Krumm advise us to keep -the door locked? Those questions keep going around in my mind.” - -The evening passed slowly for the girls. Ardeth sewed and the others -tried to read. As a chill crept over the cottage, Miss Ward lighted -a heater which made the living room more cheerful. By eight-thirty, -everyone was ready to go to bed. - -“We must be abroad early in the morning,” Miss Ward warned. “Breakfast -at seven. The camp station wagon will pick us up between eight-thirty -and nine o’clock.” - -Judy and Ardeth had elected to share one of the bedrooms, while -Virginia and the teacher took the adjoining chamber. The mattresses -were surprisingly comfortable. - -Snuggling down into the covers, Judy closed her eyes, but was annoyed -to discover that she was not sleepy. Ardeth, on the other hand, curled -up like a kitten, and soon was breathing with deep regularity. - -“What’s the matter with me anyhow?” Judy asked herself. “I guess I -can’t take the comforts of home.” - -For awhile, she stared out the open window, watching the movement of -the pine trees. A strong, cool breeze had arisen. It flapped the calico -draperies and whistled around the corners of the flimsily-built cottage. - -Judy resolutely tried not to think of Calico Cave or poor Pete, but -the harder she struggled to banish the unpleasant recollection, the -more clearly it emerged. She could visualize the little dog, wandering -helplessly deeper and deeper into the cavern, always searching for an -exit which never materialized. - -“I’m becoming positively morbid!” she told herself sternly. “Enough of -this!” - -Judy tossed off the blankets and taking care not to disturb Ardeth, -went quickly to the kitchen for a drink of water. - -The cottage was very still. Now that she was abroad, Judy began to -regret that she had left her comfortable, warm bed. The kitchen was -icy cold and the only light came from a half moon which shone eerily -through the windows. - -Judy drank a glass of water in the darkness, preferring not to disturb -any of the sleepers by switching on a light. In the kitchen, the damp, -unpleasant odor which the girls had noted earlier, seemed especially -strong. - -“I’m sure it comes from the basement,” she thought, sniffing the air -close to the locked door. “Maybe this is why Mr. Krumm wants us to keep -it closed. But what can cause such an odor?” - -Judy had started to move away when she was startled by an unusual sound -which seemed to come from beneath the floor of the kitchen. The noise -assaulted her ears as a series of loud thumps. - -“Gracious!” Judy thought, backing a step away from the locked cellar -door. “What’s going on down there in the basement? Maybe this place -does have a ghost!” - -If the loud thumping, bumping noise had startled Judy, she was to -suffer an even greater shock. - -As she held herself rigid, straining to catch the slightest sound, -there arose from below, the clear melodious notes of a flute! - - - - -_Chapter 5_ - -SONG OF THE FLUTE - - -Judy stood transfixed, listening tensely. The musical notes now had -died out and in the kitchen there was only silence. Had the strange -notes of the flute been no more than a trick of the imagination? - -Suddenly she was aware of a sound in the room beyond the kitchen. Judy -whirled to see a white apparition framed in the doorway. She uttered a -choked cry and then laughed aloud in relief. The figure was no ghost, -only Miss Ward in a white bathrobe. - -“Did I startle you?” the teacher asked in a whisper. “It is you, Judy?” - -“Yes, I couldn’t sleep. I came out here to get a drink of water. For a -minute I thought you were a ghost from the basement!” - -“Oh, Judy!” Miss Ward reproved. “What nonsense!” - -“I was joking,” Judy said hastily. “Of course, everyone knows there are -no ghosts. All the same, that sound was unnerving.” - -“Sound? What sound, Judy?” - -“Well, it seemed to come from the cellar. First, I heard a series of -loud thumps. Then, I thought I heard someone playing the flute.” - -“Perhaps the sound drifted in from outside the cottage.” - -“I’m sure it didn’t, Miss Ward.” - -For several minutes the Scout leader listened attentively, but the -noises which had disturbed Judy were not to be heard again. - -“It is very late,” she said finally. “Judy, you must go back to bed.” - -“I’m sorry to have awakened you. I tried to be quiet.” As Judy started -across the kitchen, the badly constructed floor creaked beneath her -slippered feet. She had reached the living room doorway, when she was -brought up short by the high pitched note of a musical instrument. - -“There it is again, Miss Ward!” she whispered, grasping the teacher’s -arm. “A flute! Hear it?” - -“Yes, I do,” the Scout leader replied. “It certainly sounds like a reed -or a wind instrument.” She stood very still, listening. - -From below the flooring issued a series of musical notes, tuneless but -not displeasing to the ear. Then the kitchen again was enveloped in -silence. - -“It wasn’t my imagination, Miss Ward. You heard it too!” - -“No, you didn’t imagine it, Judy,” the teacher soberly agreed. “The -sound came from the basement, or so it seemed to me.” - -Crossing to the cellar door, Miss Ward twisted the knob and pulled -hard on it. “It’s still locked,” she murmured. “I begin to understand -why Mr. Krumm was unwilling to make a refund on the rent.” - -“This explains why the other tenants moved out so suddenly.” - -“It may,” Miss Ward acknowledged. “Evidently, there is a very good -reason for keeping this door locked.” - -“You don’t suppose--anyone--could be down there?” Judy said -falteringly. “Maybe locked in?” - -“I’m afraid you’ve been watching too many television thrillers.” - -“I guess so,” Judy admitted, laughing shakily. “My theory is wild all -right. How do you explain the flute?” - -“I don’t. However, I intend to talk to Mr. Krumm tomorrow. If this -cottage has a mystery or any possible danger, it is his duty to inform -us completely. Now get to bed, Judy. I’ll sit up for awhile.” - -Next morning, when Judy awoke from a deep slumber, bright sunlight was -streaming through the slats of the venetian blinds. Ardeth already was -up and dressed. - -“Breakfast in ten minutes,” she informed Judy, giving her a hard shake. -“If you don’t get a move on, we’ll not be ready by the time the camp -station wagon calls for us.” - -“I guess I overslept,” Judy mumbled, pulling out of bed and groping -blindly for her shirt and slacks. “Is everything all right?” - -“Is everything all right?” Ardeth echoed, starting to air the bed. -“What could go wrong so early in the morning?” - -“I was just wondering, that’s all,” Judy answered, deciding to postpone -the tale of the flute until after breakfast. “What smells so utterly -delicious?” - -“Bacon. Miss Ward and Virginia are cooking it. We’ve been assigned to -the dishes.” - -Judy dressed speedily, helped Ardeth tidy the bedroom, and was ready in -time to help carry dishes to the breakfast table. - -Miss Ward herself broached the subject of the strange sounds which had -been heard in the basement during the night. - -“I don’t wish to alarm anyone,” she asserted, pouring hot chocolate. -“I feel though, that if we are to stay here, we must be on the alert. -Furthermore, I intend to ask Mr. Krumm for an explanation. I am sure -there is one, and that he can provide it.” - -“If he will,” Judy added. “He certainly wasn’t passing out any -information when he rented this cottage. I don’t know what to do about -Aunt Mattie.” - -“Fortunately, she won’t be here for a day or two,” Miss Ward replied. -“We’ll have a little time in which to try to clear up the situation.” - -As was to be expected, Ardeth and Virginia expressed keen -disappointment at having missed out on the excitement. They asked a -dozen questions, and spent the entire breakfast period speculating upon -the nature of the mysterious basement sounds. - -“Calico Cottage has a ghost!” Virginia insisted gaily. “How thrilling! -And a boy who plays a flute is far more interesting than an ordinary -apparition.” - -“How do you know it’s a boy ghost?” Ardeth demanded. “For all we know, -it may be an old man or a beautiful lady in white. My, I wish we could -get down into the cellar!” - -“I can see you leading the way!” Virginia teased. “Anyway, we have a -more urgent problem.” - -“That little dog,” interposed Judy, her face becoming grave. “Something -must be done to get him out of the cave.” - -Miss Ward told the girls that she had tried very early that morning -to get in touch with Bart Ranieau. Though she had telephoned at seven -o’clock, he already had left his rooming house and was off on his route. - -“He may come this way,” she remarked hopefully. “If he does, perhaps we -can flag him down. Otherwise, I’ll call the forest ranger headquarters -in the village.” - -Breakfast finished, Judy and Ardeth cleared the table and made a fast -and furious attack upon the dishes. As they rushed about, stacking -china neatly in the cupboards, they kept an attentive ear trained on -the cellar area. The only sounds came from out-of-doors. - -“If Miss Ward hadn’t backed up your story about that flute player, I’d -have accused you of dreaming it up,” Ardeth declared. “Just my luck to -have missed out on the fun.” - -“It was scarey, rather than fun,” Judy answered. “For Aunt Mattie’s -sake, I hope our basement friend doesn’t strike any more sour notes.” - -Hanging up the dish towels to dry, the two girls joined Miss Ward and -Virginia who were watching the highway for a glimpse of either the -station wagon or the milk truck. - -“There it comes!” Virginia suddenly cried, spying the vehicle driven by -Bart Ranieau. - -All the Scouts rushed to the main highway to flag down the milk wagon. - -“Hi!” Bart greeted the girls as he halted the delivery wagon at the -side of the road. “I see you’ve moved in. Need milk or butter this -morning?” - -“We can use two quarts of milk,” Miss Ward returned. “But we stopped -you for another reason.” - -“It’s about Pete,” Ardeth said tensely. “He lost himself in the cave -last night. Judy and I called to him, but he wouldn’t come out. He kept -going deeper and deeper in the hole.” - -She broke off in the report, suddenly aware that the young milkman was -smiling in an odd sort of way. - -“That Pete!” he remarked. “He’s a natural-born spelunker.” - -“A what?” demanded Judy. - -“A spelunker. That’s what modern cave explorers call themselves. The -science of caves is called speleology.” - -Bart motioned for the girls to step over to the milk wagon. Peering in, -they saw Pete sprawled comfortably on a rug, lying on the floor. He was -fast asleep, his head resting on his forepaws. - -“Pete found his own way out of the cave, as he usually does,” Bart -explained. “I’ve tried to keep him out, but no soap. One of these days, -he may lose his life in there.” - -“Well, at any rate, he’s safe now,” Judy declared, greatly relieved. -“Is the cave very deep?” - -“The exit never has been found.” - -“Really?” Ardeth’s eyes opened wide. “I guess Calico Cave is an unsafe -place.” - -“One shouldn’t venture in very far without a guide. Some ten years -ago, a very courageous man whom I knew rather well, lost his life down -there. He was seeking the cave exit. Since then, no one has ventured -past the point where he last was seen.” - -Judy inquired if Calico Cave and Hager’s Hole were one and the same -place. Bart replied that they were identical. - -“For years the cave was known as Hager’s Hole,” he explained. “It was -named for old Captain Hager, who once owned this property.” - -“Our cottage?” Virginia asked in astonishment. - -“Not the cottage. But the Hager home used to stand in the same -location. Mr. Krumm bought the place not so long ago. He tore down the -old house and put up a new cottage on the original foundation. Folks -advised him not to do it, but no one can tell Krumm anything!” - -“He’s had a little trouble renting the cottage?” Judy probed. - -“Oh, renters came along fast enough, but they wouldn’t stay!” the -milkman chuckled. “Some of ’em, it seems, were allergic to strange -sounds. I take it you folks spent a comfortable night?” - -“We were disturbed once,” Miss Ward answered. “Nothing serious. We -fancied we heard a flute player.” - -“No ghosts?” Bart asked, grinning. - -“Nary a ghost,” Miss Ward returned. “Naturally we were a bit disturbed -about the music, and intend to seek an explanation.” - -“Mr. Ranieau, you seem to be quite familiar with Calico Cave,” Judy -remarked pointedly. “Could you, by chance, tell us why the name was -changed, and maybe explain the mystery of the cottage?” - -“Maybe I could,” Bart said, grinning in an odd way. “I like you folks. -You have more nerve than those other renters. Maybe, if you ask pretty, -I’ll tell you the story of the Old White Witch.” - - - - -_Chapter 6_ - -THE WHITE WITCH - - -Bart Ranieau’s remark about the White Witch intrigued the girls, who -immediately pleaded with him to tell them the story connected with the -cave. - -“Okay,” he agreed, “but I’m late on my route this morning, so I’ll have -to make the tale brief. Calico Cave is very old. It was here before the -village was incorporated and has had a half dozen names over the years. - -“According to an ancient legend, an old witch once lived in the cave, -arousing the villagers by casting horrible spells upon them. In their -terror they called upon a monk who once resided in the mountains, to -turn the old hag into stone. So now in a chamber of the cave you may -see a strange stalagmite formation--the White Witch.” - -“Is that a true story?” Virginia asked, deeply impressed. - -“The legend is true. As for the White Witch, you can see her if you’ve -a mind to explore as far as the first chamber.” - -“You don’t believe that tale yourself, I take it?” Miss Ward inquired -with a broad smile. - -“I think the story was made up to explain the white formation, which -does resemble a witch,” Bart answered. “Over the years, the yarn took -on more and more detail and color.” - -“I’d love to see that old stalagmite witch,” Judy declared, her dark -eyes sparkling. “How deep down in the cave is the formation?” - -“Too far for you to explore alone,” the milkman responded. “Don’t -try it. Not without a guide. Caves are safe enough, if one takes -precautions, but they’re no place for amateur explorers, unsupervised.” - -“Does Calico Cave have any other interesting formations besides the -Witch?” Judy inquired. - -“Oh, gobs of ’em. Few persons though, have gone past the old White -Witch. In fact, it’s part of the legend that she casts a spell upon all -who go beyond that point in the cave.” - -“You’ve disproved that part of the legend?” the Girl Scout leader -questioned. - -“Well, the old witch cast her spell over me all right,” Bart admitted -with a chuckle. “Not an evil one though. The Cave fascinates me, and if -I had time, I’d really delve into its innermost secrets.” - -“Ardeth and I thought we saw a moving light in the cavern late -yesterday afternoon,” Judy remarked. “Maybe you were down there -exploring.” - -“Not yesterday,” Bart replied. “You’re certain you saw a light?” - -“Oh, yes, it startled us. Either someone was down in the cave, or it -was that old witch!” - -“It wasn’t the old witch,” Bart assured her. “She’s a harmless old gal -and has stayed fixed for a thousand years, more or less. I can’t guess -who might be down in the cave, because folks hereabouts seldom venture -in.” - -“You spoke of former Calico Cottage renters moving out because of -strange sounds which disturbed them,” Miss Ward reminded the young -milkman. “Can you tell us more about it?” - -“Did the other folks ever hear a flute player?” interposed Ardeth. - -“Seems to me I heard some such talk.” - -“And loud banging noises at night?” demanded Judy. - -“I reckon so.” - -“Tell us everything!” urged Virginia. “Is Calico Cottage supposed to be -haunted? Is that why Mr. Krumm has trouble keeping his renters?” - -“All I know is what I hear,” Bart replied evasively. “I wouldn’t have -told you about the White Witch, only I could tell that you Scouts -aren’t easily scared.” - -“Is there any connection between Calico Cottage and the Witch?” Judy -questioned. - -“Only as she’s supposed to have cast her spell over the place. The -last tenants had a cat. One night she became scared at some noise and -leaped through a window, shattering the glass. The folks moved out, -came dawn. I know because I met ’em as they were driving away. Tried to -talk ’em into staying, but they were dead set the cottage was haunted.” - -“You don’t believe that nonsense yourself?” Miss Ward inquired. - -“Nope. I think there’s a logical explanation for the cottage cutting up -the way it does. I’d tip Krumm off if he weren’t such a disagreeable -egg. He took advantage of old Captain Hager in buying the property, and -the townsfolk never quite forgave him.” - -“Is Captain Hager still alive?” questioned Ardeth. - -“Very much so,” Bart told her. “The old sea dog is edging seventy now, -but he’s as spry as ever. Since Krumm got the old homestead away from -him, he’s lived frugally in a cabin down on the river.” - -“The cave, you said, was named for Captain Hager?” - -“Yes, it bore his name ever since I can remember. Then Krumm bought all -this property, including the private road and the cave. Right off, he -changed the name to Calico Cave.” - -“But why?” inquired Judy. - -“Well, he didn’t want the cave to have Captain Hager’s name, for one -thing. There’s no love between them, you know. Then I guess he thought -Hager’s Hole was too closely associated with talk of the White Witch -and death.” - -“Death?” Ardeth repeated uneasily. - -“One man lost his life in the cave. Another explorer--an amateur--broke -his leg, and a searching party had to bring him out. Not so many months -ago, a group of giddy girls went in without a guide. They lost their -way, and wandered around for several hours before help got to them. The -stories they told around didn’t help any. So Krumm changed the cave -name.” - -“I can see that the cavern is no drawing card,” Miss Ward remarked. -“When first I saw the cave sign, I assumed that the place might be a -tourist attraction.” - -“It could be,” Bart said seriously. “That cave has everything! Fantastic -formations beyond belief! An underground river, a waterfall, everything -to attract visitors, if facilities could be provided. But Krumm has no -imagination, and he’s too tight to spend a penny developing the cave. -It’s a pity the property ever came into his possession.” - -The Scouts had a dozen more questions at the tip of their tongues. -Before they could ask any of them, a familiar automobile drove up, -parking squarely in front of the Cloverleaf milk truck. - -Mr. Krumm squeezed out from behind the wheel and walked directly over -to the group. He gazed sharply at Bart, his attitude unfriendly. - -“I thought I’d drop by to inquire how you’re getting along,” he said, -ignoring the milkman and bowing to Miss Ward. “You have found the -cottage quite comfortable, I trust?” - -“It seems to be very well equipped,” the teacher conceded. “I can’t say -we spent too comfortable a night, though. We were disturbed by strange -sounds.” - -“Strange sounds?” The real estate man registered surprise which was not -in the least convincing. - -“We heard music, and thumping noises,” Judy supplied. “It seems your -cottage has a ghost.” - -“No such thing!” Mr. Krumm indignantly denied. “That’s all bosh! You’ve -been listening to stupid gossip.” - -“You should have told us the truth about the cottage before we rented -it,” Miss Ward reproved him mildly. “Judy’s aunt will be coming -shortly, and we hesitate to turn over a place to her that may be -unnerving or possibly unsafe.” - -“There’s nothing wrong with the cottage,” Mr. Krumm flared. “You’ve -been talking to Bart Ranieau, and he’s been filling you with hot air!” - -“We were asking him about the cottage and likewise about the cave,” -Miss Ward admitted. “If we’re to remain here another night, we want all -the information we can get.” - -“I was telling ’em about the White Witch,” Bart interposed to plague -the realtor. - -“How many times have I told you to keep your nose out of my affairs?” -Mr. Krumm demanded furiously. “You can’t keep that wagging, clacking -tongue of yours still! You’ve driven away all of my tenants, one by -one.” - -“That’s not so, Krumm, and you know it.” - -“You fill ’em up with fears about White Witches and such nonsense. I -want no more of it, understand? Furthermore, I want you to keep off my -property. Don’t be snooping around Calico Cave any more!” - -“You can’t keep me from exploring,” Bart returned coolly. “You may own -the land, but not what’s below the surface.” - -“You stay out of that cave, and away from it,” Mr. Krumm repeated his -order. - -Bart grinned provokingly, and without making answer, drove off down the -road. - -“That young whippersnapper gets my blood up!” Mr. Krumm asserted after -the milk wagon had vanished around a curve. “I wouldn’t have ordered -him to keep off the property, only he’s become a pest.” - -“I take it, you don’t consider the cave safe?” Judy inquired curiously. - -“Oh, it’s safe enough, if you don’t wander in too far,” the real estate -man replied with a shrug. “My order doesn’t apply to you folks. If you -want to see the cave, you can go down there any time.” - -“I don’t believe I’d care to explore,” Ardeth said with a shiver. “Not -after learning that a man died in the cave.” - -“Bart told you about _that_, I suppose?” Mr. Krumm questioned -sarcastically. - -“Isn’t it true?” - -“Bart didn’t tell you _why_ the man lost his life,” Mr. Krumm said, -without answering the inquiry. “No, he just filled you up with a lot of -nonsense about a White Witch.” - -“She doesn’t really cast a spell over the cottage?” Judy asked -mischievously. - -Mr. Krumm’s normally florid face became even redder. He sucked in his -breath, moistened his lips, and then launched into another vehement -denial that anything was wrong with Calico Cottage. - -“I’m sick of all this gossipy talk!” he ended his tirade. “I’m sick of -losing tenants! I’m so weary of it, that I’m willing to pay good money -to disprove all the contemptible stories.” - -The Scouts remained respectfully silent. - -“Bart has convinced you, I suppose, that you should move out,” Mr. -Krumm went on. Without giving anyone an opportunity to deny the -statement, he continued: “All right, suppose I admit that former -tenants have complained about the cottage having strange noises at -night? There must be an explanation for it--a logical, sensible one.” - -“We’ll go along with you on that theory,” Miss Ward replied. “You have -a proposition, Mr. Krumm?” - -“Yes, I have. It’s all bunk about Calico Cave or the cottage having a -ghost. If you’ll stay here for two weeks, and disprove the story, I’ll -refund your rent payment. What d’you say?” - -Ardeth, Virginia and Judy gazed questioningly at their leader, awaiting -her decision. - -“We would prefer a rent refund with no strings attached,” the teacher -suggested. - -“Sorry, I can’t do that. After all, I’m not in business for my health. -This cottage has been an expensive proposition. What do you say?” - -“We’ll consider your offer,” Miss Ward said quietly. “We’ll remain for -another night and make our decision after that. However, if we do make -the test, it will not be for commercial reasons, but only to safeguard -Judy’s aunt.” - - - - -_Chapter 7_ - -THE TREASURE BOX - - -Pine Cone Camp seemed strangely deserted when Miss Ward, Ardeth, Judy -and Virginia arrived there at nine o’clock in the station wagon. - -Seeking the tent which had been assigned to the Beaver Patrol unit, the -new arrivals found it quite deserted. - -“Where is everyone?” Ardeth asked in perplexity. “Surely not on a hike -so early?” - -Swimming suits hung on the clothes lines, attesting to the fact that -the campers already had enjoyed an early morning plunge in Morning -Glory Lake. - -“Look!” Judy suddenly cried, pointing toward a cleared area some -distance away at the edge of the forest. “Everyone is over there! Let’s -see what’s doing.” - -Hurrying over to the group, the girls could not at first discern what -it was that had drawn the interest of the entire camp. - -Gradually, however, they edged deeper into the assembly and saw that -the other Scouts were taking turns peering into a large wooden box, -covered with a wire screen. - -“What in the world?” Virginia speculated. - -Just then Beverly, Kathleen and Betty caught sight of their patrol -mates in the crowd, and joined them. Judy asked the cause of the -excitement. - -“Oh, you girls have missed all the fun, being stuck down there at -Calico Cottage,” Kathleen told her. “We’ve started a treasure box.” - -“What is that?” - -“Look in it and you’ll see!” - -The other Scouts moved aside to make way for Judy and the newcomers. -Gazing into the box, they were amazed to see all manner of strange -animals and insects. - -“It’s a nature treasure chest!” Kathleen informed her friends. “We -already have a mouse, a spider, and three varieties of turtles. Each -patrol is supposed to contribute an animal, bird or unusual insect.” - -“Does Beaver Patrol have an entry?” Judy asked. - -“Not yet. Beverly very nearly caught a little chipmunk, but he eluded -her. We’re depending upon you girls to help us.” - -“We will,” Ardeth promised. “Just give us time to get our thoughts -adjusted, and we’ll come up with a prize winner.” - -“There are to be no duplications,” Kathleen warned. “All the patrols -are working on it, so we’ll have to get busy.” - -“How about a little garter snake?” suggested Ardeth thoughtfully. - -“If Beaver Patrol goes for that, you’ll have to produce the snake,” -Kathleen replied with a shudder. “No snakes for me!” - -“I vote we put Ardeth in charge of finding a patrol entry for the -treasure box,” proposed Betty Bache, who had joined the other girls. -“She’ll get a big boot out of the job.” - -“I’ll be glad to take it over,” Ardeth offered, for she thoroughly -enjoyed the study of nature and had no fear of animals or insects. - -“Good!” Kathleen approved. “That takes a load off my mind.” - -The blowing of a bugle summoned all the campers to assembly. Miss -Lubell waited until all the Scouts had gathered, and then signalled for -silence. It was evident that she had a most important announcement. - -“Girls,” she began, “we had planned a hike to Indian Falls this -morning, but it will be necessary to make a change.” - -A chorus of groans met this announcement, for the girls had looked -forward to the outing and outdoor cookery. - -“However, we have other interesting plans,” the director went on -quickly. “The Civil Air Patrol has notified me that it can make a plane -available for the first-aid and exploration excursion I mentioned -earlier. But today is the only time the Service will be able to -cooperate. Accordingly, we’ve decided to go ahead. All patrols desiring -to compete, should sign up at once. Your counselors will provide full -details.” - -The girls were informed that at ten o’clock all competing patrols would -hike a quarter of a mile to Flat Top, an area relatively level and -clear of trees. - -According to the plan, a Civil Air Patrol plane would fly over the -section to drop a message which would give Scouts notification of a -fake plane crash. The general location of the accident likewise would -be given. Starting with equal information, the units were expected to -separate and compete in trying to be the first to reach the designated -locality. - -Once there, the Scouts were to give first aid treatment to the -imaginary victims, and proceed exactly as if the accident were a real -one. Three girls from the Garden City Patrol had volunteered to act as -the injured passengers of the plane crash. Notes would be pinned to -their clothing, stating the nature of their supposed injuries. - -Kathleen, Judy, Betty and Beverly teamed up as one exploring unit, -representing Beaver Patrol. Ardeth and Virginia decided not to enter -the competition, preferring to remain behind to search for a suitable -wild pet to add to the treasure box collection. - -Shortly after ten o’clock, the representatives of seven patrols were -encamped on the table top, anxiously scanning the sky for a glimpse of -the expected plane. All the girls had dressed sensibly in heavy shirts, -slacks and stout climbing boots. Faces and necks were protected from -the sun, but even so, the rays bore fiercely down upon their backs as -they sat impatiently waiting. - -“Won’t that plane ever come?” Beverly fretted, wiping perspiration from -her neck. “We’ve been here an age now!” - -“Only ten minutes,” Kathleen corrected. - -“Well, it seems a year. Maybe there’s been a mix-up about plans,” -Beverly went on. “I wish I’d stayed in camp. This trip will be hard and -tiring.” - -“Good experience though,” Judy said, continuing to scan the azure, -almost cloudless sky. “It will be a test of skill to find our way to -the right place, administer first aid, make improvised litters and -carry our victims to help.” - -“I hope we’re the first to get there,” Kathleen declared. “So far, -Beaver Patrol hasn’t shown up too well in the camp competitions. That’s -because all of the girls haven’t been together, especially in the -evening. This is our chance.” - -Judy suddenly sprang to her feet. She had been the first in the group -to sight the Civil Air Patrol plane winging in from the east. - -“Here it comes!” she cried. “They’ll be dropping a message in a moment. -Watch sharp!” - -All of the patrols now were alert and ready. The Scouts who had -equipped themselves with field glasses, trained them on the approaching -plane. - -Its wings flashing in the sunlight, the ship came in low enough for the -girls to see the forms of the pilot and his passenger. Three times the -plane circled the tableland. Then on the fourth trip over, the message -tube was dropped. - -It missed the open table top by twenty feet, landing amid the trees and -brush just below where the Beaver Patrol girls had taken their stand. - -“Come on,” Judy shouted, starting off at a run. “I saw where it -dropped!” - -There was a mad scramble to see who would be the first to reach -the message tube. According to the rules of the competition, the -directions, once read, could not be kept, but must be left behind for -other patrols. - -Plunging through the underbrush, Judy was the first to seize upon the -shining metal tube. As she opened it to remove the message which had -been folded within, Beverly, Kathleen and Betty crowded close to read -the directions. - -“Plane crash at 9:48 a.m. on Hermit’s Ridge,” Kathleen discerned the -writing. “Three passengers in need of help.” - -“Hermit’s Ridge!” Beverly explained. “Where is that?” - -Judy already was consulting her map of the region. - -“You might know it’s a difficult climb from here!” she exclaimed. “We -have several choices of a route. We can take the short, hard climb--no -trail. That way, it looks to be approximately a mile and a half from -here.” - -“What are the other choices?” Kathleen questioned. - -“We can follow the main highway three quarters of the way, and then -make a short climb on Lone Pine Trail. Our third choice is to descend -from here to Rocky Point Path and keep on it all the way.” - -“I’m for taking the shortest route even if it will mean a harder -climb,” Beverly said at once. “Let’s go!” - -“Hold on,” Judy directed, continuing to study the map. “I’m in favor -of the road myself. It may be longer, but it’s a lot faster, easier -walking most of the way.” - -“Furthermore, we may be able to catch a ride part of the distance,” -Kathleen added. “That would be within the rules. The patrol wins that -gets first to Hermit’s Ridge and accomplishes its first aid mission.” - -“I’m in favor of the road too,” Betty Bache asserted, siding with -Kathleen and Judy. “The various choice of routes is a test of -judgment as well as endurance.” - -Leaving the message for the other patrols to read, the four girls -quickly descended rugged terrain to the paved highway. - -“I think we’re making a mistake,” Beverly insisted, shifting her -first-aid kit to a more comfortable carrying position. “Not many cars -pass on the road at this time of day. The distance is much longer.” - -“We can dog-trot part of it,” Judy said, beginning to lope along. -“Anyway, we’re well out ahead of the others!” - -“I can see another group starting out,” Beverly reported looking back. -“They chose the short, hard way.” - -“Since we’re out ahead, that might be their only chance to beat us,” -Betty reasoned. “I still think we chose the better, faster route.” - -Alternately, the girls dog-trotted twenty steps and then walked the -same number. In that manner, they did not tire so easily or lose breath. - -The road wound on through the forest in dips and sharp ascents. They -kept going, ignoring the heat of the sun and their own increasing -weariness. - -“I’m glad we didn’t take the hard climb,” Judy commented as she and -Kathleen paused a moment to wait for Betty and Beverly to catch up. -“The going will be tough enough before we reach Hermit’s Ridge.” - -At the next sharp bend in the highway, the Scouts were able to look -down at the table top some distance below. Not a single patrol seemed -to have followed them. - -“I knew it!” Beverly exclaimed. “All the others have taken the shorter -routes!” - -“Let them,” Judy replied cheerfully. “It hasn’t been proven yet that -our judgment was poor. We’ve been making fast time.” - -“We haven’t caught that ride yet,” Beverly reminded her. “Not a single -car has passed us on the road. And we’ve met only one truck.” - -Resting only momentarily, the four went on, doggedly determined to be -the first to reach Hermit’s Ridge. Soon they lost all view of their -competitors who had been swallowed up by the dense forest foliage. - -“Say, I think I hear a truck coming now!” Betty presently exclaimed. -She paused to cock an attentive ear. “Wow! It’s coming fast, burning up -the road!” - -“We’ll never flag down that driver!” Judy exclaimed, moving hastily off -the pavement. - -The heavy freight carrier roared past the girls, its massive tires -screaming as it went around a bend. - -“What does that driver think this road is--a speedway?” Beverly -demanded. “Why, it’s dangerous--” - -The four hikers halted abruptly, frozen by the fearful sound of -screeching brakes. They could not see beyond the next sharp curve, but -the sickening thud was unmistakable. The speeding truck had missed its -turn and had skidded off the road! - - - - -_Chapter 8_ - -VALUABLE CARGO - - -Rounding the bend at a run, the four Scouts saw that the big truck had -missed plunging over the ravine by mere inches. - -The heavily loaded vehicle had skidded wildly, bringing up at a sharp -angle against a rocky embankment. Shattered glass lay on the pavement. - -Judy was the first to reach the tilted truck cab. She could not at -first get the jammed door open, but suddenly it gave, swinging back so -hard, she nearly was thrown off balance. - -The driver was slumped over the wheel, stunned and bleeding from flesh -cuts. He was a heavy-set man with a beak-like nose and square jaw -which sagged to give him a stupid appearance. His eyes were glazed and -unseeing. - -The only other occupant of the truck, a thin man with two front teeth -missing, sprawled half off the seat, moaning and using foul language. - -“My neck!” he screamed. “It’s like killing me! Don’t stand there! Do -something! Get a doctor!” - -He pulled himself out of the cab, pushing angrily at Kathleen when she -tried to help him. Despite the rebuff she took his arm to steady him. - -“Don’t touch me! Get away!” he screamed, staggering. Kathleen caught a -whiff of his breath then and knew that he had been drinking. She noted -that his right arm hung limp and that the right shoulder was much lower -than the left. He had grasped it at the elbow to provide support. - -“You can’t raise your arm above your shoulder, can you?” she demanded. -“Your collar bone must be fractured.” - -“So what?” the trucker demanded savagely. He leaned weakly against the -truck, ignoring her efforts to be of help. - -Meanwhile, Judy, Beverly and Betty had devoted their attention to -the truck driver, who appeared in more serious condition than the -disagreeable passenger. - -Carefully, they stretched him out flat on the cab seat. - -“He may be only stunned,” Judy said anxiously. “The first thing is to -get the blood stopped. No artery has been cut fortunately.” - -The blood came from two facial cuts and a wrist which had been slashed -by flying glass. Judy removed a tiny splinter of glass from the latter -wound, treated the cut with antiseptic, placed a compress over the -opening and bandaged it tightly. - -That job done, the girls bandaged the driver’s face, noting with -relief that he seemed to be recovering from shock. Now and then he -moaned in pain as they worked deftly and efficiently, but for the most -part he eyed them silently. - -Kathleen, on the other hand, was having a most trying time with her -patient, who refused to cooperate. He would not lie down or let her -examine his neck. - -“I can’t do anything with him,” she whispered to Judy. “I’m sure he has -a fractured collar bone. But what to do about it? He’s acting like a -maniac.” - -“Delirious?” - -“He’s just a mean character,” Kathleen muttered in an undertone. “I’m -sort of scared.” - -“Scared? Why?” - -“He has a revolver in his back pocket.” - -“Maybe he carries it to protect the cargo,” Judy replied. “Let’s see -what we can do about that collar bone.” - -Moving over to the sullen trucker, who stood leaning against the tilted -vehicle, she addressed him quietly but firmly. - -“You’ll feel more comfortable if you sit or lie down. We’ll help you--” - -“I don’t want any help.” The trucker’s lips parted in an ugly snarl -which revealed his missing front teeth. “You got a car?” - -“No, we’re Girl Scouts on a hike.” - -“Girl Scouts! A lot of help you’ll be!” - -Judy ignored the sarcasm, noting how limply the trucker’s right arm -hung. - -“We can help,” she insisted. “Your collar bone has been broken, I -think.” - -“So what?” the trucker demanded belligerently. “I’m worried about this -truck. We can never move it out of this--have to abandon it.” - -“You should be able to get a wrecker from the village. Now about that -collar bone--” - -“Forget it, I said.” The man’s gaze roved toward the cab of the truck -where Betty and Beverly were covering the driver with coats. - -“Is Joe done for?” he demanded with cold rather than friendly concern. - -“He’s more stunned than hurt, I think,” Judy replied. - -“Can’t he make it on his own pins? We gotta get out o’ here.” - -“He shouldn’t try to walk. We’ll bring help to you as fast as we can. -First, though, you must take a sensible attitude and let us wrap that -collar bone. You’ll be far more comfortable until we can get you a -doctor.” - -“Okay,” the trucker suddenly consented. “Make it snappy though, and -don’t hurt me or I’ll bash you in! I ain’t in no mood to be worked over -by amateurs.” - -Having cajoled the man into a more cooperative mood, Judy went quickly -to work. With Kathleen helping, she utilized a triangular bandage as a -sling for the right arm, tying it snugly to the side of his body with a -cravat bandage. - -“Humph!” the trucker muttered, not displeased as he surveyed the -finished job. “Not too bad.” - -“The important thing now is to get you both to a doctor,” Judy said -briskly. “Cars pass rather infrequently on this road. Kathleen and I -will go for help while Beverly and Betty stay here to do what they can.” - -“You’ve done enough now,” the trucker returned. “Thanks, kids! Now all -of you beat it--on your way.” - -“We’ll have a wrecker sent,” Judy went on, gathering up her first aid -equipment. - -“Don’t bother.” - -“But we’ll be glad to do it,” Judy insisted. “It’s part of our Scout -training to help when we can.” - -“Yeah? Cut out the chatter and clear out!” The trucker glowered at the -girls, and dropped his left hand to his hip pocket. “Get out I said!” - -Frightened by the hostile attitude of the man, Beverly and Betty -snatched up their first aid kits, and started hurriedly off the way -they had come. Kathleen and Judy were more deliberate in making their -departure. However, knowing that the trucker had a revolver, they were -in no mood to argue with him. - -Once beyond the first bend in the road, the four girls excitedly -discussed the situation. - -“That’s all the thanks we get for helping!” Beverly said furiously. -“We’ve lost out on the Hermit Ridge competition too--worse luck.” - -“I guess there’s more to this first aid business than just wrapping up -broken bones!” Betty added. “One has to learn how to handle half-crazy -patients.” - -“I can’t understand why that man was so eager to get us away,” Judy -remarked thoughtfully. “Normally, anyone in similar plight would -welcome help. Why wouldn’t he want us to send a doctor or a wrecker?” - -“Just out of his head, I guess,” Beverly shrugged. - -“On the contrary,” Judy insisted, “he seemed quite cool about the -entire procedure. You know, I wonder what sort of cargo those men were -carrying?” - -“It must have been valuable,” Kathleen replied. “Otherwise, why would -he carry a revolver for protection?” - -Keyed up by the encounter with the two men, but decidedly discouraged -over the outcome of their efforts, the girls hiked as fast as they -could down the mountain road. Despite the order that they were not to -send help, they planned to do so. - -“Doesn’t a car ever come on this road?” Beverly complained after they -had hiked ten minutes without meeting or being passed by an automobile -or a truck. - -“I see a car coming now!” Kathleen suddenly cried. “From the direction -of the village.” - -“Say, we’re in luck!” exclaimed Judy, abruptly halting. “It’s a state -highway patrol car!” - -Waiting, the girls flagged the automobile to a stop. Quickly, they -told the two patrolmen of the accident and of the strange behavior of -the truckers who had rejected assistance. - -“Did you notice the license number of the truck?” one of the highway -patrolmen asked. - -None of the Scouts had made a note of it. - -“We were too busy wrapping up wounds to think of that,” Judy confessed. - -The patrolmen next inquired if the girls could describe the two -truckers. - -“Oh, yes!” Kathleen said eagerly. “The passenger was a thin fellow -with two teeth missing. He had dark bushy eyebrows and was very -disagreeable.” - -“That was Ben Vodner, I’ll bet a cent!” one of the patrolmen exclaimed. -“Did he have a scar on his left cheek?” - -“Yes, he did!” Judy recalled. “A long jagged white mark!” - -“What did the other man look like?” - -“His most prominent feature was a large hooked nose,” Judy described -him. “He was a large man, heavy-set and with a square jaw. I’d say he -weighed about two hundred pounds--” - -“That’s Joe Pompilli for sure!” - -“Who is he?” Kathleen demanded. - -“Joe’s the ring leader of a bunch of hi-jackers,” one of the patrolmen -informed her. “Off and on for the last six months, he and his boys have -been hi-jacking cargo and taking it through here right under the noses -of the forest rangers.” - -“So that was why they didn’t want help!” Judy exclaimed. “That truck -that went off the road was loaded with stolen cargo!” - -Taking the girls into the patrol car, the two patrolmen proceeded with -all speed toward the scene of the accident. - -“It’s just around the next bend,” Judy informed the driver. - -“Then I’ll let you girls out here,” he said, pulling up at the side of -the road. “There may be shooting. Stay back until we see what’s what.” - -Piling out of the car, the Scouts waited until the patrolmen had driven -on. Then, they rounded the bend, tense and expectant. - -The truck remained in the ditch where last they had seen it, but -neither of the injured men were anywhere visible. - -Watching from a safe distance, the girls saw the patrolmen carefully -search the truck cab. - -“Those two hi-jackers have fled!” Judy exclaimed. “I guess they weren’t -as badly hurt as we thought!” - -At a run, the Scouts raced up the road to join the patrolmen, who by -this time had broken open the door lock on the back of the truck. - -“Just as I thought,” one of the searchers declared as he swung open the -double doors. “Stolen auto tires!” - -“Tires snatched from the Graystone Transport Co. The truck was held up -early this morning across the state line.” - -Judy and her friends were bewildered with respect to what had happened -to the two accident victims. They were not long in doubt however, for -tire marks on the pavement showed plainly that a car had come along, -turned on the roadway, and returned in the same direction whence it had -come. - -“Ben Vodner must have stopped the driver and made him take him and his -pal, Joe, to town,” the patrolman commented. “They’re likely heading -for Brady City, over the state line. There’s a slim chance we can -overtake ’em.” - -Knowing that the wild chase might end in a gun battle, the patrolmen -told the Scouts they could not take them along. - -“Catch a ride back to your camp,” one of the men advised Judy as he -prepared to drive away. “We’ll let you know later how this comes out. -If we overtake those hi-jackers, we may need you to testify. If they -get away, you want to steer clear of them. Joe and Ben are mighty tough -boys, and they’ll bear you no gratitude for the help you gave them -today!” - - - - -_Chapter 9_ - -“IS JOE THERE?” - - -All that day, Pine Cone Camp buzzed with the exciting story of how the -four Beaver Patrol Scouts had given first aid to the two notorious -hi-jackers. - -Judy, Beverly, Betty and Kathleen were subjected to a great deal of -teasing. The other campers, to plague them declared that their timely -assistance had made it easier for the truckers to escape. - -That the two men had made a successful getaway was confirmed late in -the afternoon. Two state highway patrolmen, Clinton DeWitt and George -Franey, dropped around at Pine Cone Camp purposely to inform Judy and -her friends that the identity of the hi-jackers tentatively had been -established. - -“We’re quite sure those two truckers were Joe Pompilli and Ben Vodner,” -the girls were told. “They stopped a car and made the driver give them -a lift. At gun point, they forced him to take them across the state -line. Finally, on a side road, miles from a telephone, they abandoned -the driver and continued on their way.” - -“Joe and his pal probably will give this area a wide berth for -awhile,” the other patrolman added. “You never can tell though.” - -“That’s right,” agreed George Franey. “They’re daring outlaws, well -organized. Joe Pompilli won’t abandon this run because of one mishap. -But we’ll be watching for him!” - -As was to be expected, Judy, Beverly, Betty and Kathleen, were regarded -somewhat as heroines by their camp mates. Many times they were called -upon to recite their adventures on the lonely mountain road. - -“We’ve given a bandage-by-bandage report so many times I’m beginning to -embellish the details,” Judy laughed as she told the story for perhaps -the twelfth time. “That thin fellow the patrolmen called Ben was a mean -sort of individual. He didn’t actually threaten us with his gun though.” - -“The worst of it was that we lost out in the Hermit Ridge competition,” -added Kathleen ruefully. “I’m afraid we’ll have to depend on Ardeth and -Virginia to win points for our patrol.” - -She smiled at the other two, who had spent most of the morning -searching for a suitable specimen to add to the nature treasure chest. - -Both girls were sunburned and discouraged. True, they had captured an -unwary bull frog and a rare type of water insect, but only to learn -that other units had made similar entries during their absence from -camp. - -“So now to qualify, we’ll have to find something different,” Ardeth -asserted. “I’m sick about it.” - -“Oh, we’ll get an entry before the deadline,” Judy said cheerfully. - -“We have several days to work on it,” added Kathleen. - -“The other campers have combed the lake and the area around here so -thoroughly that it will be hard to find anything unusual,” Ardeth -insisted with a shake of her head. “All of the common things such as -worms, bugs, and bees, have been used too!” - -“Maybe we can find an entry while we’re at Calico Cottage,” Kathleen -suggested. “The woods near the cave haven’t been explored.” - -“We might enter the Cottage ghost!” Judy said with a chuckle. “If we -could capture him, we’d be entitled to first prize!” - -“By the way, have you heard from your aunt?” Ardeth inquired. - -Judy nodded and displayed a telegram which she carried in her pocket. -“This came in the morning delivery from town,” she explained. “Aunt -Mattie will arrive on the 2:10 p.m. train tomorrow.” - -“Have you told her about the cottage having a ghost?” - -“No, and I’m not eager to either,” Judy returned with a grimace. “Aunt -Mattie might make a dreadful fuss. I wish we could clear up the mystery -before she gets here.” - -“We have tonight to work on it,” Kathleen remarked thoughtfully. “If -only we could get down into the cottage basement! It wouldn’t do -though, to break the door lock.” - -“Hardly,” Judy agreed. “Mr. Krumm would have a just complaint then!” - -Though the Beaver Patrol girls made light of the “ghost” and the -strange flute music which had disturbed their slumbers at the cottage, -they were determined to find a logical explanation for the occurrence. - -Judy and her friends had said very little about the mysterious -happening, but the story had leaked out and greatly enlarged in -the telling. Throughout the afternoon, the girls were besieged by -questions. Their rivals in the Lone Tree unit seemed especially -interested. - -“We’re certainly the target of attention,” Judy remarked to Kathleen. -“I can’t understand why the Lone Tree girls are so fascinated by every -detail. Something’s in the wind!” - -The Beaver Patrol members remained at camp for dinner and to enjoy a -ceremonial camp fire which wound up with the telling of ghost stories. -At nine o’clock, the station wagon took Judy, Kathleen, Miss Ward, -Ardeth and Virginia to Calico Cottage for the night. - -“We’ll have our tent by tomorrow, I’m quite sure,” Miss Ward told the -girls as they let themselves into the dark cottage. “That will be a -relief.” - -“I don’t mind being here,” Virginia asserted. “In fact, I think it’s -exciting! Do you suppose we’ll hear that flute player tonight?” - -“We will if we keep dwelling upon it,” Miss Ward replied as she -switched on the lights. “The mind, you know, plays strange tricks. Now -everyone to bed, and no nonsense.” - -Rather soberly, the girls went to their rooms. Because Miss Ward -was with them, they had no fear of spending a night in the cottage. -Nevertheless, they were somewhat tense with expectancy. - -Ardeth was removing a shoe, when suddenly she stiffened. “Listen!” she -directed. “What was that?” - -“I heard nothing,” returned Virginia. - -“I thought I heard a thumping sound in the cellar,” Ardeth insisted in -a hushed voice. - -“That was your own heart pounding, goose!” teased Kathleen. “Jump into -bed, and stop imagining things.” - -Ardeth obediently turned off the bedroom light. Going to the window, -she opened it, and stood for a moment, gazing toward the dark forest -which edged ominously close to the cottage lawn. - -“Kathleen! Virginia!” she summoned the others, drawing in her breath. - -“Now what?” Kathleen demanded. - -“Come here, quick! Tell me what you see.” Dramatically, Ardeth pointed -toward the towering trees. - -Virginia went quickly to the window, peering in the direction -indicated. She stood silent and tense, scarcely believing her own -eyesight. - -“It’s--it’s something white, and it moves!” she exclaimed. - -Kathleen had joined the other two. Ardeth gripped her hand so tightly -it hurt. “I’m scared,” she confessed shakily. “What do you think, -Kathy?” - -“I’ll call Miss Ward and Judy.” - -Quickly, she summoned the other two from the next bedroom. Neither had -started to disrobe for the night. For several minutes the five stood -at the darkened window, gazing out across the sloping lawn to the dark -backdrop of trees. - -Plainly they could see a white object moving lazily back and forth -against a curtain of foliage. A nearly full moon added to the eerie -effect, casting a ghostly light over the lonely forest area. - -“A spook!” Ardeth declared shakily. “It’s coming this way too!” - -“No such thing,” Miss Ward corrected in a firm voice. “Whatever -the object may be, it is not moving in this direction. I’ll get my -flashlight and investigate.” - -“I’ll go with you,” Judy offered. - -Putting on warm jackets, the two slipped out of the cottage. The night -was chilly, for a light breeze blew from the direction of the river. - -Judy and the teacher focused their eyes on the white object at the -edge of the woods. Though it continued to move lazily, its basic -position did not seem to change. - -“Keep well behind me, Judy,” Miss Ward directed as they drew near the -trees. “I doubt that there is any serious cause for alarm, but it’s -wise to proceed cautiously.” - -Having decided upon a bold approach, the pair moved directly toward the -white object. - -When they were within a few yards of it, Miss Ward switched on the -flashlight. She directed the beam squarely upon the fluttering “ghost.” - -“Why, it looks like a bed sheet!” Judy exclaimed, and burst into -relieved laughter. - -“A sheet attached to a bush!” added Miss Ward. “Let’s find out about -this.” - -She held the light while Judy removed the sheet from the foliage. To -prevent it from blowing away, two ends had been tied to the branches -with cord. - -“This ‘ghost’ was put here purposely!” Judy declared. “By whom, I -wonder?” - -“Any marking on the linen?” - -Judy inspected the sheet under the light. “Here are some initials -stamped on the edge!” she exclaimed. “‘P.C.C.’” - -“Pine Cone Camp!” - -“Well, if that isn’t a good joke on us!” Judy laughed. “The girls at -camp decided to produce that ghost we were telling them about! Beverly -and Betty may have pulled this one!” - -“They were in camp all afternoon, Judy.” - -“That’s true. Maybe some of the Lone Tree Scouts did it then! One of -their girls has been asking a lot of questions about Calico Cottage.” - -“I don’t mind a bit of good fun,” Miss Ward said, folding the sheet. -“On the other hand, I’m not in favor of making too much of this ghost -talk. I think I’ll discuss the matter with Miss Lubell tomorrow.” - -“I hope whoever played the trick won’t get into trouble. I’m sure it -was all in good fun.” - -“Oh, no one will receive a reprimand,” Miss Ward promised. “I’ll find -out which girls had camp leave this afternoon. If it develops that any -of them played the trick, I’ll ask them not to repeat it, that’s all.” - -When the two returned to the cottage with the bed sheet, Virginia, -Ardeth and Kathleen anxiously met them at the door. - -“Here’s your ghost!” Judy laughed, tossing the camp linen into -Kathleen’s arms. “Look at the initials!” - -“So that’s why those Lone Tree Scouts were giggling and carrying -on this afternoon!” Kathleen exclaimed after she had examined the -markings. “Several of them asked for camp leave too!” - -“Then my idea about that probably was right,” Miss Ward said. - -Greatly relieved that the ghost scare had no serious aspects, the -Scouts discussed the prank for a few minutes, and then went to bed. It -was a long while, however, before the house finally settled down. - -Judy fell quickly asleep. How long she slumbered she had no way of -knowing. But suddenly, she found herself wide awake. - -Miss Ward, she noted, was sleeping soundly beside her. - -Wondering what had disturbed her, Judy sat up. Moonlight streamed into -the bedroom. She judged that it could not be later than midnight or -possibly one o’clock. - -The telephone was ringing. - -“So that’s what awakened me!” Judy thought, leaping out of bed. “Wonder -who can be calling at this time of night?” - -The phone call, she thought, might be from Pine Cone Camp. Something -might have happened to Betty or Beverly. Or possibly it was a message -from Aunt Mattie. - -In her haste to reach the telephone before it stopped ringing, Judy -bumped against a chair. Nursing a bruised knee, she hobbled on. - -As she took down the receiver to say “hello,” a gruff voice came over -the line. - -“Time you answered! Is Joe there?” - -“Joe?” faltered Judy. “Joe who?” - -Only silence gave reply. Then the wire went completely dead. The -speaker at the other end of the line had hung up. - - - - -_Chapter 10_ - -A MIDNIGHT DISTURBANCE - - -As Judy hung up the telephone receiver, the light suddenly was -switched on behind her. Startled, she whirled around with a smothered -exclamation of alarm. - -“I didn’t mean to frighten you, Judy.” It was Kathleen who stood in the -doorway, a corduroy robe flung over her shoulders. “I heard someone -moving around, and thought I’d check, that’s all. Is anything wrong?” - -“The phone was ringing. I--I don’t know what to make of it.” - -“Who was it that called, Judy?” - -“That’s the point. I don’t know. Someone asked for Joe.” - -“Joe? Joe who?” - -“That’s exactly what I asked, Kathleen. The only Joe I know is that -dreadful Joe Pompilli.” - -“Someone must have called the wrong number.” - -“I guess so,” Judy admitted doubtfully. “It gave me an ugly start -though. What time is it?” - -“A little past midnight,” Kathleen said, looking at her wristwatch. -“What a night! All we need to make it complete is a little flute music!” - -The switching on of a light had disturbed the others in the cottage. -Miss Ward came in from the bedroom and then Virginia and Ardeth, the -latter groggy with sleep. - -“What now?” she mumbled. “Another ghost?” - -Judy explained about the telephone. - -“Those Lone Tree Scouts!” Virginia exclaimed indignantly. “They’re -playing another joke on us! Trying to pretend that Joe Pompilli is -calling!” - -“It wasn’t anyone from Pine Cone Camp,” Judy said, her face serious. -“Whoever called was a man.” - -“It must have been someone who dialed a wrong number,” Kathleen -insisted. “I’m in favor of forgetting the whole business, and going to -bed. If we don’t get some sleep we’ll all be wrecks tomorrow.” - -“That’s sound advice,” approved Miss Ward. “To bed everyone!” - -All the girls were up at seven o’clock the next morning, feeling little -the worse for the excitement of the night. While the Scouts were -washing the breakfast dishes, the telephone rang again. - -“You get it, Judy,” Virginia directed with a giggle. “It’s probably -from Joe.” - -“From Aunt Mattie more than likely,” Judy replied, moving hastily to -the telephone. - -The message was from Miss Lubell at Pine Cone Camp. She asked Judy -to tell Miss Ward that the station wagon driver had been delayed that -morning and could not call for the girls until ten thirty. - -“This means we’ll have considerable free time on our hands,” Judy -remarked as she relayed the information to the others. - -“Let’s explore the river area, and maybe around the cave,” proposed -Ardeth. “I want to find an insect or an animal we can enter in the -nature treasure chest.” - -“We’ll all go,” Miss Ward decided. - -The work already had been finished. Locking the cottage, the five -struck off down the private road. After it dead-ended, they went on -across the silvery-gray rocks and through a stretch of sand to the -river. - -Beyond the ribbon of blue water, the mountains rose in jagged green -peaks. A ranger station was visible on one of the high slopes, set in a -cleared area among the trees. - -A half-rotted dock extended for some distance out into the stream. The -girls noticed an elderly man in blue overalls tying up his rowboat -after a fishing expedition. - -“Good morning,” Judy said pleasantly as the girls wandered over. “How’s -the fishing?” - -Straightening up, the old man shoved a soiled white cap at a rakish -angle over his shaggy white hair. - -“Mornin’ to you,” he greeted the girls jovially. “The -fishin’? Nary a bite! Blast my timbers, it’s a waste of a man’s time to -blister his skin out in the sun on this old river. I’m slingin’ my hook -for today.” - -Moving stiffly, the elderly man began to unload his fishing equipment -from the boat. Judy and Kathleen reached down to help him. - -“Right handy mates ye be,” he remarked, well pleased by their -attention. “Don’t recollect seein’ you gals hereabouts before. -Tourists?” - -“We’re Girl Scouts,” Judy explained. “We’re staying at Pine Cone Camp. -Because of a mix-up there over reservations, some of us have been -sleeping at Calico Cottage.” - -“Calico Cottage? Well, bash my binnacles!” - -“It’s a lovely cottage,” Ardeth contributed. “The only trouble is, it -seems to have a ghost.” - -“A musical ghost who plays a flute at night,” added Virginia. - -“You don’t say! A ghost!” The old man gave a throaty chuckle and then -laughed so hard that his sizeable stomach rolled up and down under the -overalls. “I’ll be a son of a sea cook! That’s a good joke on Krumm!” - -“It’s not so much fun for us though,” Judy declared earnestly. “We’re -turning the cottage over to my aunt this afternoon. She’s inclined to -be nervous. We’d hoped to clear up the mystery before she arrived, but -that seems out of the question now.” - -“Don’t waste any time worrying about that ghost,” the old man advised. -“A bunch o’ Girl Scouts ought to be smart enough to get to wind’ard of -any flute-playin’ spook.” - -“It would seem that way,” agreed Judy. “So far, though, we’ve had no -luck. By the way, you’re not Captain Hager by any chance?” - -“That’s my name, but not by chance! Captain Humphrey Hager, formerly -master of the good ship _Elaine_. I’ve been in dry dock going on ten -years now.” - -“We’re glad to meet you,” Judy declared cordially. She introduced Miss -Ward and the girls, and then added: “Bart Ranieau told us that you once -owned Calico Cottage--or rather, the old homestead that stood on the -same foundation.” - -“That’s right,” Old Captain Hager agreed, his leathery face wrinkling -into a scowl. “I found myself in low water, financially speaking. That -blasted, penny-squeezin’ Krumm kept pestering me, until finally I sold -him the place.” - -“Tell us, Captain Hager,” urged Kathleen, “did the house have a ghost -when you lived there?” - -A knowing smile overspread the old man’s face. “Well, yes, and no,” he -said. “I advised Krumm to put in a new foundation, but he let me know -he would do it his own way. So now he has a ghost! Ha!” - -“Does the old foundation have anything to do with the ghost?” Virginia -asked, looking puzzled. - -Old Captain Hager acted as if he had not heard the question. He fussed -with the painter of the rowboat for a moment, and then remarked offhand: - -“So you gals have met Bart Ranieau? Now there’s a fine lad, smart as a -whip and with the courage of a young lion. He told you about Hager’s -Hole?” - -“Calico Cave?” inquired Judy. - -“Hager’s Hole,” the old man repeated. “I don’t take stock of that new -fancy name Krumm tacked on. Bart told you about his father losing his -life in the cave?” - -“Why no!” exclaimed Judy. - -“He did say something about an explorer trying to find the cave’s exit, -and never being heard of again,” Virginia added. - -“That was Bart’s father,” the Captain informed her. “His son’s a chip -off the old block. Lots of sand in the craw! Bart’s trying to work his -way through college by peddlin’ milk. Aye, he’s an up and comer!” - -“How did Bart’s father lose his life?” Miss Ward inquired. - -The old captain’s gaze swept the river and lifted to fasten -thoughtfully upon the dark entranceway of Calico Cave. - -“No one knows,” he replied. “Not for sure. Folks say though, that it -was the siphon that did for him.” - -“What’s a siphon?” demanded Kathleen. - -“Hager’s Hole has an underground river,” he related. “Where it empties -no one knows. Deep in the cave is a grotto, so beautiful it will blast -your eyes! The underground stream must have hollowed it out ages ago, -then bored its way on through the rock. - -“By wading waist-deep and finally neck-deep in water one can follow -the river for awhile. Then the ceiling dips until water and roof meet. -That’s your siphon.” - -“A stretch of water between the rocks, with no roof space above?” Judy -questioned. - -“Aye.” - -“Bart’s father tried to go through the siphon?” Miss Ward inquired -soberly. - -“He knew he was risking his life, but spelunkers don’t have good sense -when it comes to explorin’ caves. Bart’s father was obsessed with the -idea he had to find the exit to Hager’s Hole. He gambled his life, -figuring he could dive through the siphon and find an air space beyond.” - -“No one ever learned for certain what became of Mr. Ranieau?” The -question was asked by Judy who sat cross-legged on the dock, listening -intently to every word of the story. - -“His clothes were found in the grotto, tied in a neat bundle. That’s -all that ever was known. A watch was kept at the siphon for days, but -there never was a sound or a signal of any kind. That was a long while -ago, and now Bart’s sailin’ the same course as his dad, hauntin’ that -cave, and dreamin’ about it at night. I’m right worried about the lad.” - -“You’re afraid he’ll meet with mishap in the cave?” questioned Miss -Ward. - -“Bart knows his way in that cavern like it was his own ship,” the old -captain replied. “What worries me, Ma’am, is that he’s obsessed with -finding out what became of his father. He keeps talking about the -siphon, speculatin’ on whether a strong swimmer couldn’t get through. -One of these days he may be rash enough to try it.” - -“Calico Cave--Hager’s Hole, I mean,” Kathleen corrected herself, “must -be a fascinating place. You’ve been in the cave many times I suppose?” - -“Aye, in my younger day, I went there right often.” - -“Then you must have seen the White Witch!” cried Judy, her brown eyes -dancing. - -“Aye,” Captain Hager agreed reminiscently. “Aye.” He became absorbed in -deep thought. - -Judy broke into his meditation to ask how long it would take to reach -the formation after one left the cave entrance. - -“Ten minutes,” the captain estimated. “It’s easy walkin’. But don’t you -gals try it by yourself. If you’re aimin’ to go into that cave, you -need a guide.” - -“We do, indeed!” cried Judy. She sprang to her feet, seizing the -captain’s hand so unexpectedly that he nearly dropped his pipe. “Oh, -Captain Hager, will you take us? Please, will you guide us to the White -Witch?” - - - - -_Chapter 11_ - -SPELL OF THE CAVE - - -Captain Hager’s remarks about the cave had stirred the imagination -of the Scouts, and even Miss Ward thought it would be interesting to -explore the cavern for a short distance. - -“Would it be safe, do you think?” she asked, as Captain Hager seemed to -be giving Judy’s request sober consideration. - -“It’s safe enough, Ma’am,” he assured her. “The only danger lies in -going too far without a guide.” - -“No rock falls?” - -“Never heard of one in all the years I’ve lived hereabouts.” - -“Then do take us, Captain Hager!” Judy urged again, prancing excitedly -about the dock. “We haven’t much time, because the camp station wagon -is to come for us at ten thirty. Please, could we start right now?” - -“Dash it, I was calculatin’ on anchorin’ for a comfortable snooze,” the -captain complained good-naturedly. “But if them’s my sailing orders, -we’ll cast off for the cave!” - -The old man told the Scouts and their leader to meet him at the -entranceway of Hager’s Hole. He promised to join them there as soon as -he had gone to his nearby river shack to leave his fishing equipment -and pick up a few items he would want for the trip. - -Taking leave of the old man, the girls swiftly climbed the slope to the -cave. Captain Hager did not keep them waiting long. - -Within fifteen minutes, they glimpsed his bent figure coming along the -path. He had changed his shoes, put on a blue jacket, and carried a -lantern. - -Before leading the way into the cave, Captain Hager told the group -something of its history. The cavern, he related, was known to have -been in existence in early Indian days--the exact date of its origin -never would be established. - -“Now there are all types of caves,” he went on, warming to his subject. -“Tunnel caves, river system caves, fissure caves--no two ever are the -same, and that’s what makes ’em so interesting to explorers. This one -starts with a sort of sinkhole entrance. It narrows down for a distance -and then opens up into a chamber where you’ll see the White Witch. -That’s as far as most folks ever go.” - -“It won’t take us too long to see the formation?” Miss Ward asked, -looking anxiously at her wrist watch. “We haven’t much time.” - -“Ten minutes, ma’am, to walk to the chamber. The climb back will take -longer. I’m not as spry as I was in the old days.” - -“We can spare an hour,” Miss Ward decided. - -Captain Hager instructed the girls to follow him, single-file. Miss -Ward brought up the rear of the procession to make certain that none of -her charges wandered out of line. - -Cautiously, and with awe, the Scouts moved into the entrance chamber -of the cave. A considerable current of air moved in the cavern, nearly -lifting Kathleen’s beret from her head. - -The room in which the girls found themselves, though dark, was -neither damp nor musty. By the light of Captain Hager’s lantern, they -distinguished smoke-blackened limestone walls, and on the floor were -the dead ashes of a small fire. - -“Someone has been in here lately,” the guide remarked. “Not Bart, -because he wouldn’t bother with a fire. He does most of his exploring -in a bathing suit.” - -“A bathing suit!” gasped Miss Ward, truly astonished. “I should think -he’d freeze to death.” - -“Not that lad,” chuckled the captain. He had rested his lantern for a -moment on a rocky ledge. “The temperature of this cave is the same, -summer or winter. Bart wears a bathing suit because he can crawl -through narrow places better than if he had on bulky clothes. And when -he gets wet, he says he stays warmer and dries out faster.” - -“Dear me, there’s more to this exploration of caves than I realized,” -commented Miss Ward. “We’ll not get wet, I trust?” - -“No, Ma’am,” the captain promised. “There’s no water down to the level -where we’re going. Keep your eyes out for bats though--not that the -little creatures will harm you.” - -“Bats!” Virginia squealed. “Horrors!” - -“They won’t hurt you,” the captain repeated. “Not even if you touch -’em with your hand. Sometimes they’re packed in on the walls as tight -as a swarm o’ bees. Then if they’re disturbed, the whole mass may take -flight. Bats are strange creatures.” - -“Ardeth should be assigned to capture one for the camp treasure chest!” -Judy chuckled. - -“We’ll go below, now,” the captain announced. “Follow me closely, and -don’t do too much talkin’. Sound echoes in a cave and is magnified. -Full steam ahead!” - -Step by step, the Scouts descended the narrow passageway. The slope -was an easy one, but it seemed endless. Unable to judge distance -underground, the girls imagined they had gone a long ways when finally -the captain brought up in a gallery approximately sixteen feet wide. - -Walls of the room were covered with limestone ridges and there were a -few interesting stalagmites and stalactites. Captain Hager struck one -of the latter with his stout walking stick, and it gave forth a musical -ring. - -Waiting until the entire party had clustered about, he slowly moved -his lantern so that it threw a circular, shadowy light on a dark -portion of the gallery. - -The girls sucked in their breath, uttering exclamations of surprise and -awe. - -There before them, was the cave witch! - -Tall and skinny, she appeared to lean on a long, white staff. The -ice-like figure, the girls knew, had been formed by stalagmites and -stalactites which over the years had grown together in weird formation. - -For a long while they stood silent, held by the ghostly spell of the -old witch. In the dead stillness, they could hear the rush of the -mysterious hidden river far below them. A cold gust of air blew across -the gallery, causing the Scouts to pull their jackets more closely -about them. - -“How real that old witch looks!” Judy whispered, finally breaking the -silence. “No wonder folks make up tales about this cave.” - -Keeping his voice low to prevent echo, Captain Hager explained that the -dripstone formations were called stalactites when they hung from the -limestone ceiling and stalagmites if they rose from the cave floor. - -“Each icicle-like formation, if broken, shows growth rings not unlike -those of a tree,” he related. Some, he told the Scouts, grew very -rapidly, while others were years in the making. - -“Usually each stalactite has a small hole in the center through which -the water flows to drip off the end,” he went on. “When the drip-off -strikes the floor, it sometimes builds up a stalagmite as you see them -here. When the two unite, you may get any variety of weird shapes.” - -“Oh, dear,” protested Kathleen, “you’re taking all the magic away from -the White Witch, Captain Hager! I prefer to imagine that she is pure -white stone.” - -Virginia inquired if there were other interesting formations deeper -down in the cave? - -“Aye, in the gallery below, there’s one Bart calls the Grand Ballroom. -Farther on, there’s a Frozen Waterfall, or flowstone, as it’s called. -You can see needles and toadstools and totem poles.” - -“Oh, Captain Hager, take us on!” pleaded Ardeth. “Only as far as the -Ballroom. This cave is so fascinating.” - -Before the captain could answer, Miss Ward interposed firmly: “No, -girls. Perhaps some other day, if we have a guide, we can return.” - -“The camp station wagon will be at Calico Cottage before we are, if we -don’t hurry,” declared Kathleen. “This is such a wonderful grotto, I -hate to leave, but we must.” - -Regretfully, the others agreed that further exploration of the cave -must be postponed. Leading the way with the lantern, Captain Hager -began the steep climb. He moved slowly and in the narrow passageway, -his heavy breathing was so loud that those behind him could hear it -plainly. - -“I’m not as spry as I was ten years ago,” the old man confessed when -the party presently reached the cave exit. “Going down is easy enough, -but when I throw ’er in reverse, my ticker starts to pound.” - -“We shouldn’t have pressed you into taking us to see the old witch,” -Judy apologized. - -“I was glad to do it,” the captain insisted. “Anyway, I’m not ready yet -to let old age get to the windward of me! No, sir!” - -The Scouts thanked their guide for taking them on the expedition. -Saying goodbye, they hastened along the rocky path to the private road, -thence to Calico Cottage. To their relief, the camp station wagon had -not yet arrived. - -“What a wonderful morning!” Kathleen declared, sitting down on the -porch steps to think over the exciting things she had seen inside the -cave. “I wish all the girls at Pine Cone Camp could see the White -Witch!” - -“Perhaps it can be arranged,” Miss Ward remarked. “I’ll talk to -Miss Lubell about it and see what she thinks. Caves certainly are -educational.” - -“Captain Hager knows a lot about them too,” contributed Judy. “He told -us a great deal, but I have a hunch there’s more he left unsaid.” - -“About the White Witch?” inquired Virginia. - -“The White Witch and maybe some other things,” she hinted. “Both -Captain Hager and Bart seem to dislike Mr. Krumm. If it weren’t for -that personal feeling, I suspect they might tell us more about the -ghost of Calico Cottage.” - - - - -_Chapter 12_ - -THE PRIVATE ROAD - - -After lunch at Pine Cone Camp, the Scouts busied themselves washing -their clothes and cleaning the Beaver Patrol tent. Miss Lubell sent -word by one of the counselors that other quarters would be available -for the girls by nightfall. - -“I guess we’ll have no excuse for staying at Calico Cottage tonight,” -Judy said regretfully. “You know, that boy with the flute intrigues me!” - -“Everyone in camp has heard about him,” added Ardeth as she hung a -blouse on the line to dry. “We’re being teased no end. If we don’t -solve the mystery before we leave here, we’ll never hear the last of -it.” - -Miss Ward had overheard the conversation, and interposed a word. “It -might be well for a couple of Scouts to stay with Judy’s aunt tonight,” -she proposed. “I’m satisfied that the cottage is safe, but strange -sounds at night can be most disturbing to a nervous person alone.” - -“I’ll stay with Aunt Mattie, if I may,” Judy promptly volunteered. - -“I’d like to myself,” added Ardeth. “While I’m there, I want to visit -the cave again. If I could get one of those bats we heard about, we’d -have a fine entry for the nature treasure chest.” - -“The cave is out-of-bounds without a guide,” Miss Ward returned. “I -talked to Miss Lubell about it. She thinks we may be able to arrange -a tour for the entire camp later this week. The problem is to find a -suitable guide. It seems that with the exception of Bart and Captain -Hager, few persons go near the place.” - -“Someone has been in there lately,” Judy said, reminding the teacher of -the dead camp fire ashes they had seen at the cave entrance. - -Shortly before two o’clock, the station wagon took Miss Ward, Judy and -Ardeth to the village depot. A smoky haze hung over the mountainside, -and the girls were somewhat disturbed to learn that a small forest fire -had broken out across the river on Brady’s Ridge. - -Enroute to the station they met a forest service truck and passed a -ranger with a portable radio on his shoulder. - -The driver of the station wagon pulled up, to ask the forest service -man if the situation was considered at all serious. - -“Everything’s under control,” the ranger assured him. “It’s a small -brush fire. We’re keeping a close watch of the entire area though.” - -“How did the fire start?” inquired Miss Ward. - -The ranger shrugged. “Perhaps from a carelessly dropped cigarette. -Or a motorist may have tossed a match out of a car window. The fire -apparently started close to the road. You folks will be all right, if -you don’t try to cross the river. Keep on this side.” - -The haze of smoke hung low as the station wagon parked near the depot. -Judy sniffed the fumes and coughed. - -“What a welcome for Aunt Mattie!” she remarked. “She’ll be scared to -death that the fire will spread to this side of the river. And if we -tell her about the ghost--” - -“I don’t believe I’d do that,” Miss Ward advised. “And least not for a -day or so. Why disturb her unnecessarily?” - -“You’re right,” Judy promptly agreed. “If the ghost makes any more -trouble, Aunt Mattie will find out about it soon enough. Mum’s the -word.” - -The train proved to be half an hour late. Finally it rumbled in, -throwing up dust and cinders. Aunt Mattie Meadows was on the last -Pullman car. She was a jolly-faced woman of forty-two, well turned out -in a trim gray suit, with a white carnation in the lapel. - -“Hi, Aunt Mattie!” Judy cried, rushing to greet her. - -Miss Meadows enfolded her niece in a warm embrace, and then held her -off at arm’s length for a better view. - -“Why, you’re brown as an Indian!” she exclaimed. “What have you done to -your complexion?” - -“Liberal doses of sun, wind and lake water,” Judy chuckled. She turned -to present Miss Ward and Ardeth. - -Miss Meadows greeted them, made a few casual remarks and then sniffed -the air. “Goodness! Do I smell smoke?” she demanded. “Is something on -fire?” - -“Only a little brush across the river,” Judy said carelessly. She -picked up her aunt’s suitcase and started for the station wagon. -“Nothing to worry about.” - -Aunt Mattie kept sniffing the air. “Dear me, it doesn’t seem a little -fire could make so much smoke. Judy, are you quite sure there’s no -danger? You’re not keeping anything from me?” - -“The ranger assured us there is no danger. Don’t give it a thought, -Aunt Mattie.” - -Miss Meadows fell silent as she was escorted to the waiting station -wagon. Nevertheless, she kept gazing toward the horizon in the -direction of the river. - -Going up the winding mountain road, the woman became increasingly ill -at ease. At each sharp turn, she instinctively braced herself, as if -fearing the car would roll off into a ravine. - -“I hope you rented a nice cottage for me, Judy,” she chatted. “You -didn’t write me a word about it.” - -“There wasn’t time, Aunt Mattie. In fact, we didn’t have any choice in -selecting the cottage. We had to take the only place available.” - -“Is it a quiet place? I’ve had a hard, tiring year, and I do want to -have complete rest.” - -“Well, Calico Cottage is off the beaten path,” Judy replied evasively. -“How quiet it will prove to be no one can predict.” - -The station wagon rounded a curve and slowed to a standstill. Peering -ahead, the girls saw that a wooden barrier had been placed across part -of the highway, blocking traffic. - -“Now what?” murmured Judy. “This wasn’t here when we came down the -mountain an hour ago.” - -A state highway patrolman came over to the station wagon. Recognizing -the driver and the occupants, he told them they might proceed. - -“We’re checking every car,” he told the group. “We have a report some -hi-jackers, who took a truck at Oelwein, are coming this way. With the -forest service tied up fighting a forest fire, and most of our men -helping ’em, they probably figured they could slip a cargo through.” - -“Hi-jackers!” Aunt Mattie exclaimed in dismay. “Judy, what sort of a -place is this?” - -“Never a dull moment,” Judy responded lightly. “You’ll love it here!” - -“Judy, tell her about your meeting with Joe--” Ardeth began, only to -let her voice trail off as Miss Ward directed a warning glance in her -direction. - -The station wagon moved on past the barrier and drew up presently -at Calico Cottage. Aunt Mattie, who had fallen into a weary silence, -suddenly revived at sight of the little house. - -“Why, it’s charming!” she cried. “Judy, you couldn’t have found a nicer -place. So peaceful looking, set back among the trees.” - -“Let’s hope Calico Cottage lives up to its appearance,” Judy said, -leading the way across the lawn. “Ardeth and I thought we’d stay with -you tonight, so you won’t be lonesome. Do you mind?” - -“I’ll be happy to have you! I’m not afraid to stay alone at night, -but I’ll admit I’ll rest easier with someone in the house. Especially -with a forest fire burning at my doorstep, and hi-jackers on the main -highway!” - -“It’s not that bad,” Judy protested. - -After seeing that Miss Meadows was comfortably settled in the cottage, -Miss Ward decided to return with the station wagon driver to Pine Cone -Camp. Before leaving, she talked privately with Judy. - -“Everything should be all right here,” she said, “but if by chance -anything does go wrong, call me at once.” - -“We’ll be safe and comfortable,” Judy insisted. “No more ghost scares I -hope.” - -“Miss Lubell put a stop to that,” the teacher informed her. “We checked -and learned that it was the Lone Tree girls who attached the bed sheet -to the bushes. They’ve promised not to pull any more tricks.” - -After the station wagon had departed, Judy and Ardeth helped Miss -Meadows unpack. Her enthusiasm for the cottage was boundless. She was -especially delighted with the kitchen and went about poking in the high -cupboards over the sink. - -“Tomorrow when I am rested, I’ll straighten all the dishes and -rearrange them more to my liking,” she announced. “I never feel that -I’m settled in a place until I’ve cleaned the cupboards.” - -With the supplies on hand, Aunt Mattie cooked a magnificent supper, -topping it off with biscuits and a custard pie. The meal finished, she -suddenly collapsed from weariness, leaving the dishes for Judy and -Ardeth. - -“I declare, I don’t know what’s come over me,” she apologized. “The -long train ride must have worn me out. I can’t keep my eyes open.” - -“Go straight to bed, Aunt Mattie. Ardeth and I will take care of -everything.” - -“I believe I will turn in,” Miss Meadows said, covering a yawn. “You’ll -be sure to lock all the doors?” - -“Every one,” Judy promised. - -The sink was fairly loaded with dishes, for Aunt Mattie did not skimp -on them when she cooked a meal. After scouring the last stubborn pan, -Judy hung up the dish rag with a tired sigh. - -“Shall we turn in?” she asked Ardeth. - -“We may as well, I guess. Wonder what the girls are doing at Pine -Cone?” - -“Singing songs and telling stories by the camp fire, like as not. Wish -you were there, Ardeth?” - -“Someone should stay here this first night with your aunt. I don’t -mind, Judy. Do you suppose--” - -“We’ll have a serenade from our friend with the flute?” Judy supplied. -“For Aunt Mattie’s sake I hope not. If she hears about a ghost on top -of hi-jackers and a forest fire, she’s likely to pack her suitcase and -leave.” - -Ardeth had moved to the open kitchen door. “There isn’t as much smoke -in the air now,” she reported. “Either the wind is carrying it the -other direction, or the fire has died down.” - -After closing the windows and making certain the doors were locked, the -two girls presently went to their bedroom which adjoined the one Miss -Meadows had taken. - -Judy secretly had made up her mind she would lie awake a long while to -be sure that nothing went amiss in the cottage. However, her bed was so -pleasantly comfortable, that despite her firm resolution, she dozed off -almost at once. - -When finally she awakened, it was to find herself being shaken by -Ardeth. - -“Get up, lazy!” the latter ordered. “It’s late! Your aunt has been up -for at least half an hour.” - -“Jumping fishes!” Judy exclaimed in dismay, dragging herself from -beneath the covers. “I must have slept like a log all night.” - -“I know I did,” Ardeth confessed. “What a fine pair of guards we -proved to be!” - -“Well, at least nothing went wrong here,” Judy said, pulling on her -shoes. “I’m relieved on that score.” - -Dressing fast, the girls hastened to the kitchen. Miss Meadows had the -stove going and was cooking cereal. She appeared pale, however, and -there were dark shadows under her eyes. - -“Did you sleep well, Aunt Mattie?” Judy asked politely. - -“Very badly.” - -Judy and Ardeth exchanged a quick, worried glance. Both hesitated to -ask the question which was foremost in their minds. - -“Did--did anything disturb you?” Judy managed finally. - -“I never sleep well the first night in a strange place. I was awake for -hours.” - -Judy drew a long breath and grinned at Ardeth. But her relief was -brief. For Aunt Mattie went on impressively: - -“I’m not sure I’ll like this place as well as I thought last night. -There’s entirely too much traffic on the side road.” - -“You mean the main road, don’t you, Aunt Mattie?” Judy corrected. - -Miss Meadows stirred the pot of cereal on the stove. “I mean that -highway that runs down the hill toward the river.” - -“Why, that’s a private road and it dead-ends,” Judy responded. “There’s -never any traffic in that direction.” - -“There was last night,” Miss Meadows insisted firmly. “A truck came -along the highway and stopped so that the headbeams shone almost -directly into my window. The driver flashed them on and off several -times as if in signal. Then, the lights were doused, and the truck -turned down the side road.” - -“I can’t imagine a truck using that road at night,” Judy said -thoughtfully. “The road doesn’t go anywhere except to the cave. Perhaps -you were mistaken, Aunt Mattie. Don’t you think the truck might have -gone on down the main highway?” - -“I don’t think so,” Miss Meadows replied. “No, I’m sure the truck -turned down the side road.” - -No more was said about the matter then. But after the breakfast dishes -had been done, Ardeth and Judy slipped outside for a private talk. - -“Do you suppose your aunt was right about those truck lights?” Ardeth -asked, lowering her voice so it would not carry through the open -kitchen window. “And what about that signal?” - -“She must have been mistaken,” Judy replied anxiously. “All the same, -we certainly should investigate. Come on, Ardeth! If that truck turned -down the dead-end road, there will be tire marks to prove it.” - - - - -_Chapter 13_ - -THE MISSING KEY - - -Cutting across the lawn which was heavy with dew, the two girls turned -toward the entrance to the private road. A haze of smoke still hung -above the treetops, but it was evident that the fire which had alarmed -everyone the previous day, now was well under control. - -Suddenly, Judy halted, staring at tire marks on the dirt road. - -“Aunt Mattie was right!” she exclaimed. “A big truck did turn off the -main highway!” - -“The tire prints are plain to see,” Ardeth agreed, equally startled. -“But what would a heavy truck be doing here? The road dead-ends.” - -“It seems odd.” - -“Perhaps the driver only pulled off the pavement to fix a tire.” - -Judy shook her head. “The tracks plainly go down the slope toward the -cave,” she pointed out. - -“Mightn’t it have been a forest ranger fire fighting truck?” - -“That’s so,” Judy acknowledged, “it might have been. Maybe that would -explain the headlight signals Aunt Mattie reported seeing. I can’t -imagine though, why a Forest Service truck would use this road at -night. The fire was across the river.” - -As the girls considered whether to go farther down the private road, -they heard the rattle of a milk wagon approaching on the main highway. - -“It’s Bart!” Judy cried. - -The delivery truck stopped some distance away, but after milk had been -left at Calico Cottage, came on down the road. Bart drew up to chat -with the girls. - -“How’s everything?” he inquired cheerfully. “Your ghost behaving -himself?” - -Judy replied that the household had not been disturbed further by the -mysterious flute player. She added, however, that her aunt had slept -badly and that lights from a truck had bothered her. - -“I guess it must have been a Forest Service truck that went down this -road last night,” Ardeth remarked. “See the tire tracks.” - -Bart already had stepped out of the milk wagon to inspect them. - -“Those weren’t made by a Forest Service truck,” he told the girls. -“Their vehicles are lighter. Anyway, I don’t know what a forest truck -would be doing here late at night. Seems sort of queer--” - -“I thought so myself!” Judy said quickly. - -“Let’s have a look-see,” Bart proposed. “Want to ride down the hill -with me? If you do, hop in!” - -Judy and Ardeth scrambled into the cab, taking care not to step on -Pete who was asleep on the floor. - -“Do you dare leave your milk route?” Ardeth asked the young driver. - -“I’m ahead of schedule this morning,” Bart answered. “I can take a few -minutes. This is my last week on the route anyway.” - -“You’re taking another job?” Ardeth inquired politely. - -By this time the milk truck had turned and was moving slowly down the -narrow, rutty road. - -“Not exactly,” Bart admitted. “I’ve saved enough money to see me -through a year of college. I’m laying off because I want to do a little -exploring before I start in at school this fall.” - -“Exploring?” Judy repeated with interest. “Of the cavern?” - -“That’s right.” Bart grinned, as he slowed down for a bad hole in the -road. “Folks hereabouts think I’m crazy to spend so much time in a -cave. It’s in my blood, I guess! I’m planning on becoming a scientist -if I make the grade.” - -“Does Calico Cave have any bats or other interesting birds or animals?” -Ardeth questioned abruptly. - -“Hundreds of bats. You can see them clustered in masses on the walls in -one section of the cave, near the entrance.” - -“Ugh!” Judy shuddered. - -“Why, they’re harmless,” Bart assured her. “I suppose you think of a -bat as a naked, winged creature with claws that would catch in your -hair?” - -“I never came very close to one,” Judy admitted, “but I do feel that -way about them.” - -“Like a great many folks, you do the bat an injustice,” Bart returned. -“Its little claws are used only to provide a means of clinging to a -rock wall. Bats are afraid of people. They fly at amazing speed, but -they can dodge any obstacle.” - -“They sleep in the caves?” Ardeth questioned. - -“Yes, the bat, you know, is descended from an animal that lived in a -warm, uniform climate. For some reason, the bat never has been able to -adapt itself to weather changes, so it hibernates in caves which have -an almost constant temperature.” - -“I’d give anything if I had a bat!” Ardeth announced. “Just one!” - -“A bat? What would you want with it?” Bart asked, rather amused by the -remark. - -Ardeth told him about the nature treasure chest at Pine Cone Camp. “Our -unit hasn’t contributed anything, as yet,” she added. “If I could get -one of those bats, we’d really be the talk of the camp.” - -“I think I can get you one,” Bart offered, glancing at his wristwatch. -“You’re serious about wanting it?” - -“Oh, yes, but I don’t want to delay you on your run.” - -“If the bats are where I think they’ll be, I can pick one off the wall -in a minute or two,” Bart promised. “Want to go into the cave with me?” - -“I don’t think we should without permission from our leader,” Judy said -quickly. - -“I can travel faster alone at any rate,” the young milkman replied. - -As the milk truck rattled on down the winding road, he talked -enthusiastically about bats and their habits. - -The creatures, he told the girls, had silky, translucent wings and flew -with astonishing precision. - -“I’ve seen ’em fly between water and ceiling down deep in the cave -where there was barely clearance,” he related. “Now, if only I were a -bat, I’d explore that siphon!” - -“You shouldn’t even think of such a thing!” Judy chided. “It would be -frightfully dangerous.” - -Bart made no answer. - -“You’re not considering it, are you?” Judy demanded, alarmed by his -silence. - -“I’ve considered it for years,” Bart answered soberly. “I think about -it all the time, in fact. I’ve just about decided--” he deliberately -broke off, and finished: “Now to tell you more about bats--they hang -to the ceilings by their feet, head down. Their bodies are covered by -their long, folded wings when they sleep. One can pick them off the -wall, and they make no fuss.” - -“Ardeth, must you have a bat?” Judy tried to discourage her. - -“Oh, yes, if I can get one without causing too much trouble. But how -will I get it to camp?” - -Bart had pulled up at the end of the private road. From the back end of -the truck, he brought out a cardboard box with a cover. - -“We can use this,” he suggested. “I may not get a bat for you though. I -haven’t long to ramble through the cave this trip.” - -Tucking the cardboard box under his arm, the cheerful young milkman -stepped from the truck. Alertly he gazed at a sizeable slick of oil on -the roadside, remarking that it evidently had leaked from the parked -truck. - -“Apparently, it stayed here quite a while last night before turning -around and pulling out,” he added. - -“What would a truck be doing down here late at night?” Judy speculated. - -“I wouldn’t know,” Bart answered with a shrug. “Interesting question -though.” - -He started off down the path which led to Calico Cave. Before vanishing -from view amid the bushes, he paused to fling over his shoulder: “Don’t -try to follow me, even if I’m not back in a few minutes. Wait in the -milk wagon.” - -Ten minutes elapsed, then fifteen and twenty. Eagerly the girls began -to watch the path for their friend to reappear. - -The rising sun beat down harder and harder on the milk wagon, causing -Judy and Ardeth increasing discomfort. They became restless. - -“It’s taking Bart an awfully long time,” Ardeth remarked uneasily. -“Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked him to get a bat for me. If anything -should happen--” - -“He’ll be along soon,” Judy said. “I think I hear him coming now.” - -She was right, for a moment later, the young milkman emerged from the -tunnel of branches at the trail’s exit. - -“Did you get one?” Ardeth cried eagerly. - -“Sure did,” Bart responded. - -Coming over to the milk truck, he opened the punctured lid of the -cardboard box, so that the girls could peep at the frightened creature -flopping inside. - -“After you’ve displayed him at camp, better let him fly away,” the -milkman advised. “He’ll find his way back to the cave.” - -“Oh, I wouldn’t want to keep him shut up,” Ardeth replied. “That would -be cruel. I promise to let him go by tonight.” - -“Fine!” Bart approved, climbing into the milk wagon and starting the -motor. “Now I want you girls to make me another one.” - -“Another promise?” asked Ardeth, carefully holding the box Bart had -placed in her hands. - -“Yes, I want you to stay away from here unless you’re with a forest -ranger or some man.” - -“Away from the cave, you mean?” Judy questioned, rather surprised by -the request. - -“From the cave, and also away from this private road.” - -“But why?” - -“I’ll tell you,” Bart said soberly. By this time he had turned the milk -truck around in the narrow road and had headed it up the hill. “There’s -something going on here that will bear investigation.” - -“The truck tire tracks, you mean?” interposed Ardeth, mystified by the -remark. - -“At first, that didn’t seem very disturbing,” Bart said. “But I’ve -since made a discovery. That was why it took me so long.” - -“You didn’t run into anyone in the cave?” Judy asked quickly. - -“No, but someone has been there recently. Last night probably.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Someone had trampled the path to the cave. Boot tracks. Then inside -the entrance chamber, I found cigarette butts and long marks, showing -where heavy objects had been dragged across the floor. Boxes, I’d -judge.” - -“All removed?” Judy questioned. - -“Yes, no sign of anyone or anything in the cave now.” - -“You think someone must have come here last night in that truck and -used the cave?” - -“Obviously, Judy. But don’t quiz me, because I’ve told you everything -I learned. I’m not venturing any guesses as to who it was or why the -person or persons came here late at night. My advice is just to keep -clear of the place until we can learn what’s going on.” - -“Judy and I are returning to camp this morning,” Ardeth informed the -young milkman. “So even if we wanted to prowl around, we wouldn’t have -an opportunity.” - -“That’s all to the good then,” Bart grinned. “There may be no cause for -alarm, but it’s just as well not to take chances.” - -At the turn-off onto the paved road, he said goodbye to the Scouts and -resumed his milk route. - -Triumphantly, Ardeth and Judy bore their captured bat to Calico Cottage -where they displayed it to Miss Meadows. Though they related how they -had obtained the creature, they did not repeat Bart’s warning or -mention what they had learned about the big truck. - -Miss Meadows seemed to have forgotten the disturbance of the previous -night completely. After making a show of admiring the imprisoned bat, -she chirped: - -“While you girls were away, I cleaned the cupboards.” - -“They’re very neat and tidy now,” Judy said, opening the double doors -to inspect the rows of china. - -“At the back of the cupboard, I found a key,” Miss Meadows remarked -casually. She produced it from her apron pocket. “Apparently, it fits a -door. But which one I wouldn’t know.” - -Judy rocked back on her heels and looked quickly at Ardeth. Neither -spoke for a moment. - -Finally, Judy trusted her voice. Taking care to keep it steady, to give -no hint of her excitement and hope, she said quietly: - -“I wouldn’t be surprised if that key fits the cellar door, Aunt Mattie.” - -“Why, it might at that.” - -Judy forced herself to speak casually, as if the matter were of no -great moment. - -“The key looks about the right size,” she remarked. “Do you mind if I -try it?” - - - - -_Chapter 14_ - -A FAMILIAR FACE - - -Miss Meadows willingly relinquished the key which she had found in the -kitchen cupboard. - -Judy fitted it in the door lock and was elated when it turned readily. -Her pose of indifference instantly dissolved. - -“Now we can get into the cellar!” she exulted. “Whoopee!” - -Miss Meadows could not understand her niece’s exuberance. The key was -only an ordinary one so far as she knew, and until that moment she -scarcely had noted that the basement was closed off. - -The opening of the cellar door had brought a whiff of stale, cool air -into the kitchen. - -Poised at the head of the long flight of stone stairs, Judy peered down -into the darkness. In vain she groped for a light switch. - -“I guess the cellar never was equipped with electricity,” she remarked. -“I’ll get my flashlight.” - -She ran to the bedroom, returning a moment later to find Miss Meadows -regarding the stairway with disapproval. - -“Need we go down there, Judy?” she asked to discourage her. “Since the -door was locked, the cottage owner might prefer us to keep it so.” - -“Oh, we can relock the door,” Judy answered, flashing her light over -the rough brick wall along the steep stairway. “First though, I want to -see what’s below.” - -Focusing her light upon the uneven stone steps, she cautiously started -down. - -“Watch your footing,” she advised Ardeth and her aunt, who followed -close behind. “These steps are narrow and worn.” - -Miss Meadows remarked that the cellar seemed very old in contrast to -the new cottage. - -“It is old,” Judy agreed. “When Mr. Krumm built the cottage, he tried -to save money by using the foundation of Captain Hager’s place.” - -Judy negotiated the stairway safely and waited for the others at a -jagged doorway which opened into the main cellar chamber. - -The basement was very still, except for the shuffle of the descending -feet. - -“No musical chimes or the like?” Ardeth demanded with a suppressed -giggle as she reached the bottom of the stairway. - -Moving through the stone archway, the three found themselves in a large -room. The chamber was dry, but nevertheless gave forth a musty odor. - -The ancient brick walls were lined with shelves, all of which appeared -empty. In fact, the only visible objects in the room were a half dozen -old barrels. The casks lay helter-skelter, some on their sides, and -others up-ended. - -Judy deliberately walked around the barrels, inspecting them closely -and kicking at them with her foot. All gave forth a hollow sound, which -echoed in the chamber room. - -Satisfied that every cask was empty, Judy next turned her attention to -a smaller storage closet off to the left. - -“This must have been the fruit and vegetable storage room,” she -declared. “It’s been cleaned out though.” - -The shelves were completely bare, and the roving flashlight revealed -only an undisturbed layer of dust. - -“We’ve seen everything,” Ardeth said, losing interest. “I think we -should be getting upstairs. The camp station wagon will be coming for -us any minute now.” - -It was well that they had cut short their inspection of the basement, -for within five minutes the camp station wagon drove up. - -In a flurry to be off, Judy and Ardeth hurriedly gathered their few -belongings and the precious bat from Calico Cave. - -“Now have a good time in camp and don’t keep trying to look after -me,” Miss Meadows admonished as she bade the girls goodbye. “Drop by -whenever you feel like it, but don’t think you have to stay here over -night.” - -“I don’t like you to remain alone,” Judy began only to have her aunt -interrupt. - -“Nonsense! I’ll be all right. Now run along, and enjoy your friends.” - -In truth, Judy was somewhat relieved to know that there was no reason -for the Scouts to remain each night at Calico Cottage. Although the -mysterious flute sounds had not been explained, and might never be, she -and Ardeth had convinced themselves that no danger lurked in the cellar. - -As for Bart’s warning not to go near the cave without a male escort, -Judy decided that to pass on the admonition to her aunt, might only -cause uneasiness. - -“Aunt Mattie never will set foot inside that cave,” she reflected. “So -why worry her needlessly? She’ll probably never see those truck lights -again.” - -At Pine Cone Camp a few minutes later, Judy and Ardeth created a -sensation by producing their captive bat. The other Scouts generously -credited the Beaver Patrol girls with having the very best treasure -chest entry. Everyone was satisfied when Miss Lubell announced that -they had won the competition. - -“We certainly got in just under the wire,” Ardeth chuckled, when -informed that her bat had taken first honors. “Now I’ll let him fly -away, and hope he returns to Calico Cave safely.” - -Making up for time which of necessity had been spent away from camp, -Judy had a wonderful day with her friends. She swam, went sailboating, -and in the late afternoon helped set the table for the evening meal. - -Later that night, all the girls enjoyed a sing-fest and took part in -folk dancing. - -“What a grand day!” Judy declared blissfully as she sought her tent a -few minutes before the “lights out” signal. “I hope Aunt Mattie doesn’t -run into trouble. I feel guilty, knowing she’s alone at the cottage.” - -She dropped off to sleep quickly, determined to check on affairs at -Calico Cottage the first thing in the morning. - -Judy’s intentions were the very best. Nevertheless, she awoke late and -was hard pressed to dress and be on time for breakfast. Thereafter, she -found herself assigned to kitchen detail with Beverly and Kathleen. - -The three spent until lunch time peeling apples for pie and washing -vegetables. Even after luncheon, Judy did not get to a telephone, for -the unit leader hurried her off to her tent to prepare for a hike. - -In connection with the hike, the Scouts planned to visit one of the -nearby ranger towers. A brisk walk through the forest brought them -presently to a cleared area from which arose a tall, steel framework. - -The Scouts climbed the steep stairway to a glassed-in square -observation room. A ranger, who had been poring over a map on a table, -greeted the visitors in a friendly way and invited them to look about. - -After answering a number of questions, he showed the girls an automatic -fire-finder, an instrument which permitted an observer to read with -precision both vertical and horizontal angles. By means of the device, -a newly discovered fire could be pinpointed, and rangers immediately -dispatched to the area. - -“We have a network of ten observation towers in this particular area,” -he informed the Scouts. “Even so all points cannot be viewed, so we -find it necessary to maintain ground patrols as well.” - -“Can one see Pine Cone Camp from here?” Judy inquired. - -“No, the camp is one of our blind spots, unfortunately,” the ranger -replied. “Rest assured, it is well protected though. Lowell Diethelm -patrols that area. His Forest Service car is equipped with radio -telephone. If he should observe a fire, he immediately would notify -headquarters. Ground fighters would be dispatched at once.” - -“Do you have many fires here during the summer?” Kathleen inquired. - -“Until this year, very few. Recently, we’ve had a number of small ones, -mostly along the main highway. A few though, have been of mysterious -origin.” - -“Deliberately set?” questioned Judy. - -“We’re beginning to wonder,” the ranger answered. “Carelessness, of -course, is the underlying cause of most fires. But incendiarism runs -high too. Now that so many summer campers and tourists are pouring into -the area, we have to be especially watchful.” - -Before leaving the observation tower, the Scouts studied the big -topographical map and took turns peering through the binoculars. - -“Well, come again girls,” the ranger invited as they prepared to leave. -“Be careful of your fires. And remember, if you do see one, report it -at once. Discovery time counts for a lot.” - -Leaving the observation tower, the Scouts hiked on for another mile and -a half. By the time they reached the Fountain Falls trail, everyone was -beginning to feel the first pangs of hunger. - -“When do we eat?” Virginia demanded. - -“Soon,” promised the unit leader. “I’ll get the fire started while you -girls see the falls. I obtained a permit, so we’re violating no rules -to build our own.” - -The girls helped gather wood. Then, while the fire was burning down to -bright cherry coals, those not delegated to watch, climbed a steep path -to Fountain Falls. - -A veil-like spray of water fell nearly thirty feet to a rocky shelf -below. Ferns and moss protruded from cracks in the limestone rock. - -After admiring the sight for some minutes, the Scouts retraced their -way to help with supper. Already a huge tin can was warming on the -coals, filled with a fragrant chowder mixture of bacon, onions, canned -corn and potatoes. - -By the time Judy had toasted bread, the other simple items of the -meal were ready. The crisp mountain air had given everyone enormous -appetites. However, there was sufficient food for everyone. - -Once the litter had been cleared away and the last marshmallow toasted, -the unit leader personally supervised putting out the camp fire. - -She had the girls smother it with water brought from the nearby creek. -Then to make certain that not a spark remained, she covered the dead -coals with a heavy layer of soil. - -“Now it’s time to hike down to Silverton,” she advised the group as she -consulted her watch. “The time has gone very fast.” - -The downhill hike was comparatively easy and the group made faster time -than had been expected. As a consequence, they arrived in the village -at twenty minutes to seven. - -“We’ll have a short wait until the station wagon comes,” the unit -leader told the girls. “It shouldn’t be long though.” - -The group had been instructed to meet their driver at Luke’s Cafe, one -of the few business establishments open after six o’clock. - -Accordingly, they went in, taking tables and booths. Some of the girls -ordered ice cream. Judy finished hers quickly, and then left the booth -to pay her bill at the counter. - -Two men were seated on stools, drinking coffee and munching hamburger -sandwiches. - -Judy cast an indifferent glance in their direction, and than looked -again, more intently. One of the men she had never seen before, but she -was certain she recognized the other. - -“That’s Joe Pompilli!” she thought excitedly. “The man who was hurt in -the truck accident! The same hi-jacker that the State Highway Patrol -wants to nail!” - -As she considered what she should do, Kathleen sauntered out of another -booth. Judy signaled to her. - -Once Kathleen had joined her, she informed her of her suspicion. - -Kathleen studied the man that Judy pointed out. “Yes, he’s the one we -helped!” she whispered. “The one who was called Joe!” - -“He’s wanted by the Highway Patrol,” Judy replied grimly, her mind -made up. “Kathleen, stay here and keep your eye on those two men. Don’t -let them recognize you, if you can prevent it. I’m going to slip out of -here and telephone!” - - - - -_Chapter 15_ - -JUDY’S MISTAKE - - -Rushing out of the cafe, Judy scarcely knew which way to go. Across the -street, lights were on at the corner drugstore, so she decided to seek -a telephone there. - -As she darted to the opposite curb, she spied one of the forest -rangers, who only that moment had emerged from a barber shop. - -Judy had seen the Forest Service man several times since her arrival at -Pine Cone Camp and knew that his name was Lowell Diethelm. - -Now, instantly recognizing his face and uniform, a wave of relief swept -over her. He would know how to help her notify the State Highway Patrol -quickly! - -“Oh, ranger!” she called, for in the excitement of the moment, his name -temporarily fled from her mind. - -“Yes?” The ranger turned to regard Judy with intent curiosity. - -“Can you help me make a report to the State Highway Department right -away?” - -“Why sure,” the ranger replied. “What’s wrong? An automobile accident?” - -Judy jerked her head to indicate the cafe across the street. “Two men -are in there eating lunch,” she explained, trying to hold her voice -steady. “I’m sure one of them is Joe Pompilli!” - -“Not the hi-jacker?” - -Judy’s head bobbed excitedly. “I know he’s the same one Kathleen and I -helped the other day when a truck went off the road. I want to get word -to the State Highway Department right away.” - -“Take it easy,” the ranger advised as Judy turned as if to start off -alone. “You’re mistaken, I think. Joe Pompilli wouldn’t dare to show -himself openly here.” - -“It does seem a reckless thing for him to do,” Judy conceded. “But I’m -sure the man is the same one.” - -“You must be wrong, but to prove it I’ll go over with you to the cafe,” -Diethelm offered. - -Crossing the street, Judy and the ranger peered in through the big -plate glass window. The two truckers still were seated at the lunch -counter. - -“Which one do you say is Joe?” the ranger demanded. - -“The one with the square jaw, seated next to the wall. I never saw the -other man before.” - -Diethelm began to chuckle in a hard sort of manner which grated -unpleasantly on Judy’s ears. - -“Why are you laughing?” she asked. “Isn’t that man Joe Pompilli?” - -“Not on your life. Both those men are truckers for the Peoria Cartage -Co., and they make this town every few days. It’s lucky you ran into me -before you went blabbering your suspicions to the State Highway patrol. -If you’d accused those two of being hi-jackers, they might not have -liked it.” - -“But I can’t understand it, unless I was misinformed by the state -highwaymen,” Judy stammered, completely crushed by the mistake she had -made. “That man certainly was hurt in an accident. He’s wearing a wrist -bandage and there are cuts on his face! The other Scouts and myself -gave him first aid treatment.” - -“I don’t know about that,” Ranger Diethelm replied with a shrug. “The -state patrolmen either made a mistake in identifying him, or gave you -the wrong dope.” - -“Shouldn’t I call Highway headquarters to make sure?” - -“You’ll be making a silly mistake if you do,” warned the ranger. “A -mistake that will make your Scout organization the laughing stock of -the community. Take my word for it, those two men are Jim Brady and -Donald Fine, two highly respected truckers. But go ahead if you want to -make the call.” - -Lowell Diethelm’s words, and particularly his air of amusement, robbed -Judy of all desire to risk action which might hold up her organization -to possible ridicule. - -She hesitated. The ranger mistook her silence for unwillingness to -follow his suggestion. - -“Instead of trying to track down criminals, you Scouts would do better -to look after affairs around your own camp,” he said cuttingly. - -“Why, what do you mean?” asked Judy, startled. She had detected a -hostile note in the ranger’s voice. - -“You girls should be more careful about starting camp fires.” - -“We’re always careful,” Judy insisted indignantly. - -“Didn’t you have a fire this afternoon at Fountain Falls?” - -“Yes, but we were granted a permit. We took great care with our fire, -dousing the coals with water and covering the dead ashes with dirt as -an added precaution.” - -“Well, not thirty minutes ago, our spotter at Tower 32 reported a small -fire close to the Falls. Fortunately, it was put out before it spread.” - -“It couldn’t have been our fire, and we shouldn’t be blamed for it,” -Judy said, her eyes flashing. - -“Some member of your party may have dropped a lighted match.” - -“None of us had any. Only our leader carried matches.” - -“Well, I don’t know how the fire started,” the ranger admitted. “Just -be more careful, that’s all. Now about reporting this trucker you think -is Joe Pompilli--” - -“I guess I must have made a mistake,” Judy mumbled. “Sorry to have -bothered you.” - -“No trouble at all,” Diethelm replied, as he smiled as if suddenly -relieved. “We rangers always try to be of service. Watch those fires -now!” - -Tipping his broad-brimmed hat, he sauntered on down the darkening -street. - -With mingled feelings, Judy was watching the retreating figure. -Humiliated that she had made a mistake in identifying Joe Pompilli, she -nevertheless was annoyed at the ranger for trying to accuse the Scouts -in connection with a newly discovered fire. - -“I think he dragged that in just to bother me,” she thought -resentfully. “But why should he take such an attitude?” - -As Judy stood by the cafe window, wondering what to do, Kathleen -signaled to her from the inside. Her friend’s meaning was not -immediately clear. Then she comprehended that the two truckers were -paying their bill, preparatory to leaving the cafe. - -“I’ll have to let them go,” Judy decided. “Nothing else to do.” - -A moment later the two truckers came outside. Judy did not try to stop -them, but they passed almost in front of her. - -The one she had taken to be Joe Pompilli gazed squarely at her. -Involuntarily, he half stopped. Then, deliberately turning his gaze -away, he went on. - -“He recognized me!” Judy thought, her pulse pounding. “I know he was -that same man Kathleen and I helped on the road. He was called Joe too!” - -Ignoring the girl entirely, the two men went on. Judy saw them get into -a truck which bore the Peoria Cartage Co., name on its side. A moment -before they drove away, she jotted down the license number. - -She had just finished scribbling the numbers on the back of an old -envelope, when Kathleen joined her. - -“What happened?” her friend demanded. “I thought you were going to have -those men arrested. Couldn’t you reach the Highway Patrol station?” - -“I didn’t try,” Judy confessed ruefully. - -“You didn’t try? Why not?” - -Judy recounted her conversation with the ranger. - -“He talked me out of it,” she concluded. “I can’t help thinking I made -a mistake too. I wish I’d ignored his advice. It’s too late now, of -course.” - -“I know that man was the same one we met,” Kathleen insisted. - -“I’m sure of it too,” Judy nodded. “Ranger Diethelm insists he’s an -ordinary trucker and his name is either Jim Brady or Donald Fine.” - -“Well, that doesn’t fit in with what we learned,” Kathleen declared, -shaking her head. “That man was called Joe by his friend.” - -“I know,” Judy agreed with a deep sigh. “I’m all mixed up. I guess the -best thing to do is to forget those hi-jackers and let the state patrol -handle the situation. I’ve made a mess of it!” - -“No such thing,” Kathleen insisted loyally. “We may have made a -mistake, but if so, it wasn’t our fault. We must have acted on -mis-information.” - -Judy grinned and squeezed her friend’s hand. “You’re a dear,” she said, -“always bucking up my morale. Do me a favor?” - -“Of course.” - -“Then, let’s keep this little episode to ourselves. The other Scouts -didn’t hear about it?” - -“No, I didn’t say a word to anyone. I just kept out of view and watched -those two men as you suggested.” - -“Good!” Judy drew a relieved sigh. “If this gets out on me, my name -will be mud! You know, I’m already being teased at Pine Cone Camp -because of the Calico Cottage ghost!” - -“We’re all taking a ribbing because of that boy with the flute,” -Kathleen admitted. “Any theory as to what causes the strange sounds?” - -“No, not yet,” Judy replied. “Everything was quiet the last night I -spent at the cottage. I’m wondering though, how Aunt Mattie got along -last evening?” - -“Perhaps our driver will stop at the cottage for a few minutes, so we -can check.” - -“I intend to ask him,” Judy returned. “It must be seven o’clock now.” - -“It is,” Kathleen agreed, “and our driver is coming now!” - -She had sighted the familiar camp station wagon rounding a corner. It -waited for a traffic light and then came on, to park in front of the -restaurant. - -The driver had been instructed to make two trips, as not all of the -girls could be seated in the vehicle. Accordingly, he designated those -who should remain behind. - -Judy, Kathleen and other members of the Beaver Patrol, managed to find -a place for themselves in the first load. - -On short time, the driver told Judy he could not possibly wait at -Calico Cottage. However, he compromised by agreeing to let her and -Kathleen off there, while he continued on to camp. Then on the second -trip, he would pick them up. - -“Fine and dandy!” Judy approved. “That will give us nearly an hour to -talk to Aunt Mattie and make certain everything is all right.” - -The station wagon climbed the darkening mountain road, presently -halting near the cottage. As Kathleen and Judy alighted, they noticed -that lights blazed everywhere inside the dwelling. - -“Aunt Mattie is here all right!” Judy remarked, leading the way across -the lawn. “I wonder why she has all the lights burning?” - -“So early too,” Kathleen added. - -Even before the Scouts reached the front door, it was flung open by -Miss Meadows, who had noted the arrival of the station wagon. - -“Oh, I’m so glad you came!” the woman exclaimed. - -Her face seemed drained of all color, and her eyes had a frightened -look. - -“Why, Aunt Mattie!” Judy exclaimed. “Is anything wrong?” - -“This dreadful cottage!” - -“You’ve been hearing music?” Judy surmised. - -“Music?” - -“What was it that upset you?” Judy asked, realizing she had made a poor -guess. “Not another one of those mysterious telephone calls?” - -“No! No!” Miss Meadows stepped back so that the girls might enter the -cottage. “Just come in,” she invited. “Then you’ll hear for yourselves, -and I won’t need to explain!” - - - - -_Chapter 16_ - -ANOTHER DISTURBANCE - - -Scarcely knowing what to expect, Judy and Kathleen entered Calico -Cottage. Everything appeared quite normal, except that a chair in -the kitchen had been overturned. - -“I upset it myself,” Miss Meadows explained. “I--I was rather excited, -I’m afraid.” - -“Tell us what happened, Aunt Mattie,” Judy urged. “What disturbed you?” - -“It was a dreadful sound from the basement. A sort of moan as if -someone were in pain. And then to top it, there came a series of loud -thumps, very much like muffled thunder.” - -“That couldn’t have been someone setting off dynamite at a distance?” -Kathleen suggested. “I know the rangers were blasting trees in the park -area.” - -“This sound came from the cellar,” Miss Meadows insisted. - -“How long ago, Aunt Mattie?” questioned Judy. - -“About ten minutes, I’d judge.” - -“Did you go down there to check?” - -“To the cellar?” Miss Meadows demanded. “I most assuredly did not!” - -“Then I guess the job is up to us,” Judy said, looking directly at -Kathleen. “Where’s that key?” - -“I don’t think you should go down into that dreary hole,” Miss Meadows -protested. - -“Nonsense, Aunt Mattie! We investigated once before, and everything was -all right. You’ve not had the door unlocked since?” - -“Absolutely, not. I’ve been here at the cottage all the while too.” - -“Then no one could be down there.” - -“I didn’t imagine those weird sounds,” Miss Meadows said. “If you had -been here--” - -Suddenly she stiffened. From beneath the kitchen floor there issued -forth a series of muffled thuds. - -“Hear it?” Miss Meadows whispered, staring fixedly at the locked cellar -door. - -The sound ceased and the cottage was as quiet as before. Judy and -Kathleen stood transfixed, dreading to take the action which they felt -they must. - -“Where’s that key?” Judy finally murmured, groping for it on the high -kitchen shelf. - -“Don’t go down there,” Miss Meadows advised nervously. “It might be -dangerous.” - -“It’s worse not to investigate,” Judy insisted. “You can’t stay here -and live in constant dread.” - -Her fingers closed upon the key. She unlocked the door, but hesitated -as she peered down the dark stairway. - -“Do you have a flashlight?” she asked Kathleen, who huddled at her -elbow. - -“In my knapsack,” Kathleen replied. “But I left it on the station -wagon, never thinking I’d want it here.” - -“There are candles on the shelf,” Miss Meadows remembered. “I’ll get -one, if you insist on going down there. I’d rather just move out of -this place though!” - -“I don’t know where you’ll find another cottage on short notice,” Judy -told her regretfully. “Everything around here has been taken.” - -“I can go to a hotel.” - -“The closest one is eighteen miles away. Aunt Mattie, I don’t like -to urge you to stay, but there must be a logical explanation for -these strange noises. I mean to find it too! Let me have one of those -candles.” - -Miss Meadows found it for her, and lighted the wick. - -“Watch the drip of the wax,” she advised, “or you’ll burn your hand.” - -The glowing candle made a flickering, ghostly circle of light on the -rough walls of the stairway. - -Resolutely, Judy started down. Close behind her came Kathleen, while -Miss Meadows unwillingly brought up the rear. - -Judy descended a half dozen steps, only to pause. A slight breath of -air caused the candle to waver and nearly go out. And at the same -moment, she caught an unpleasant odor which seemed to rise from the -darkness below. - -“Mercy!” gasped Miss Meadows, as she too sniffed the air. - -The musty scent became stronger as the three went on down. Judy -localized it in the main cellar room, toward the south east wall. - -However, in slowly moving the candle about, she could find no cause for -the unpleasant odor. - -“It’s such a strange smell,” Kathleen commented with a nervous shiver. -“A sort of stale air scent. But from where does it come?” - -Judy asked Kathleen to hold the candle. Carefully, she ran her hand -over the brick wall, feeling along the line of crumbling mortar. - -“There’s an opening here!” she suddenly exclaimed. “I can feel cool air -coming in!” - -Excited by Judy’s discovery, Kathleen held the candle higher. - -As she raised it in line with the brick which Judy’s exploring hand had -found, a direct current of air extinguished the flame. - -The three were left in total darkness. - -“I’ll get some matches,” Miss Meadows said eager to be out of the -basement. “But is there any need to explore further? Haven’t we -discovered everything there is to learn?” - -“Not quite everything,” said Judy. “We’ve learned where that musty -odor comes from though. It is being blasted in through the broken -mortar.” - -“How strange,” Kathleen murmured. “Shouldn’t there be solid dirt or -rock behind these walls and under the floor?” - -“One would think so,” Judy agreed thoughtfully, “unless--” - -“There might be a tunnel connected with the cottage!” Kathleen -speculated. - -“A tunnel, possibly tied up with Calico Cave,” Judy carried on the -thought. “Even so, that doesn’t explain those strange banging noises.” - -Leaving the girls alone in the cellar, Miss Meadows went quickly for -matches. She returned promptly and the candle was relighted. - -This time, Judy was careful to shield it with her hand so that it would -not be blown out. - -In the uncertain light, the three were able to see a faint, rectangular -outline on the wall, which marked a division between old and newer -bricks. - -“At one time, there must have been an opening here!” Judy asserted, -elated by her discovery. “A long while ago, apparently, the passageway -or whatever it is, was bricked over. Now that the mortar is falling -away, cold air filters in.” - -“From where?” Kathleen demanded. - -“That’s what we’ll have to learn, if we can. I have a hunch Captain -Hager might be able to supply interesting information.” - -“I’ll bet he could at that!” cried Kathleen. “Since he lived in the old -house so many years, he must have known about this bricked up place on -the wall. In fact, he may have closed it himself.” - -“The captain hinted that Mr. Krumm made a bad mistake in building the -cottage on the old foundation,” Judy recalled. “I’m sure he knows a lot -about this place that he hasn’t told!” - -“Say, wouldn’t it be great if we could solve the mystery before we -leave Pine Cone Camp? You’d win a rental bonus too from Mr. Krumm, -Judy!” - -“I don’t care about that part, but it would be fun to hit upon an -explanation for everything that’s happened here. The thing that puzzles -me most is that boy with the flute--” - -“Boy with a flute?” Miss Meadow interposed, her voice rising. - -Judy regretted her slip of tongue. Nevertheless, having made the -mistake, she could do no less than tell her aunt about the strange -musical notes which had startled the Scouts during the night they had -spent at the cottage. - -“What manner of place have I rented?” Miss Meadows gasped. “Is the -cottage haunted?” - -“By the spirit of the White Witch,” Judy said with a giggle. Then, -becoming sober, she added: “I’m sure there’s no danger here, Aunt -Mattie. Even so, you mustn’t stay another night. Come with us to Pine -Cone Camp. We’ll find a bed for you, and tomorrow we can start looking -for another cottage.” - -“And have everyone say I was frightened away?” Miss Meadows reproved -her niece. “The very idea!” - -“You mean you’re willing to stay?” - -“Yes, I intend to,” Miss Meadows announced firmly. “At least for a day -or so.” - -“I’ll remain with you,” Judy offered. “Not that I’ll be any protection.” - -To her surprise, Miss Meadows turned her aside. “No,” she told Judy, -“you’ve already lost a great deal of camp fun on my account. You’re not -to worry about me any more, or Calico Cottage.” - -“But to leave you alone--” - -“I’ll manage,” Miss Meadows said dryly. “Let’s go upstairs now, or you -girls will miss your station wagon.” - -“Goodness, I forgot about the driver calling for us!” Kathleen -exclaimed. “We’ve been down here in the cellar quite a while.” - -Hastily, the three ascended to the main floor of the cottage. Miss -Meadows locked the cellar door and replaced the key on the cupboard -shelf. - -“I intend to forget about those stupid noises,” she asserted. “It will -take a very powerful ghost indeed to dislodge me from my bed tonight.” - -Greatly relieved that her aunt was taking such a matter-of-fact view -of an unpleasant situation, Judy said no more about the disturbances. -She and Kathleen began to watch for the camp station wagon, and ten -minutes later, saw its headlights wink in signal from the main road. - -“Goodbye, Aunt Mattie,” Judy said, giving her a hasty peck on the -cheek. “If anything should go wrong tonight, you’ll call me at Pine -Cone Camp?” - -“I’ll call the police,” Miss Meadows threatened. “Now run along, and -enjoy yourselves.” - -Enroute back to camp, Judy and Kathleen did not report their experience -at Calico Cottage. During the drive up the mountain, they were somewhat -silent, but the others took it for granted that the two girls were worn -out from the day’s hike. - -In truth, Judy was very tired. Even before the “lights out” signal, she -was snug in her cot, with the warm blankets tucked around her ears. - -“I feel as if I could sleep until noon tomorrow,” she murmured -drowsily. “Is there any law, I wonder, about skipping breakfast, and -staying in bed?” - -If there was an answer to her question, Judy did not hear it. She fell -into a sound slumber, lulled by the chirp of crickets. - -Sometime toward morning, Judy began to dream. A confusion of images -flitted through her mind. She thought she was exploring a cave, that -the White Witch had come alive and was advancing toward her in a -menacing manner. - -In her dream, she became aware of a horrible odor. The scent enveloped -her, stifling her so that she could not breathe. - -Awakening, Judy found herself battling the blankets which she had -pulled up over her head. She laughed in relief. The White Witch was -only a nightmare! There was no disagreeable odor--or was there? - -Thrusting the covers aside, Judy sat up in bed. Fearfully, she sniffed -the air. The odor had not been entirely in her dream! The air was -chilly, filled with an acrid scent she could not identify immediately. - -Then suddenly, Judy knew. She bolted out of bed, the cold chills -racing down her spine. The tent was filled with smoke! The camp must be -afire! - - - - -_Chapter 17_ - -SMOKE IN THE WOODS - - -Thoroughly alert now, Judy awakened her tent mates, warning them of the -danger. - -“What’s this?” mumbled Ardeth, drugged by sleep and unwilling to leave -her comfortable cot. - -“Get out of here fast, unless you want to be burned!” Judy said -tersely, giving her a hard shake. “The forest is on fire!” - -The other Beaver Patrol Scouts who shared the tent, already were out of -bed and dressing with frenzied haste. Judy pulled on her own clothes, -aware that more and more smoke was swirling about the canvas shelter. - -Once outside, she saw the source of the fire. Heavy black smoke was -billowing toward the camp from the woods where duff and debris were -ablaze. - -Judy’s first moment of relief that camp buildings and tents were -intact, gave way to concern. The surface fire was dangerously close. -Fed by a light but steady wind, the flames were moving toward the camp -with amazing speed! - -As she started for the adjoining tents to awaken the girls there, a -gong in the main dining room sounded the first alarm. - -Bong! Bong! Bong! - -Tent flaps went apart, and sleep-eyed Scouts began to thrust tousled -heads out into the cold night air. - -“What’s up?” demanded Beverly, one of the first Beaver Patrol girls to -scramble into her clothes. “Is the camp afire?” - -“Not yet, but it will be if we don’t work fast!” Judy asserted. “Oh!” - -She uttered a little scream as a flying brand, borne by the wind, -dropped in the grass only a few feet away. - -Badly frightened, she and Beverly ran to stamp out the tiny flames. - -By this time, the camp was in confusion. Scouts were pouring out of -their tents, milling about, chattering excitedly. - -Unit leaders quickly gained control of the situation, ordering everyone -to the main lodge assembly room. - -Miss Lubell spoke tersely to the girls. - -“Now there is no cause for alarm,” she advised everyone. “The fire is -very close to our camp, and the wind is in this direction, but rangers -are on their way here. I notified them by telephone. The fire already -had been spotted from the observation tower.” - -“Will we have to evacuate the camp?” inquired Miss Ward. - -“That depends entirely upon whether or not the fire quickly can be -brought under control,” the camp director replied. “So far, it is not -wide-spread, but the head is moving in this direction.” - -“Can’t we do anything until the rangers come?” Judy interposed. - -“We can,” Miss Lubell said. “We can’t hope to fight the fire, but we -can take steps to keep it under control. Each unit is to report to -its leader and follow her orders. We’ll wet down the tents and the -buildings to protect them from flying sparks. Then we’ll make a fire -break by clearing a ditch ahead of the spreading flames!” - -Pouring out of the assembly hall, the Beaver Patrol Scouts clustered -about their unit leader and Miss Ward. Under direction, they carried -buckets of water from the lake, dousing the walls of their tents -thoroughly. - -To be prepared for a quick evacuation, in the event one was ordered, -they hastily tossed their belongings into suitcases. - -This done, they raced to the edge of the camp, to assist counselors, -who frantically had started to dig a shallow trench or fire break. - -Using garden hoes, rakes, spades and other implements at hand, the -Scouts rapidly cleared a band several feet wide between the camp and -the spreading ground fire. - -A few sparks were flying, but those which dropped in dry grass, -instantly were extinguished by a unit assigned to that particular task. - -By this time, the wind had spread the fire into an elliptical shape. -Inexorably, it crept nearer and nearer the trench the girls were -digging. - -“It’s going to be nip and tuck to save the camp,” Miss Lubell gasped. -“Don’t give up, girls!” - -Against the flames, trees were silhouetted as dark, towering shapes. -The sight was a terrifying one. But even though they could feel the -heat in their faces, the Scouts kept doggedly at work. - -Then suddenly a cry went up. - -“The rangers!” cried a Lone Tree Scout. “They’ve come!” - -Judy drew a deep, tired sigh of relief as she saw the Forest Service -truck roll in with fire-fighting equipment. - -“Our job is done now,” Miss Lubell said, wiping a smudge from her -cheek. “We’ll let the men take over. Everyone report in the assembly -room.” - -The Scouts all checked in, and after washing up, watched the crew of -rangers attack the fire. - -A tractor widened and completed the ditch started by the Scouts. This -task accomplished, rangers beat out some of the flames which had jumped -the “break,” and hooked up a power pump. - -Sleep was out of the question for the excited Scouts. They kept in -orderly groups, but remained at the assembly room windows, watching -every phase of the efficient fire fighting work. - -The Beaver Patrol girls, those of the Lone Tree unit, and the Oriole -outfit, volunteered to help in the kitchen. Gallons of coffee were -prepared for the rangers. - -“We’ve made enough for an army of workers!” Judy laughed. - -The beverage was kept hot, ready to serve whenever a tired fire fighter -could leave his post. - -By four o’clock, the rangers announced that the fire finally was under -complete control. Relaxing a bit from their arduous labors, the men -took turns dropping around at the kitchen for coffee and a sandwich. - -Arthur Wentz, one of the first rangers to come, praised the Scouts -warmly for their well organized efforts prior to the arrival of the -forest service truck. - -“This could have been a bad fire,” he remarked. “There are three -types--surface, ground and crown. But all start as surface fires.” - -Judy asked the ranger to distinguish between the different -classifications. - -“Surface fires, as the name implies, burn only the loose debris on top -of the ground,” he explained. “That’s the type of thing we encountered -here. Sometimes, the fire eats down into the layer of undecomposed -material on the forest floor, and then you have a ground fire. The most -difficult of all are those which spread into the trees, or the crown -fires.” - -“How do you suppose this one started?” Miss Ward asked the ranger. - -“That’s hard to say,” he replied. - -Lowell Diethelm, the ranger Judy had met in the village the previous -evening, now tramped into the kitchen. He had overheard Miss Ward’s -question and the reply. - -“It’s plain enough how the fire started,” he commented, pouring himself -a mug of coffee. - -“How?” Judy asked. - -“Someone from this camp has been careless about fire.” - -A stunned silence followed the observation. Then, almost as a unit, the -Girl Scouts began to protest. - -“I don’t think that’s fair to say!” exclaimed Kathleen indignantly. “Do -you have any proof that the fire was started by anyone in this camp?” - -“No proof,” the ranger admitted. “Just circumstantial evidence. You -girls had a cook-out last night?” - -“We started a fire at Fountain Falls,” Judy said. “You knew about that. -We put it out too!” - -“Anyway, that’s miles from here!” Betty Bashe broke in. “This fire -started close to our camp.” - -“Exactly my point,” replied Diethelm. “Any other cook-outs last night?” - -“Our unit had one,” spoke up a Scout from the Lone Tree patrol. “We -were accompanied by our leaders though, and built our fire on a rock. -Every spark was extinguished before we left the spot.” - -“That’s what you thought,” Diethelm said, none too pleasantly. “I’m -not saying the Scouts started this fire, but I do say, it looks rather -suspicious. If the fire hadn’t been reported so quickly, the entire -camp might have burned.” - -“That’s for sure,” agreed Arthur Wentz. “But I think you’re being -unjust to the girls, Lowell. The fire may have been started by a -carelessly dropped cigarette or a match. Or it could have been -deliberately set.” - -“What’s that?” Diethelm demanded, startled. - -“Just a little thought I had,” Wentz replied with an odd smile. - -Diethelm seemed to have been made uncomfortable by the remark and -pursued the subject no further. He gulped down his coffee and soon left -the kitchen. - -“Don’t take what he said too seriously,” Wentz told the Scouts. “This -camp has a good record. No one knows how the fire started.” - -“I can assure you that it was not touched off by any of our girls,” -asserted Miss Lubell firmly. “We’ve taken every precaution against -fire.” - -Although heavy smoke still hung over the camp area, the flames no -longer were spreading. A ranger was assigned to remain behind to watch -the smoldering debris. The others loaded their truck and presently -drove away. - -Worn out by their strenuous activities, the Scouts returned to their -cots to try to snatch a few winks of sleep before dawn. Their eyes -smarted, but tired as they were, they were too excited to relax. Most -of the girls were relieved when the gong sounded as a signal for them -to dress again and assemble for breakfast. - -Great quantities of hot chocolate, scrambled eggs, toast and fruit, -brought cheer to the Scouts. Nevertheless, the main topic at the table -was the unjust accusation which Lowell Diethelm had leveled at the -organization. - -“I’ve never liked that ranger,” Judy remarked to Virginia, who sat -beside her. “I guess it’s mean to say, because a Girl Scout should try -to like folks, but there’s something about him--” - -“I know what you mean,” nodded Virginia, reaching for another piece of -toast. “He doesn’t seem friendly as the other rangers do.” - -“I can’t get over what happened today about that trucker,” Judy went -on, thinking aloud. “Suppose I was right, and Diethelm was mistaken--” - -She broke off then, for Miss Ward had come into the dining hall, and -was signaling to her. - -“Judy, you’re wanted at the telephone,” the teacher called. “Your aunt, -I think.” - -Judy went quickly to Miss Lubell’s office. The call must be important, -she reasoned, else her aunt would not have phoned at such an early -morning hour. She was afraid Aunt Mattie had learned of the fire and -was alarmed for her safety. Either that, or the ghost of Calico Cottage -had put in another appearance! - -As she took down the receiver, her first fears were confirmed. Miss -Meadows was in a great state of agitation, having been informed that a -fire was raging at Pine Cone Camp. - -“It was only a little fire, and it never reached our camp,” Judy -explained patiently. “Now don’t worry one tiny bit, Aunt Mattie! -Everything is all right here.” - -“Well, that’s a relief,” Miss Meadows sighed. “I confess, I’ve spent a -dreadful night.” - -“No more disturbances, I hope.” - -“It depends upon what you mean by disturbances,” Miss Meadows returned -stiffly. “There were no weird sounds from the basement. But other -things happened.” - -“What sort of things?” - -“I can’t tell you over the telephone,” Miss Meadows answered. “Just -come as quickly as you can to the cottage!” - -And with that, she hung up the receiver. - - - - -_Chapter 18_ - -AN URGENT CALL - - -It was well after seven o’clock when Judy, accompanied by Kathleen, -arrived at Calico Cottage. - -The trip down the mountain in the station wagon had not been without -excitement. Less than a half mile from the cottage, the driver had been -halted by state patrolmen, who had set up a road block. - -At first, the girls had assumed that motorists on the main highway were -being stopped because of the fire which still smoldered in the Pine -Cone Camp area. Therefore, it came as a surprise to learn that the road -block had been set up for an entirely different purpose. - -The state highway patrolman informed them that a truckload of auto -parts had been hi-jacked during the night on a lonely stretch of road -between the towns of Silverton and Grove City, some miles away. The -truck was known to have followed the mountain road, making for the -state line, yet had seemed to disappear into thin air. - -“Somehow those birds get wind of where our road blocks are set up,” -the highway patrolman had said. “The hi-jackers have a hide-out. When -we’re not on their trail, they slip off the road somewhere and wait -until the coast is clear.” - -The bold tactics of the hi-jackers were of intense interest to the -girls because of their own meeting with two of the men believed to be -members of the gang. - -Nor had Judy erased from her mind the fact that only a few hours -earlier, she had seen the man she believed to be Joe Pompilli. - -She was reflecting upon the matter as the station wagon driver let the -girls off at Calico Cottage. Why, she wondered, had Lowell Diethelm -been so certain that she was mistaken in the identification? - -“He seemed honest enough in thinking that the man was a regular trucker -on the road,” she thought. “But if I were right, and Diethelm made a -mistake--” - -Her reflections were interrupted by Kathleen, who nudged her in the -ribs. - -“Why so sober, Judy?” - -“I was just speculating on those hi-jackers, Kathy,” Judy replied as -they started across the dew-laden lawn. “I’m more than half convinced -that we made a bad mistake last night.” - -“You think we let Joe Pompilli get away?” - -“We must have. Kathy, he and that other fellow we didn’t know, may have -been killing time at the restaurant, waiting for that truckload of auto -parts to go through town! Then, they merely followed, and picked the -truck off at a convenient spot on the road.” - -“That makes a nice sounding explanation,” Kathleen chuckled. “But -there’s one bad flaw in your reasoning.” - -“Two of ’em,” Judy admitted with a grin. “First, it doesn’t seem -logical that Joe Pompilli would dare show up in this area when he must -know that state highway patrolmen are on the alert.” - -“He was badly hurt in that accident too,” Kathleen added. - -“Maybe not as seriously as we thought. The other defect in my theory is -that Lowell Diethelm positively identified him as a regular trucker on -the road.” - -“That’s the part one can’t get around,” Kathleen nodded soberly. -“Either the patrolmen made a mistake in identifying an ordinary -trucker as Joe Pompilli, or Lowell Diethelm has been misled.” - -“In either case, I guess it’s too late for us to do anything about it -now,” Judy admitted. “We had our chance, and we muffed it.” - -Walking carefully so that they would not soak their shoes with the -heavy dew, the girls tramped across the lawn to the back door of Calico -Cottage. - -Miss Meadows, who had seen them coming, flung open the door. - -“I’m ashamed to have telephoned you,” she apologized. “Have you had -breakfast?” - -“An early one,” Judy replied as she and Kathleen entered the warm -kitchen. “If those are muffins I smell, we can eat another one though!” - -“Blueberry muffins,” Miss Meadows smiled, peeping into the oven. “You -arrived at just the right time, for they’ll be done in three minutes.” - -“Aunt Mattie, why did you send such an urgent telephone message?” Judy -asked abruptly. “You said it wasn’t the ghost again.” - -“No, the basement was quiet enough last night.” - -“Then what did happen?” - -“I know you think I’m nervous and silly--” - -“No such thing, Aunt Mattie.” - -“It was those lights that bothered me again. Now that it’s morning, -I feel much better about it. But last night, and until after I -telephoned, I felt so jittery.” - -“Lights on the private road?” Judy questioned. - -Miss Meadows did not answer until after she had removed the muffins -from the oven. Then she said: - -“I awoke about two o’clock, I’d judge. I can’t explain it, but I had a -strong feeling that something was wrong. I lay there in bed for awhile, -listening. I could hear the muffled rumble of a big truck engine.” - -“Nothing so unusual about that, Aunt Mattie. A great many trucks pass -on the main highway, even at night.” - -“This truck didn’t pass,” Miss Meadows said impressively. “I saw the -lights flash past my bedroom window. Because I was nervous and couldn’t -sleep, I got up and looked out. I saw the truck stop, and the lights -went off. Then the truck turned down that old road.” - -Judy and Kathleen had listened attentively to Miss Meadows’ account. -They exchanged a quick glance but remained silent. - -“I suppose there’s no occasion to be bothered about a truck turning -down a private road,” Judy’s aunt chattered on. “It shouldn’t worry me, -I know. But I kept imagining all sorts of things, wondering if those -men might be hi-jackers.” - -“Aunt Mattie, we don’t consider you one bit silly to be nervous about -it,” Judy said quickly. “You didn’t telephone the state highway patrol?” - -“No, I thought of it, but after all, I didn’t know but what the trucks -had a right to be on that road. It could have been loggers?” - -“How long did the truck remain on the private road?” Judy asked. - -“So far as I know, it’s still there. I set up and watched until dawn. -Since then, I’ve been rather busy.” - -“If the truck is still on that road, we should check--” Kathleen -suggested quickly. - -“I think we should,” Miss Meadows agreed. “I’d have done it myself, -only to tell you the truth, I was afraid to go alone.” - -“Who wouldn’t be?” Judy backed her up. “When do we start? Right now?” - -“No, finish your breakfast first,” Miss Meadows urged. “Such nice -muffins shouldn’t be wasted.” - -Their thoughts on the investigation before them, Judy and Kathleen ate -quickly. Miss Meadows apologized for not having any milk to offer. - -“I ran out yesterday,” she remarked, “and the new milkman always comes -very late.” - -“The new milkman?” Judy repeated, nearly dropping her knife. “What -became of Bart?” - -“I understand he’s given up his job. The new man told me that Bart -quit because of something special he wanted to do before the start of -college.” - -“Something special,” mused Judy. “You know what I think! Bart quit so -he could thoroughly explore Calico Cave!” - -“Oh, dear, I hope not,” Miss Meadows murmured. “That sounds frightfully -dangerous. You don’t think he’d explore very far alone?” - -“I certainly do,” replied Judy. “From the little Bart said to me, I’m -sure he hopes to solve the mystery of what became of his father. To do -that, he’d have to brave the siphon.” - -“Gracious! I never heard of anything so reckless!” Miss Meadows gasped. -“Why, the authorities shouldn’t allow it!” - -“I don’t imagine Bart told anyone of his plan,” Judy answered. “He’s -thoroughly familiar with the cave, and it would be safe enough for him -to explore, providing he didn’t try to go through the siphon.” - -“Just what is a siphon?” Kathleen inquired. - -“As I understand it, a siphon is a tunnel through the cave, with a -submerged ceiling. If one were a good swimmer, as Bart apparently is, -one might dive and swim through it to open air on the other side.” - -“That’s assuming that the tunnel wasn’t very long,” Miss Meadows -commented. - -“True,” Judy nodded. “It would be a terrifying experience. Only a very -courageous and foolhardy explorer would attempt it.” - -“Bart’s just the type to risk it!” Kathleen asserted. “I wonder when he -plans to tackle the siphon?” - -“From what the new milkman told me, he may be in the cave even now!” -Miss Meadows said with a shudder. “The mere thought of it frightens me.” - -“Bart knows how to take care of himself,” Judy declared to relieve her -aunt’s mind somewhat. “I’m sure he does.” - -Breakfast over, Miss Meadows hastily cleared away the few dishes which -had been used. She refused to let the girls wash them, insisting that -she would stack them in the sink for a good soaking. - -“Let’s explore the road to the cave now,” she urged. “I’ll feel much -better if I satisfy myself that everything is all right.” - -“We could call the Forest Service or one of the state highway -patrolmen, if you’d rather,” Kathleen proposed. - -“If the truck shouldn’t be there, or if it had a right to be, I’d -never live down the mistake I’d made,” Miss Meadows said. “No, I’d -prefer to do a bit of checking for myself first.” - -She put on her heavy jacket as protection against the morning chill, -and locked all the doors. The three then crossed the main highway and -turned down the narrow rutty dirt road. - -The sun was showing itself through the tall trees, as the explorers -made their way down the steep slope. Almost at once, Miss Meadows -triumphantly pointed to heavy tire tracks on the roadbed. - -“See, I was right!” she exclaimed. “Those tire marks show that a big -truck went down this road last night.” - -“Apparently only in one direction too,” Judy agreed. “This road -dead-ends, so either the truck had to turn around and come back, or -it’s still down there somewhere.” - -Quickening their pace, but becoming very quiet, the three moved on. - -Presently they came to the end of the road. - -“No truck here!” Kathleen exclaimed, halting. - -“Here’s where it made a turn,” Judy said, pointing to deep tire marks -in the road and grass. - -Then she saw the truck itself. It had been driven entirely off the road -and parked in a thick clump of bushes behind a shield of trees. Even -so, the massive vehicle was only partially hidden from view. - -While Kathleen and Miss Meadows waited tensely, Judy cautiously crept -through the bushes to obtain a closer glimpse of the big truck. - -The cab was deserted. Had the truck run out of gas perhaps, or was it -being hidden there to escape detection? - -Judy was quite certain she knew the answer, but to confirm her -suspicions, she circled the transport. At the rear, she tried the big -double doors which gave access to the cargo. They were locked. - -Unable to learn more, she returned to report to her aunt and Kathleen. - -“I’m convinced this is the truck that the highway patrolmen want to -stop,” she informed them. “After the road blocks have been removed, the -hi-jackers may be able to slip out of here and get safely away!” - -“Oh, no, they won’t!” announced Miss Meadows with grim determination. -“We’ll tip off the state highway headquarters! I’ll telephone.” - -“Someone should stay here to keep watch,” Judy said. “The driver may -return at any minute and try to pull out.” - -“That’s so,” Miss Meadows agreed. “I--I guess I’d better stay, while -you girls telephone.” - -“No, you go to Calico Cottage,” Judy urged. “Kathleen and I will wait -here.” - -“You’re not afraid?” - -“No, you’ll have help here in just a few minutes.” - -“I’ll hurry as fast as I can,” Miss Meadows promised, starting away. -“Get into the bushes, and keep out of sight until I’m back here with -the law!” - - - - -_Chapter 19_ - -THE HIDE-OUT - - -Left alone, Judy and Kathleen crept into the thicket at the left hand -side of the road. The air was damp and chilly and leaves dripped -moisture. In a very few minutes, the girls began to weary of crouching -in such uncomfortable positions. - -“That truck driver must have skipped out,” Kathleen muttered. “It’s -sort of silly to hide here.” - -“I don’t think so,” Judy replied, keeping her voice low. - -“I wish we knew where the driver went.” Disregarding caution, Kathleen -straightened up from her crouched position and carefully looked about. - -She could see a portion of the trail which led toward Calico Cave. -As she stood thus, a little dog came into view, trotting from the -direction of the cavern. - -“Why, it’s Pete!” Kathleen exclaimed, speaking much louder than she had -intended. “Do you suppose Bart is somewhere near, or in the cave?” - -“He must be,” Judy agreed. She added in warning: “But do quiet down. -If we keep sounding off, we’ll give our hiding place away to anyone who -comes along.” - -“Pete is onto it now!” Kathleen agreed in dismay. - -The little dog had halted alertly on the trail. After sniffing the air, -he left the path and came directly over to the bushes where the two -girls had taken shelter. - -To their consternation, he began to bark and to jerk his head, as if -inviting them to follow him to the cave. - -Judy seized the little dog, and tightly held his jaws so that he could -not bark. - -“This is a fine howdy-do!” she muttered. “Pete will give us away if -anyone is within a mile of here!” - -“Do you suppose Bart could be close?” Kathleen speculated. “Pete -plainly is trying to get us to follow him to the cave.” - -“If we let him go, he’ll set up a fearful clatter. I can’t hold his -jaws together forever either!” - -“Bart would be a big help to us if we could find him.” - -“We could see if he’s at the cave entrance,” Judy said reluctantly. “I -don’t think we’ll find him though, and we’d be leaving a good hiding -place.” - -“We can be careful,” Kathleen returned. “Help from the Forest Service -or highway headquarters should be coming quite soon.” - -Allowing herself to be persuaded, Judy followed Kathleen from the leafy -shelter. She kept tight hold of Pete however, not allowing him to bark -or scramble out of her arms. - -The rocky path wound through the trees and around big boulders. -Presently, the girls were within view of the dark entranceway to the -cave. - -Judy halted, thinking that she saw a tiny wisp of smoke emerging from -the cavern. In that moment of inattention, Pete made a convulsive -movement and before she could regain her grip, leaped to the ground. - -Yipping excitedly, he ran toward the cave entrance. - -With a gasp of dismay, Judy thrust Kathleen back into a thicket, and -herself crouched behind a rock. - -It was well that the girls took refuge, for Pete’s loud barking had not -gone unheard. - -A dark figure appeared silhouetted in the opening of the cave. Judy -could not see the face of the heavy-set man, but she knew instantly -from his build that he was not Bart Ranieau. - -“There’s that confounded mutt again!” the girls heard the man exclaim. -“He’ll give us away!” - -“Slug him with a rock!” came advice from inside the cave. - -The man in the entranceway, heaved a stone which missed its mark by -mere inches. Pete barked the louder. - -“Put a bullet through him,” was the next gruff advice. - -“Don’t dare,” the girls heard the reply. “A shot would be heard too -far.” - -“If we don’t get out of this hole pretty soon, that dog will have the -whole town down on us,” the other growled. “Quiet him somehow.” - -“Don’t pay any attention to him and he’ll shut up,” the first man said. -“If we can coax him in here, I’ll wring his neck!” - -Pete did stop barking after a few more excited yips, but canine caution -kept him from going closer to the cave. In vain the two men tried to -coax him into the cavern. Pete lay flat on his belly on the path and -whined. - -Finally, they abandoned the effort to get him inside, and themselves -moved back out of view in the darkness. - -For a long while, Judy and Kathleen remained motionless, afraid to stir -lest they disclose their presence. Both were convinced that the two -men in the cave were the hi-jackers, and that they merely were waiting -there until they safely could move out their truck and stolen cargo. - -“We can’t stay here,” Judy finally whispered to her chum. “Let’s make a -break for it. If we’re seen, we’ll have to run for our lives.” - -Moving stealthily, the girls slipped from their hiding place. - -Pete saw them go and cocked his head attentively. But to their intense -relief, he did not bark or try to follow them. - -Safely, the girls retraced their way to the private road. - -Once there, Judy anxiously looked up the slope for a glimpse of her -aunt or the assistance which she hoped would come. - -“I guess we’ll have to hide in the bushes again,” Kathleen proposed. -“Pete may ferret us out too.” - -As the girls debated what action to take, Judy saw that a green coupe -had turned down the private road. - -“A Forest Service car!” she exclaimed, over-joyed. “Good Aunt Mattie! -She must have put through a fast telephone call to the ranger station. -Our troubles are over!” - -“I thought your aunt intended to call the highway patrol headquarters,” -Kathleen commented, watching the approaching car with troubled eyes. - -“Maybe she called ’em both. At any rate, a forest ranger is just what -the doctor ordered!” - -Judy rushed out to meet the approaching automobile, waving her arms to -attract attention. - -The car drew up with a slight squeak of brakes. Judy saw then that the -driver was Lowell Diethelm, and he seemed as surprised to see her and -Kathleen as they were to encounter him on the lonely road. - -“Did Aunt Mattie reach you?” Judy demanded. - -The ranger’s startled expression disclosed that he did not know what -she was talking about. - -“I guess Aunt Mattie hasn’t had time to get word through,” Judy went -on. “Anyway, you’re here in time to nab those hi-jackers!” - -She and Kathleen then breathlessly told of their suspicions, and -pointed out the big truck which had been hidden in the thicket. - -In their anxiety to tell the story clearly and fast, neither girl -noticed that Diethelm was watching them in an odd sort of way, but not -asking many questions. - -When Judy finally ran out of breath, the ranger motioned for the two -girls to get into the coupe. - -“But aren’t you going to do anything about it?” Judy demanded. “Don’t -you intend to find out if those men hiding in the cave are hi-jackers?” - -“Sure, I intend to do something about it,” Diethelm drawled, “but I’m -not foolhardy. We’re up against a tough gang. There may be shooting. I -need reenforcements.” - -“I guess that’s right,” Judy agreed. Her gaze fell upon the radio -equipment in the ranger’s car. “Couldn’t you call the ranger station?” - -“Sure,” Diethelm said again. “Sure. Come on, get in, and I’ll take care -of it.” - -Judy and Kathleen obeyed, sliding in beside the ranger. He turned the -car around in the narrow roadway, heading it toward the main highway. - -“I’ll drive you up the hill,” he said. “It’s safer that way. Then if -there should be shooting, you’ll be all right.” - -“Can’t we get word to the ranger station right away?” Judy urged -again. “Those men may decide to try to pull out of here any minute.” - -“Take it easy,” Diethelm advised. “Let me handle this, will you?” - -“Sorry,” Judy mumbled. “I didn’t mean to suggest--only--” - -“Only what?” - -“Nothing,” Judy replied shortly. - -Diethelm reached across, snapping a lock on the door of the coupe. The -gesture seemed careless enough. Yet, why should he have reason to lock -the automobile? Judy, suddenly uneasy, glanced at Kathleen and saw that -her chum looked frightened. - -“So your aunt is telephoning the state highway patrol station?” the -ranger remarked easily. “How long ago was that?” - -“Five--maybe ten minutes ago,” Judy answered. She was trying hard to -smother the suspicion which had formed in her mind. - -“Your aunt went to the cottage to phone?” - -“Yes.” Judy hesitated and then said earnestly: “Won’t you please call -ranger headquarters now on your radio telephone? It’s important to get -help fast. Aunt Mattie may have failed to get her call through.” - -Diethelm smiled and flipped a switch on the radio. He fumbled with it -as he drove efficiently with one hand. - -“Car 23 to Headquarters. Car 23 to Headquarters,” he called. - -“Go ahead, Diethelm,” came the order from headquarters. - -“Nothing to report, sir. No fires sighted.” - -“Any sign of the hi-jackers? They’re reported to have headed into your -patrol area.” - -Diethelm spoke clearly and in a detached manner. “No sign of ’em -anywhere,” he replied. “Inform the highway patrol, they may as -well lift the road block. That’s right, sir. I’ve checked the area -thoroughly. No sign of ’em.” - - - - -_Chapter 20_ - -TREACHERY - - -Judy and Kathleen scarcely could believe that they had heard the -ranger’s radio message correctly. - -For a stunned moment, they sat in dead silence, unable to comprehend -what had transpired. - -Diethelm wore the inconspicuous pine tree badge of the forest rangers, -but he had never seemed friendly or helpful as had the other Forest -Service men. - -Judy had sensed the man’s antagonism almost from the first moment -of their meeting. Until this night, however, she had never actually -distrusted him. - -Now, as the meaning of his message to headquarters penetrated her -brain, she realized that he deliberately had given false information to -his superior officers. Information which would aid the hi-jackers, who -awaited the lifting of the road block to rush their stolen cargo across -the state line! - -As the car climbed the steep incline, Kathleen suddenly reached for the -door handle. - -“I wouldn’t do that!” Diethelm ordered sharply. “Stay in this car!” - -“You’re making us prisoners?” Kathleen gasped, shaken by the ranger’s -treachery. - -“You asked for this,” Diethelm retorted. “If you’d kept to your own -affairs, no one would have bothered you. Now you’ve poked your pretty -little noses in, you’ll have to take the consequences!” - -“Which are--?” interposed Judy. She was no longer frightened, but -smoldered with a deep, burning anger. - -“I’ll drive you some distance from here and dump you in the woods,” -Diethelm informed her. “By the time you find your way out, we’ll be -over the state line. This is our last haul.” - -“So you’re one of the hi-jackers!” Kathleen accused shrilly. “A -disgrace to the ranger uniform!” - -“I’ve not been in the service long,” Diethelm said. “It means nothing -to me. I adopted the uniform only to serve my own purpose. For six -months it’s been a cinch to run cargo through, but lately the state -highway patrol has bottled up most of the roads. We’ll move on to -another state.” - -The car had reached the main highway. Judy could see Calico Cottage -through the morning mist, but there was no sign of her aunt, or of any -help. - -Everything was painfully clear now! The trucker she and Kathleen -had seen the previous night at the restaurant, had indeed been Joe -Pompilli. Either he, or his runners now were at the cave, awaiting a -chance to slip their cargo over the state line. And with the road block -soon to be lifted, that chance might come very soon! - -The coupe turned onto the main highway, and started up the winding -mountain road. Judy saw Diethelm glance anxiously at the gasoline gauge. - -Her pulse leaped with hope, for she saw that the pointer already stood -on the empty mark, and was giving only an occasional convulsive jerk. - -“We’re about out of gas,” Diethelm muttered. - -“No filling stations on this road for three miles,” Judy said in -satisfaction. - -“We rangers have supply caches,” Diethelm dashed her hopes again. “My -own private one is just ahead.” - -A few hundred yards farther up the road, he pulled off onto the -right-of-way. Back among the trees, Judy and Kathleen saw the gasoline -supply tank, marked with the Forest Service name. - -Diethelm reached for a can on the floor behind the seat. As he got out -of the car, he tapped the revolver in his holster. - -“Now don’t you move or try to get out of this car!” he ordered. “I’ll -have my eye on you. I’m warning that if you try to escape, I’ll shoot.” - -Diethelm then strode to the gasoline storage tank, hurriedly starting -to fill his can. - -“Lean forward--block off the window, so he can’t see me,” Judy -instructed Kathleen tersely. - -“He’s watching us. If we try to get out, I’m afraid he’ll carry out -his threat to shoot.” - -“We can’t hope to get away,” Judy admitted. “But there’s one outside -chance we can get through to ranger headquarters on the radio phone. -I’m going to risk it.” - -Now that she knew her friend’s scheme, Kathleen obediently shifted her -position, so that her back temporarily shielded Judy from view. - -In an instant, Judy had snapped the radio phone on. - -“Car 23 to Headquarters!” she called excitedly into the transmitter. -“Emergency call! Emergency call!” - -“Headquarters to Car 23,” came the reply. “Who the deuce is this? -Diethelm--” - -“I’m a Girl Scout--held a prisoner in Diethelm’s car,” Judy broke -in. Aware that Diethelm himself had dropped the gasoline can and was -striding toward the coupe, her words tumbled over each other in her -haste to get them out. “The hi-jackers are at the cave! Their truck--” - -The car door was jerked open at that point, and the radio phone ripped -from Judy’s hand. Diethelm clicked the switch off, pulling the -girl bodily from the coupe. - -“Now you’ve done it!” he snarled, shoving her so hard that she fell to -the ground. “Little fool!” - -Despite his previous threat, Diethelm did not touch his revolver. His -face contorted by worry, he seemed uncertain what to do for a moment. - -Tersely then, he ordered Kathleen out of the car also. - -“Turn your backs and start walking into the woods,” he ordered the two -girls. “Keep walking. Don’t look back or I’ll shoot.” - -Kathleen pulled Judy to her feet, and they slowly moved off into the -woods. - -“Walk faster!” Diethelm shouted. - -The girls obediently increased their speed, stumbling as they climbed -over fallen logs and other forest debris. - -Moments passed, and Judy dared to look over her shoulder. No longer -could she see the car or the roadway. - -But as she paused, she heard the roar of the coupe’s engine. - -“He’s filled the gas tank and he’s pulling out!” she declared. “Now to -get help, if we can.” - -Hurrying back the way they had come, the girls reached the roadside in -time to see the coupe disappearing around a curve in the direction from -which it had come. - -“He’s going back to the cave to warn the hi-jackers!” Judy guessed -shrewdly. “He must know I got through to the ranger headquarters!” - -“Then that means that the hi-jackers probably will try to move their -truck out now!” Kathleen exclaimed. “They may make it too, because -it isn’t far to the state line and the road block probably has been -lifted.” - -“We must stop them somehow! Let’s get back to Calico Cottage as fast as -we can!” - -They pounded down the road, hoping as they ran that a car would come -along. None did. In Diethelm’s coupe, the distance they had traveled -from the junction with the private road had seemed very short. Now, the -reverse was true. - -Though the distance could not be more than a third of a mile, it seemed -endless to the two Scouts. Alternately running and dog-trotting, they -finally reached Calico Cottage, winded and perspiring. - -As they crossed the yard, Miss Meadows came to meet them. - -“I’ve had such a time,” she began. “At first, I couldn’t get my call -through. Why, what’s happened?” - -Judy explained only briefly. She cut her story short by demanding: -“Aunt Mattie, how soon do you think help will get here?” - -“Ten minutes or longer. My call just went through. Before that the line -was busy, and I couldn’t get the operator to understand that this was -an emergency!” - -“Ten minutes!” Judy groaned. “That will give Diethelm all the time he -needs to warn those men!” - -“I saw a ranger car turn down the private road quite awhile ago,” Miss -Meadows contributed. - -“That was Diethelm,” Judy said desperately. “We’ve notified the ranger -headquarters, but I doubt they can get men here quickly enough either!” - -“If only we could block the private road somehow, so those hi-jackers -can’t get their truck out!” Kathleen exclaimed. “What could we use?” - -Frantically, the three looked about the premises, but not an object was -available which would offer an impediment to a powerful truck. - -“The clothesline,” Miss Meadows suggested doubtfully. “We could tie it -to trees, across the road.” - -“It would snap in an instant,” Judy said. “I doubt even a wire would -delay them.” - -“Then there’s nothing we can do,” Miss Meadows said desperately. -“Absolutely nothing.” - -“Nails?” proposed Kathleen. “We could throw them on the road and hope -they’d spear the tires.” - -“There’s a can of nails on the porch,” Miss Meadows supplied eagerly. -“The carpenter who must have built this cottage, apparently left them.” - -“It’s an idea,” Judy said slowly, “but it won’t work. Those big truck -tires would roll right over the nails without a puncture. Not even -glass would cut them.” - -“I guess that’s right,” Miss Meadows admitted, crestfallen. “Oh, it’s -hopeless.” - -Judy, however, had a different idea. She was gazing speculatively at -the “Welcome” mat on the doorstep. - -“I think I know of a way to stop that truck if it tries to come -through!” she cried. “My scheme is fantastic, but I’m sure it will -work!” - - - - -_Chapter 21_ - -TRUCKER’S WELCOME - - -“How can we stop the truck if it tries to come through?” Kathleen -demanded eagerly. “What is your idea, Judy?” - -“You gave it to me yourself, when you mentioned dropping nails on the -road,” Judy answered. “That wouldn’t do the trick, I’m sure, but I know -what will! This rubber door mat!” - -She stooped to pick up the dusty “Welcome” mat. As Kathleen and her -aunt gazed at the object in bewilderment, she hastened to reveal what -she had in mind. - -“We can spear the nails through the mat so they’ll stand upright! When -the tires pass over them, they can’t miss.” - -“That should do it!” Miss Meadows approved. - -“Judy, you’re a gem!” laughed Kathleen. “What a brain!” - -“No brain, just a memory,” Judy corrected. “I recall hearing a filling -station serviceman relate how vandals once damaged big truck tires that -way. I’m sure it will work if we can do it!” - -“I’ll get the nails,” Miss Meadows said, starting away. - -In a moment she returned with an assortment in a tin can. As fast as -they could, the three punctured the rubber mat, forcing the nails -through so that their sharp points were upright. - -“Listen!” cried Judy suddenly. - -She had heard the roar of a powerful motor starting far down the -private road. - -“It’s the truck!” Kathleen exclaimed. “It’s coming, and we don’t have -half enough nails in this mat!” - -“There will be enough if the tires hit it,” Judy declared. “The -important thing is to get it placed, and fast! Come on!” - -Without waiting for Kathleen or her aunt, she raced for the entrance to -the private road. - -She could not see the big truck which was hidden by the curves of -the rutty thoroughfare, but she could tell from the roar of the -engine, that it was coming as fast as it could climb the steep slope. -Evidently, Diethelm had warned the hi-jackers, and knowing that delay -would be fatal, they were making a run for it! - -Judy had no time to deliberate where she would lay the mat. She dropped -it on the right hand side of the road, directly across an old truck -track. - -If the driver saw the mat, he could swerve to miss it. She was -depending though upon the sharp curve, figuring that the truck would -come around it fast, and that the big transport would roll over the -nails before they could be seen. - -Kathleen and Miss Meadows already had screened themselves behind the -bushes lining the private road. Judy scarcely had time to slide in -beside them, when the massive transport careened around the curve. - -The front wheel struck a deep rut and the truck veered from the middle -of the road. - -“They’re going to miss it!” Kathleen moaned, gripping Judy’s arm so -hard that it hurt. - -But the next moment, the driver brought the truck back onto its course. -Apparently, he had failed to see the studded mat lying directly in the -path. Both front and rear tires rolled over the long, sharp nails. - -Breathlessly, the three watchers waited. Nothing seemed to happen. - -When the huge truck reached the entrance to the private road, there was -a loud hissing of air. The transport began to wobble crazily. First the -front tire went down and then the one at the right rear. - -“We’ve done it!” Judy laughed jubilantly. “We’ve stopped them!” - -“But for how long?” Miss Meadows speculated. “Don’t move, girls! Keep -hidden! Those men are in an ugly mood.” - -The two hi-jackers had leaped from the cab of the crippled truck. As -they beheld the disaster which had befallen them, a car came up the -hill, pulling alongside. It was the Forest Service automobile, driven -by Lowell Diethelm. By mere inches, the tires missed the nail-studded -rubber mat. - -“Now what?” the ranger demanded furiously. “Can’t you keep going and -get out of here?” - -“Keep going?” one of the truckers snarled. “On rims? We’ll have to -abandon the cargo.” Diethelm swung open the door of the coupe. “Get -in!” he directed. “We’ll try to get over the state line.” - -The possibility of the two hi-jackers transferring to the ranger’s car -had not occurred to Judy. Now, convinced that her scheme had failed, -she involuntarily started to leave her hiding place. - -Miss Meadows held her back. “No, Judy!” she warned. “We’ve done all we -can! Those men are dangerous. Let them go.” - -“Let them go,” Judy half moaned. “Oh, this is awful! After stopping -that big truck, to fail so miserably!” - -“We saved the cargo at any rate,” Kathleen reminded her. “Furthermore, -Diethelm hasn’t driven off yet! I don’t think he will either!” - -The latter excited comment was made as she saw two Forest Service cars -sweep down the main highway. - -Before Lowell Diethelm could pull away, the other two automobiles had -blocked the main highway. - -“Our fish are netted now!” Kathleen shouted gleefully. “Who says your -idea failed, Judy? It was a grand one!” - -No longer fearful, the three came out of hiding. - -Six rangers, two of whom the Scouts knew by sight, had surrounded -Lowell Diethelm’s car. They had their revolvers trained on the two -hi-jackers, but Diethelm was trying to put up a convincing story. - -“I captured these birds red-handed,” he said glibly. “I was trying to -get ’em to headquarters, when they over-powered me. I’m sure glad you -fellows came along.” - -“Yeah?” dryly inquired Ranger Wentz. “Sounds pretty phoney, Diethelm. -You’ll have to think up a better one than that to tell the chief.” - -By this time, Judy, Kathleen and Miss Meadows had reached the ranger -cars. As rapidly as they could talk, they told the Forest Service men -exactly what had occurred. - -“You’re the girl who called over the radio phone, aren’t you?” one of -the rangers asked Judy. - -“That’s right.” - -“She stopped the truck too, by putting nails on the road,” Kathleen -added, very proud of her friend. “What a ‘welcome’ that mat proved to -be for the hi-jackers!” - -Within five minutes, the rangers were reenforced by state highway -patrolmen, who had responded to an alert. If there had been any -previous doubt as to the identity of the two hi-jackers, it then was -dispelled. State highwaymen definitely identified Joe Pompilli, and -recognized his companion as Porky Burns, a hi-jacker, who had operated -in three states. - -“Five or six drivers work this area,” a ranger told Judy. “Joe’s the -head of the outfit though. We may never catch the others, but now that -we have him, the gang will fall apart.” - -“Joe was pretty reckless to keep working this territory after he knew -he was wanted,” Judy remarked. “Especially after that truck accident, -when Kathy and I patched him up.” - -“Joe operates that way,” the ranger answered. “He was dead sure of -himself. First, he could depend upon our double-crossing friend, -Diethelm, to tip him off as to road blocks.” - -“This private road to the cave must have been used in emergencies too,” -Judy added. “My aunt saw the truck headlights on one of the nights -that the state highway patrol had put up its road block.” - -“Sure,” the ranger agreed, “it’s plain enough that Diethelm tipped ’em -off regularly. That’s probably why they chanced making one last haul -before they moved to another locality. Pompilli had taken pains to make -himself known as a regular trucker on the road, especially at Silverton -and Grove City where he was a good spender. He figured only the state -highway patrol could cause him any trouble, and he took that chance.” - -The state patrolmen requested Kathleen and Judy to accompany them to -headquarters to make sworn statements as to their knowledge of what had -happened. Eager to pin evidence on the two men, they went willingly. -They were questioned at length, and in turn learned considerably more -about how Joe Pompilli and his gang had operated. - -“Without Diethelm’s help, we’d have cleaned them out weeks ago,” a -patrolman told the Scouts. “He’s made a clean breast of his part in the -mess to the Chief forester.” - -“Diethelm has confessed?” Kathleen asked in disbelief. - -“Yes, he knew we had him dead to rights anyway. Matter of fact, he’s -rather remorseful, the boys tell me. Diethelm’s a queer duck. It seems -he made a brilliant record in college and had a fine career ahead -of him as a forest ranger. But on his first assignment, something -went wrong. He ran into personal trouble with his superior, and was -reprimanded. He couldn’t take it. So he brooded and figured on a way to -get even.” - -“Then the help he gave the hi-jackers was to even an old score with -another ranger?” Judy inquired. - -“Not entirely. It made him susceptible to suggestion, shall we say. -Diethelm was a weak character. He wanted easy money. Joe Pompilli -offered it to him, and so he sold himself cheap.” - -“Diethelm even accused the girls in our Scout Camp of being careless -with fire,” Kathleen remarked indignantly. - -“Oh, that matter came up,” the highway patrolman said, reminded of -it by her remark. “Diethelm admitted to the chief ranger that on two -occasions he started small fires as a diversion. He wanted to keep -rangers and patrolmen occupied to give the hi-jackers a better chance -to slide their stolen cargo through.” - -“Then the Scouts can’t be blamed for that fire?” - -“No, they’ve been cleared.” - -“Well, that’s a relief!” Kathleen laughed. - -“There’s one thing that puzzles me,” Judy said thoughtfully. “When my -aunt first moved into Calico Cottage, someone telephoned--” - -“I can tell you about that too,” the patrolman broke in. “Krumm’s -cottage stood idle for quite a spell. Now and then, Diethelm or members -of Joe’s gang would use the telephone. The cottage gave a clear view of -the entrance to the private road. A couple of times, we think Joe and -his truckers spent a night at the cottage. Naturally, after your aunt -moved in, they had to abandon using it.” - -“Maybe that explains the ghost!” Kathleen exclaimed. - -Judy, however, shook her head. “I’m afraid not,” she said. “At least -I haven’t heard that Joe Pompilli played a flute. Our ghost is an -entirely different matter.” - -By the time the two girls returned to Calico Cottage, it was well -after eleven o’clock. Miss Meadows anxiously awaited their return. She -listened attentively to their long account of what had happened in town. - -“I’m glad that’s over and we won’t be bothered by weird lights on the -road any more,” she declared fervently. “If I weren’t so worried about -Bart, I could begin to enjoy my vacation here.” - -“Bart?” Judy repeated, startled. The excitement of the morning had -washed all thought of the young milkman from her mind. - -“I took it upon myself to telephone his landlady,” Miss Meadows went -on. “Bart left his room early yesterday morning, and he’s not been seen -since!” - -“That might not mean anything serious, Aunt Mattie.” - -“I talked with the other milkman this morning while you were in town,” -Miss Meadows continued. “He thinks as I do, that Bart went into the -cave.” - -“Maybe he went down into the cavern before those hi-jackers parked -themselves in the entranceway,” Kathleen speculated. “Perhaps he didn’t -dare come out until they left. He may be waiting somewhere in the dark -passageway even now.” - -“That is a possibility,” agreed Miss Meadows, instantly becoming more -cheerful. She reached for her hat and jacket. “I’ll go down there now, -and let him know that it’s safe to come out.” - - - - -_Chapter 22_ - -DESCENT INTO THE CAVE - - -Judy and Kathleen would not allow Miss Meadows to go alone to Calico -Cave. - -Insisting upon accompanying her, they made cheerful talk as they -tramped down the now familiar forest road. - -Moving along the narrow path far above the silvery White River, Judy -was the first to see Pete lying at the mouth of the dark cave. - -“Why, he’s still there!” she exclaimed. “Poor doggie, do you suppose -he’s had anything to eat or drink?” - -Pete lay upon his stomach, head between his paws. A picture of utter -dejection, he whined and whimpered as the girls stooped to pet him. - -“Bart must be down in the cave,” Judy declared. “Otherwise, why would -Pete lie here and act as if he’d lost his last friend?” - -The three stepped into the dim interior of the cave. Judy cupped her -hands and shouted Bart’s name repeatedly. - -Her voice echoed weirdly through the cave, but there was no answering -call. If Bart had descended into the cavern, it was evident that he was -at a level so far below that he could not hear the cry. - -“No, Judy,” Miss Meadows said firmly, as her niece would have started -down into the cave. “We don’t dare explore alone. It’s unsafe.” - -“What should we do?” Kathleen asked, pulling her jacket more tightly -about her, for the air was cool. - -“Bart may be safe enough,” Judy added anxiously. “Then again, if he -braved the siphon, there’s no telling what may have happened.” - -“I’ll get in touch with Bart’s landlady again,” Miss Meadows finally -decided. “There’s a chance he may have gone out of town, and returned -to his room by this time.” - -“If he shouldn’t be back--” Judy began. “Then what?” - -“I don’t know what we can do except to notify the authorities,” Miss -Meadows said, deeply troubled. “Meanwhile, you girls are to return to -camp. I’ll feed Pete and see if I can coax him to the cottage.” - -“I don’t feel like going back to camp just now,” Judy said soberly. -“Until I know that Bart is safe, I couldn’t enjoy any of the Scout -activities.” - -“Neither could I,” chimed in Kathleen. “It’s been such an exciting day -already. I feel sort of jittery inside.” - -The three crawled out of the cave into the sunlight. Pete scrambled -up alertly as they emerged, but could not be coaxed away from the -entranceway. - -“If only we dared go down into the cave, we could learn what became -of Bart,” Kathleen remarked to her companions who stood silent and -uncertain. “Then we could end this dreadful suspense.” - -“We can’t go down into the cave without a guide,” Miss Meadows repeated -firmly. “I know of no one--” - -“Captain Hager!” Judy cried. “He could help us, if he will!” - -“Of course! Why didn’t I think of him? At the very least, he should be -able to advise us. Where does he live, Judy?” - -“I’m not sure. I think, in a cabin somewhere along the river.” - -“Do you suppose you girls could find him?” Miss Meadows urged. “I’ll -wait here.” - -“We can try,” Judy promised. - -She and Kathleen set off at once, making their way to the river level. -Captain Hager was not at the dock where they first had met him, nor was -his boat anywhere visible on the river. - -Judy surveyed the water front, noticing a two-room shack several -hundred yards down the beach. - -“That might be his place,” she said. “We can try there anyway.” - -A brisk walk brought them to the modest little cabin. Though small, the -building was trim and neat, and had recently been whitewashed. There -was a little garden at the rear, carefully watered and fertilized. An -anchor, encrusted with rust, hung above the door. - -“This must be Captain Hager’s place,” Judy decided. - -She knocked. After a time, the door opened. Captain Hager stood there -in his shirt sleeves, looking older and less spry than the girls had -remembered him. - -But upon recognizing the Scouts, his face creased into a welcoming -smile. - -“Come in, come in!” he boomed. - -The room into which he led the girls was extremely severe and quite -bare of furniture. There was a bunk bed, a stove, an ice box and two -wooden chairs. Above the bed hung the picture of a middle-aged woman in -a heavy gilt frame. - -“My wife,” said Captain Hager, noticing Judy’s eyes upon the picture. -“That was all I kept from the old place. Sold all my furniture at -auction. An old salt like me can’t be bothered with fancy trappings.” - -He limped as he walked across the cabin floor to pull out chairs for -the girls. - -“Your leg is bothering you?” Judy asked, taking the seat he offered. - -“Oh, it’s the old rheumatiz come back to fret me,” Captain Hager -sighed. “For the last couple o’ days I’ve been hobbling around like a -cripple.” - -Judy gazed at Kathleen despairingly, feeling that it would be useless -even to broach the subject of the call. In seeking Captain Hager as a -guide, she had forgotten that his lively talk and manner belied his age -and infirmities. - -“Now what brings you here?” the captain inquired. “If it’s fishing, -I’ll have to say no, because I’m in dry dock for a couple of days until -I get to feeling better again.” - -“We didn’t know about your rheumatism,” Judy said. “I guess it’s quite -out of the question.” - -“What is?” the old man demanded. “It wasn’t fishing that brought you.” - -Judy shook her head. “It’s Bart,” she told him. “We think he’s gone -into the cave again. He’s been missing more than a day, and we’re -afraid he’s trapped down there. Either that, or he’s attempted the -siphon.” - -Captain Hager did not speak for a long while. Then he muttered: “The -siphon! I told that boy to wash it out of his mind, but I always knew -he’d try it someday. The thought of it always was a challenge and a -plague to him.” - -“What do you think we should do?” Judy asked desperately. “Notify the -authorities?” - -“If he’s gone through the siphon, he’s beyond help,” the old man -answered. “There’s no man living in this community, who would risk his -life to try to force that tunnel of water. Either he’ll get back on his -own, or like his father before him, he’ll be heard of no more.” - -“But supposing he didn’t attempt the siphon,” Kathleen interposed. -“Maybe he’s trapped somewhere below the surface by a fall of rock. -Would the rangers check, do you think?” - -“They might make up a search party,” the old man conceded. “But who -would lead it? That cave is as simple as A-B-C for a skipper that knows -the layout. The rangers have their maps, but what do they know of -Hager’s Hole? Now if I were ten years younger--” - -“It wouldn’t be fair to ask you,” Judy said. “You’re not feeling well -and your rheumatism--” - -“Who says I’m not feeling well?” Captain Hager growled. “Next to good -salt air, there’s nothing better for the ache o’ old bones than cool -cave air.” - -“You’ll take us down there?” Judy asked eagerly. “You’re sure it -wouldn’t be too hard on you?” - -“I’ll go as far as the siphon, or until we find Bart,” the old captain -promised. - -“How soon can we get started?” Judy urged. - -“As soon as I gather some rope, a good light and a few things we may -need. But time’s no matter in a cave. Night or day, it’s all the same, -once you’re underground.” - -“Will we need heavy clothes?” Kathleen asked. - -“Those you’re wearing will be all right,” the captain assured her. -“The temperature is the same everywhere in the cave. Heavy clothing is -cumbersome and burdens one in climbing. You’ll need flashlights and -plenty of extra batteries.” - -“We’ll get them and meet you at the cave entrance,” Judy said, starting -for the door. She paused, and then impulsively flung her arms about -Captain Hager’s bulky shoulders. - -“None o’ that!” he chuckled, enjoying the embrace. “Save your pep for -the cave. Going down is easy enough, but it’s a tough climb back.” - -The sun was high by the time Captain Hager rejoined the two girls and -Judy’s aunt at the cave entrance. Meanwhile, Miss Meadows had confirmed -by a telephone call, that Bart had not returned to his rooming house. - -After considerable discussion, it was decided that only Captain Hager -and the two girls should make the descent into the cave. Though -reluctant to see the three go without her, Miss Meadows shuddered at -the thought of exploring the unknown. Captain Hager relieved her mind -by assuring her that with him the girls would not be in the slightest -danger. - -“You’ll be more help to us here, Ma’am,” he told Miss Meadows. “If -everything goes well, we should be back within four hours, unless we’re -lucky enough to run into Bart before that. Who knows? The young scamp -may be day dreaming down there in a sacred grotto. Sometimes, the -beauty of the formations is so overpowering, it makes a lubber forget -time and space and the cares o’ the world.” - -“Well, don’t forget to come back as quickly as you can,” Miss Meadows -warned. “I’ll be dreadfully worried until you’re back here with Bart.” - -“We’ll do our best to find him,” Captain Hager said soberly. “I love -that boy like my own son.” - -“I know you do, and that you’re exerting yourself to go down into the -cave,” Miss Meadows replied. “If you’re not back in four hours, I’ll -notify the ranger station.” - -“Make it five hours,” Captain Hager corrected. “I’m a mite slower than -I was in my younger days. But if my ticker holds out, I’ll be back here -in fine shape. Ready, maties?” - -Judy and Kathleen nodded eagerly. - -“Then follow me,” directed the captain. “Walk close behind and be -careful about dislodging rocks.” - -Single file, the three entered the cave, its ragged shadows enveloping -them. - -As they paused an instant, the beams of their flashlights picked up -the lovely emerald green tint of roof moss. Then silently, they began -the descent into the cavern and loneliness closed in. - - - - -_Chapter 23_ - -THE SIPHON - - -The descent to the chamber of the White Witch was quickly made. There, -the party of three paused briefly to catch breath and to view again the -weird figure which captured the imagination. - -A tunnel, at times narrow and low, wound deeper and deeper into the -earth. Judy and Kathleen kept close to their guide. In the stillness of -the cavern they could hear his somewhat labored breathing, for even the -slightest sound was magnified. - -They came presently to another small chamber where they paused, -speechless. Stalactites sparkled like jewels, standing out in the most -fantastic shapes. - -Judy could imagine animal figures, all in a variety of color, milky -white, red, green and black. The colors, Captain Hager explained, came -from mineral infiltration. - -“No wonder Bart couldn’t resist this cave,” Judy remarked in awe, -entranced. “It’s like a fairyland! How I wish all the Scouts could see -it!” - -In close formation, the three went on into the cavern depths. A cooler -wind met them, but from where it arose they gained no clue. - -The going had become harder now, and after edging through a narrow -space, the three stopped for a moment beside a translucent column which -rose from the floor to the roof. - -As they stood thus, there came a deafening crash behind them. - -Judy and Kathleen froze in their tracks, too terrified to utter a sound. - -“A cave-in behind us?” Kathleen finally asked in a choked whisper. - -“It’s nothing,” the captain reassured her. “Sounded like a blast of -dynamite far away. Like enough the rangers are blasting a tree stump -somewhere in the park area.” - -“But it sounded as if the cave roof had fallen!” Judy said, still -shaken. - -“All sounds underground are magnified,” Captain Hager explained. “Even -the dripping of water can be very loud. Off to the right there is a -Talking Grotto. But we will not explore that passage, for Bart would -not waste time there.” - -To proceed, it was necessary to creep across a slippery formation which -resembled a frozen waterfall. They passed through a room which was -cluttered with grotesque toadstool types of stalagmites, and then came -to formations so delicate that they appeared as a lacy cobweb. - -As they sat down to rest their legs for a moment, Captain Hager told -the girls that the beautiful pillars they had seen farther back were -made by the joining of stalactites and stalagmites. - -The growth of formations, he added, was much faster than generally -believed. Varying rainfall, the thickness of the rock penetrated by -water, and the rate of drip, all affected the deposits, he explained. - -“All water that goes into a cave, must come out somewhere,” the captain -continued. “During a hard rain storm, this cave could be dangerous at -the lower levels.” - -“You mean we’d get the rain down here?” Kathleen questioned in -amazement. - -“Belatedly, yes. Shortly now, you’ll see the underground river. During -the dry months it shrivels, but in the rainy season, it thunders -through the chasms like a mad demon.” - -“I hope it doesn’t storm today,” Kathleen said nervously. - -“The day was clear,” Captain Hager reassured her. “And there has been -no recent rain to flood the underground stream.” - -Farther on, the girls came to a series of small pools in which there -were blind fish. They did not tarry long, but continued through another -long, narrow passage. - -“Do you suppose Bart came this way?” Judy finally asked. “Couldn’t he -have taken any number of branch-offs?” - -“The branch-offs are dead-end streets, so to speak,” replied the -captain. “If I know that lad, we’ll find him at the siphon, or we’ll -not find him this voyage. Tired?” - -“My legs feel sort of cramped,” Judy confessed, ashamed of her -weariness. “But I’m all right.” - -“We’re nearing the end,” the captain encouraged the girls. “The last -few yards are the hardest. Then we’ll bring up at the siphon.” - -“And if Bart isn’t there?” asked Judy. - -The old captain did not answer. He gazed thoughtfully at his sturdy -boots, tested his light briefly on the limestone wall, and then -signaled that he was ready to resume the descent. - -Not far beyond the point where they had rested, the three explorers -came to a chamber so large that it seemed to have no surrounding walls. - -At its entrance, Captain Hager hesitated, seemingly reluctant to go on. - -“If we continue to the siphon, we must cross this chamber, with no -wall to guide us,” he explained. “Beyond, in the darkness, there is a -single narrow passageway leading on. If we hit the target, we’ll soon -be at the end of the cave. If we miss, we may spend hours, trying to -grope our way. We’ll be like a ship wallowing without chart or compass. -Unless you have plenty of nerve--” - -“We have,” Judy said resolutely. “We’ve come so far now, we can’t turn -back without learning whether or not Bart is in the cave.” - -“Aye, I figured you’d say that,” Captain Hager replied. - -He then uncoiled a length of nylon rope, tying it first about his own -waist, then around Kathleen, and finally about Judy, who would bring up -the rear. - -“We must keep close together,” he warned. “If we do, there is no -danger. Even if we miss the passageway on the first try, we will find -it. Full steam ahead, my hearties!” - -For a few feet the girls followed along a rough, jagged wall before -moving slowly out into the vast room. The silence and immensity of the -cavern were momentarily terrifying, for Captain Hager’s light revealed -only a dark void ahead. - -By supreme effort Judy and Kathleen held their nerves in rigid check. -Each step seemed to be taking them deeper and deeper into oblivion. A -dozen doubts assailed them. Would Captain Hager ever find the narrow -passage leading out of the chamber? And if they should be successful in -reaching the siphon, would not the return be even more difficult? - -The darkness seemed endless, but finally Captain Hager’s light revealed -a rough wall ahead. A wave of relief washed over Judy and Kathleen. But -it was short lived. - -Their guide had paused to move the flash beam slowly along the solid -wall, first to the right, then to the left. He muttered something, but -his words were indistinguishable. - -“Are--are we lost?” Kathleen asked. - -The captain deliberately did not answer. After a moment, he started on -again, groping along the wall. Kathleen did not repeat her question. - -For awhile Captain Hager kept on, the girls directly behind, following -blindly. Then suddenly the old man seemed to relax, and they heard him -give a throaty chuckle. - -“Hear that?” he demanded. - -Judy and Kathleen already had distinguished the distant sound of -running water. The underground stream! - -At the same instant that they heard the splash of water, Captain -Hager’s flash beam focused upon the narrow opening in the cavern -wall--the passageway for which he had searched. - -“We near the end,” he said simply. - -They moved quickly through the narrow corridor. The thunder of a -distant waterfall they never were to see, was louder now in their ears. - -The floor of the passageway sloped sharply downward. Kathleen slipped -but did not fall, for Judy caught her arm to give her support. - -Abruptly, the corridor turned, and the girls saw water ahead. The -underground stream, quiet and dark, emerged from a wall of rock to flow -tranquilly beneath the slightly arched cave-roof above. - -Captain Hager halted. “We’ve come to the end,” he announced. - -Judy and Kathleen were stunned. “The end,” Judy repeated, scarcely -comprehending. “But I thought--” - -“We can proceed no further without wading along the river bed,” the -captain explained. “The water gradually deepens until it rises to the -ceiling. At that point, one must dive through and swim underwater, or -turn back.” - -He focused his light to the right, and the girls saw the meeting place -of wall and water. - -“The siphon?” Judy asked. - -“Aye, how far it goes, no man knows. It may extend for only a few feet -or yards. Then again, it may run on indefinitely, with nary a pocket of -air.” - -“Bart--?” Judy hesitated to ask the question that was foremost in her -mind. - -“Surely he wouldn’t be crazy enough to try to swim through the siphon!” -Kathleen exclaimed. - -“The lad is a true spelunker, like his father. He has the courage of a -lion, and the muscles of a young bear. Since he was a mere boy, he’s -studied and dreamed about this cave.” - -“But we’ve seen no evidence that he’s anywhere in the cavern,” Judy -said hopefully. - -“No evidence?” Captain Hager’s voice was muted, as his light came to -focus upon a rock shelf a few feet above the river bed. - -For a moment, neither Judy nor Kathleen understood. - -Then, they fully comprehended. There on the rock ledge, set heel to -heel, was an empty pair of shoes. Beside them, in a neat roll, was -Bart’s shirt and jacket. - - - - -_Chapter 24_ - -HELP FROM CAPTAIN HAGER - - -Three hours now had elapsed since Captain Hager, Judy and Kathleen had -ascertained that Bart Ranieau was somewhere deep in the cave, beyond -the siphon. - -Unable to penetrate farther, the three had made the arduous climb back -to the cavern entrance where Miss Meadows anxiously awaited them. - -Their report had been a discouraging one. Without question, Bart was -somewhere in Calico Cave, but whether or not alive, no one could say. - -“The lad may have reached an air pocket, or a chamber,” Captain Hager -said. “That’s what he gambled on.” - -“He’s been missing a day and a half now,” Miss Meadows reminded the -seaman. “While you were down in the cave, I checked on that point. -Surely, if he’s ever coming back, he’d have made it by now.” - -“Aye,” the captain soberly agreed. - -“Can’t something be done?” Miss Meadows urged. - -“Not a man in these parts would risk that siphon, ma’am.” - -“I realize that,” Miss Meadows answered. “But is there no other way to -reach him, if he’s still alive? Couldn’t the rangers blast the rock -perhaps?” - -“It would be impractical and dangerous, Ma’am.” - -“But the cave must have an exit somewhere close--if only it could -be traced down! If one could approach the siphon from the other -direction--” - -“Aye, Ma’am,” Captain Hager replied, “I’ve been pondering on -it--pondering hard.” - -“Then you do have an idea!” Judy cried. “Does it have anything to do -with Calico Cottage?” - -“I’ve been meditatin’ along that line,” the old man admitted. - -“Is there any chance the cave connects in some way with the foundation -of the cottage?” Judy demanded excitedly. “Remember, all those strange -sounds which seemed to come from the basement! They might have been -cave noises! And we noticed a gust of cool air coming through a crack -in the mortar.” - -“Aye,” the captain nodded. “Bart and I discussed it many a time. Those -strange sounds that have scared the living daylights out of cottage -tenants come from the cave right enough.” - -“Then there must be a passageway close to the foundation wall!” Judy -cried. - -“I tried to convince Krumm he should build on a new foundation, but he -wouldn’t take advice.” - -“If that old foundation could be torn down, maybe an opening down into -the cave could be found!” Judy went on. “What do you think, Captain -Hager?” - -“It’s our only chance to ever learn what became of Bart.” - -“Then why are we waiting?” Miss Meadows demanded. “We must put men to -work at once!” - -“Krumm will have to give his permission,” Captain Hager said, deeply -troubled. “It will mean wrecking the foundation of the cottage.” - -“But a young man’s life is at stake!” - -“Aye,” the captain agreed, “Krumm should consent, if there’s a mite o’ -humanity in him. We’ll go now and put it up to him.” - -Word had spread through the village of Bart Ranieau’s plight and -everyone, it seemed, was discussing the young man’s fate. Even before -the little party arrived at Mr. Krumm’s real estate office, groups of -curious began to congregate at the cave entranceway. - -Forest rangers and state highwaymen roped off the private road leading -to the cavern, and set up guards to prevent persons from trying to -explore. Miss Ward, bringing her girls to Calico Cottage, learned -belatedly of the disaster and what was being done to try to find Bart. - -Meanwhile, Captain Hager was using all his powers of persuasion upon -Mr. Krumm. The real estate man, reluctant to have his property damaged, -argued that it would be a useless expenditure to tear down the old -foundation wall. - -“Like as not we wouldn’t find the cave exit,” he protested. “Even if we -did, there’s not much chance of finding that foolhardy young man alive -and you know it! He went the way his father did before him, drowned in -the siphon!” - -“We don’t know it,” Captain Hager retorted. “There’s air somewhere -close by to that siphon.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Because time and again Bart found tadpoles.” - -“What have they got to do with it?” Mr. Krumm demanded. - -“Tadpoles are a sure sign of open air being near. They’re creatures -that never venture far into underground waters.” - -“So?” - -“I figure there must be a brook somewhere close where the underground -river empties.” - -“There’s no brook around the cottage, and no water under it either.” - -“I’m not concerned where the river empties,” Captain Hager said. “I do -think the cottage wall connects in some way with a passage down into -the cave. Where it would lead, if we get into it, no man knows.” - -“You want me to tear down the foundation on a wild chance like that?” - -“You’ve got to do it,” Captain Hager said grimly. He moved in close. -“Either you do it like a gentleman and get credit for being a hero, or -I’ll have the law on you! You can’t abandon that boy to save a dollar!” - -Mr. Krumm’s eyes snapped angrily. Judy and Kathleen were certain he -would order them all out of the real estate office. - -But suddenly, his opposition dissolved. - -“Okay, tear down the foundation!” he consented. “Get on with it!” - -Once Mr. Krumm had waived his objection, men from the village, directed -by forest rangers, immediately went to work. - -Judy, Kathleen and the other Scouts milled about the cottage, watching -as a small section of the foundation was torn apart. As the throng -increased, only Miss Meadows, Miss Ward and the Scouts were permitted -in the building. - -Dust from the bricks and mortar kept the girls out of the cellar much -of the time. But as the day wore on, a shout from below, brought them -scrambling down the stairway. - -By this time, one section of wall had been torn away, though the main -supports of the cottage remained. The musty odor which had annoyed -occupants of Calico Cottage now was very strong and definitely came -from the jagged opening. A group of workmen clustered about the hole, -blocking Judy’s view. - -“Have you found the cave opening?” she cried. “Have you?” - -“Aye,” Captain Hager informed her jovially. “But where the passage -leads, we don’t know.” - -“What causes the odor?” Kathleen asked, sniffing. - -“Imprisoned air. It’s gradually clearing out. Like as not it comes from -decaying vegetation--” - -“Listen!” cried Judy tensely. - -“The boy with the flute!” exclaimed Kathleen in awe. - -Those in the room had frozen to attention. From the great gaping hole -there issued forth a musical note, for all the world like the music of -a flute. - -Then there came a series of taps as if someone might be thumping a -stick on hard rock. - -“That’s a man-made sound!” cried Captain Hager. “Bart’s down there! -He’s trying to signal us!” - -“We’ll get him out!” shouted a forest ranger. “Any volunteers to go -down into the hole?” - -Arthur Wentz stepped forward. Rope was tied about his waist, and -carefully he was lowered until his feet touched solid flooring. - -For awhile those above could see the descending light, then it -vanished. They paid out more and more rope until the coil was nearly -exhausted. - -Finally, a signal came--two short tugs. Gently, the men began to pull -on the rope. - -“Wentz is coming up!” one of the workmen shouted. “It’s hard pulling!” - -“Then he must have found Bart!” Judy cried, hugging Kathleen in her -excitement. - -Minutes passed as the men kept at the rope. Then from the hole -staggered Wentz and the young man he supported. - -Bart was barefoot and his bare back had been covered by the ranger’s -shirt. His lips were blue with cold, but he grinned with the spirit of -a conqueror. - -“Captain Hager!” he mumbled, embracing the old man. “I did it!” - -“You sure did, son,” the captain answered, tears streaming down his -grimy cheeks. “You almost did for yourself too.” - -“I thought you’d get me out,” Bart said. “I never gave up, never for a -minute.” - -“You can thank these Scouts,” Captain Hager said, smiling at Judy and -Kathleen. “They pestered me to go down into the cave with ’em. If they -hadn’t, we’d never have learned that you went through the siphon.” - -“It was a wonderful but terrifying experience,” Bart mumbled. “My -father--” - -“That can wait,” Captain Hager said gruffly. “You can tell us all about -it later. Get yourself to a warm bed now, before you die of pneumonia. -Get along with ye!” - -Nearly exhausted, and shaking with cold, Bart was lifted bodily and -carried to a waiting ambulance. - - - - -_Chapter 25_ - -COURT OF HONOR - - -Two days had elapsed since Bart Ranieau had been brought out of Calico -Cave suffering from shock, but otherwise unharmed by his thrilling -explorations. - -Long hours of sleep and plenty of food had restored him to his former -peak of health. But as his strength returned, he became restless and -pestered hospital officials until at last they dismissed him. - -Almost immediately, Bart sought Judy and Kathleen at Pine Cone Camp to -thank them for saving his life. - -Word spread like wildfire that the young explorer had arrived and soon -the daring young man was surrounded by Girl Scouts who teased him to -tell the story of his adventure. - -“Start at the very beginning,” Judy urged. “Don’t leave out anything.” - -“That’s a large order, but I’ll try,” grinned Bart. “Well, I’d made up -my mind to try the siphon. I didn’t tell anyone, because I knew if I -did, the authorities would try to stop me.” - -“I left my shoes and shirt on the ledge because I couldn’t be burdened -with them in swimming. I reasoned too, that if I got through, wet -clothes wouldn’t help keep me warm. So I stripped to my trunks.” - -“How long was the siphon?” inquired Betty Bache, who had joined the -group of intent listeners. - -“Long enough,” Bart said grimly. “The first one wasn’t so bad.” - -“Then there was more than one?” inquired Ardeth Packett. - -“Two of them. I waded at first. The water finally came up to my neck -and then over my nose. When I couldn’t walk, I dived.” - -“Weren’t you scared to death?” Virginia Cunningham asked with a shiver. - -“I sure was,” Bart admitted. “I knew I might find water to the ceiling -for an indefinite distance ahead. Anyway, I decided to chance it. I -took a great deep breath and plunged through.” - -“What happened?” questioned Beverly Chester breathlessly. - -“The first barrier was astonishingly easy. I was through it in less -than a minute and was able to wade again. My only light was a container -of matches carried in the top of my bathing cap. Ahead I could see -another siphon.” - -“You were reckless to go on,” Kathleen chided. - -“Maybe,” Bart acknowledged, “but it would have been very nearly as hard -to have gone back. I hoped I’d find where the cave came out.” - -“Tell us about the second siphon,” Judy urged. - -“It was a tricky one, I’m here to report. I don’t know how long I was -underwater, but it seemed a minute and a half. My lungs were bursting -when finally I emerged. But it was worth it!” - -“What did you find?” demanded Beverly. - -“A hall filled with the most beautiful formations I’ve ever seen.” - -“Better than the White Witch and those chambers before one gets to the -siphon?” Judy asked. - -“Oh, a thousand times better! I stood there speechless and in awe, -dazzled by the glitter of so much crystal. For a little while, I lost -all count of time. It seemed unreal.” - -“Go on,” Kathleen urged, as Bart became lost in his own memories. - -“Those stalactites and stalagmites were fantastic beyond description,” -Bart told the Scouts. “There were animal shapes, and statue-like -figures--one a woman with a bridal veil. Why, if steps can be built -down from Calico Cottage, everyone can see the chamber! Krumm will -make more money opening up the cave than he ever could do renting the -cottage.” - -“While you were down there, you didn’t solve the mystery of Calico -Cave’s ghost, did you?” Judy asked. “You didn’t meet our little boy -with the flute?” - -“I certainly did,” Bart replied. “The explanation for those flute -noises is simplicity itself. One of the roof formations takes the shape -of a long hollow tube. Each time water drops through the tube onto the -floor, it produces the musical note.” - -“Did you realize how close you were to the basement of Calico Cottage?” -Judy next asked the young explorer. - -“I thought I might be somewhere near, but I couldn’t be sure. One loses -all sense of direction under ground. I tried to climb, but the rocks -were straight up, and I couldn’t get a grip.” - -“When you first came out of the cave, you spoke of your father,” -Kathleen said, rather reluctant to remind Bart of a painful subject. - -“Yes, I know now what became of him,” he answered. “My father didn’t -drown as we thought. He made both of the siphons just as I did.” - -“Then he was trapped in the chamber and unable to signal anyone.” - -“I’m not sure if he tried or had the strength to signal,” Bart -responded. “I found the skeleton and a note, only part of which I’ve -been able to read. My dad had a heart attack. He wasn’t too expert -as a swimmer, and the exertion together with the excitement of his -discovery, may have brought on a sudden attack. It must have taken him -fast.” - -“But there was no escape from the chamber?” Virginia probed. “No way -back?” - -“Of that I’m not sure either,” Bart returned. “It would take a hardy -swimmer to swim against the current. I think I might have made it. I -was turning the thought over, trying to decide what to do. I’d about -made up my mind that if no help came, I’d attempt it before my strength -left me.” - -“Does the cave have no exit except through the cottage foundation?” -Ardeth next interposed a question. “What becomes of the underground -river?” - -“It empties into the brook which flows into the river,” Bart explained. -“But no one can follow the course of the underground stream farther -than I went. The way beyond is barred by solid rock.” - -The young explorer spent more than an hour at camp, telling the Scouts -many interesting facts about caves in general. - -All the girls were envious of Judy and Kathleen because they had viewed -so many of the beautiful formations. - -“The most breath-taking sights are in the chamber directly under Calico -Cave,” Bart said. “There’s no reason why a ladder or steps can’t be -built down there, so everyone can view them. I am to talk to Mr. Krumm -today and see what can be done. It’s a cinch he can’t rent his cottage -without extensive repairs, and it would pay him to open up the cave -instead.” - -Since the tearing down of the cottage foundation wall, Miss Meadows -had not been able to stay in the dwelling. She had taken a room at the -hotel for one night, and after that Mr. Krumm had transferred her to -another one of his cottages, directly on Morning Glory Lake. - -Surprisingly, the real estate man had announced that Miss Meadows -might have the place rent free. - -“You’ve had a rugged time of it at the other cottage,” he acknowledged. -“You deserve a couple of peaceful weeks.” - -The girls correctly surmised that Mr. Krumm’s generosity was occasioned -by a belated realization that Calico Cave had great commercial -possibilities. - -They were entirely right. In the week that followed, the real estate -man bolstered up the cottage foundation again, converting the building -into an office where admission tickets could be sold. - -He then had carpenters construct a stairway down to the fairyland -chamber, one which would serve temporarily until a more permanent -installation could be made. - -Sometime prior to the day on which the public was to given its first -view of the cave, Mr. Krumm visited Pine Cone Camp to present a check -to Judy. - -“Why, what is this?” she asked in astonishment. “Is it a contribution -for the Girl Scouts?” - -“You may consider it as such as you want to,” he said. “It’s your bonus -for solving the mystery of the Calico Cottage ghost.” - -“That was easy because I had scientific helpers,” Judy laughed. “I -think Bart and Captain Hager deserve the money even more than do the -Scouts.” - -“Don’t worry about that,” Mr. Krumm said a bit grimly. “They’ll have -a share of the profits from the cave operation. Bart saw to that. He -convinced me that I couldn’t manage the place without them around to -look after things.” - -“In that case, I’ll accept the check,” Judy decided. “Not for myself -though. I’ll give it to Pine Cone Camp. Perhaps the money can be used -to bring some girl to camp who otherwise couldn’t afford to come.” - -Before departing, Mr. Krumm invited all the Scouts to a preview of the -cave chamber. - -“Oh, wouldn’t it be fun if we could have our Court of Awards ceremony -there!” Judy exclaimed. “Could we, Mr. Krumm?” - -“It’s all right with me,” he said. “The electric lights will be in by -the end of the week.” - -Judy spoke at once to the camp director about her plan. At first, Miss -Lubell was somewhat hesitant, but after personally inspecting the cave -room and the facilities which had been provided for the public, she -became as enthusiastic as Judy over the prospect of holding a ceremony -in the fairyland chamber. - -The night set for the affair finally arrived. The Scouts enjoyed -a picnic supper at the cottage grounds, after hiking to the site. -Afterwards, with Bart and Captain Hager acting as guides, they -descended to the underground chamber. - -Electric lights, skillfully placed, gave the colorful formations -ethereal effects which were quite breathtaking. The Scouts named many -of the figures, giving them such titles as the Indian Oven, Woman with -a Hood, the Cathedral, and Phantom Hands. - -The spell of enchantment was still upon the girls as they took -formation for the Court of Awards ceremony. - -Miss Lubell personally presented special achievement badges to all -the Scouts who had earned them. Judy, Kathleen, Ardeth, Virginia, and -the other members of Beaver Patrol won honors in many fields, for -dramatics, in swimming, health and for safety achievements. - -Then Miss Lubell announced that for Judy and Kathleen, there was to be -a special award. An expectant hush fell upon the group. - -Amazed and rather embarrassed to be singled out for particular -attention, the two Beaver Patrol girls stepped forward to receive the -badges. - -As Miss Lubell held them up, everyone burst into laughter. As a joke, -the Scouts of Lone Tree had fashioned two huge medals of tin. On their -face, in large letters, they had painted: “Explorer.” - -“Just a little memento of your exciting summer, Judy,” Ardeth assured -her. “You know, wherever you go, you seem to stir up fun and adventure.” - -“All of the Scouts do,” Judy corrected. “Kathleen certainly did as much -as I to earn her tin medal!” - -“I just followed in your footsteps,” Kathleen laughed. “Anyway, we -shouldn’t get the credit for producing forest fires or hi-jackers. -Caves are our specialty.” - -“Here’s hoping you find more and better ones,” Ardeth chuckled, -fastening the huge tin medal to Judy’s Scout uniform. “Or is that -possible?” - -“We never could discover a more thrilling cave than Calico,” Judy -replied earnestly. - -“But you’ll try!” Ardeth teased. - -Judy shook her head. Her eyes twinkled as she answered, “No, I promise -you I’ve had enough of stalagmites and stalactites for one summer. From -this hour forward, I’m spending all my idle hours at Pine Cone Camp!” - - - - -Transcriber’s Note: - -Perceived typographical errors have been corrected. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands, by -Mildred Augustine Wirt - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SINGING SANDS *** - -***** This file should be named 60977-0.txt or 60977-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/9/7/60977/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands - -Author: Mildred Augustine Wirt - -Illustrator: Marguerite Geyer - -Release Date: December 20, 2019 [EBook #60977] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SINGING SANDS *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<hr class="divider" /> -<h1 class="page-break-print"><cite>Girl Scouts<br /> -at<br /> -Singing Sands</cite></h1> - - -<div class="hidehand"> -<hr class="divider2" /> -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/cover2.jpg" width="400" height="562" alt="Cover" /> -</div> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider2" /> -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="400" height="668" alt="" /> -<div class="caption">“Come here quick! Tell me what you see.”<br /> -<cite>Girl Scouts at Singing Sands</cite><br /> -(See page <a href="#come">82</a>)</div> -</div> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180"><cite>Girl Scouts<br /> -at<br /> -Singing Sands</cite></p> - -<p class="center mt3"><i>BY</i><br /> -<span class="sans p140">MILDRED A. WIRT</span></p> - -<p class="center mt3"><i>ILLUSTRATED</i><br /> -<small>by <span class="smcap">MARGUERITE GEYER</span></small></p> - - -<p class="center sans mt3">CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY</p> -<div class="center"><span class="wordspacing"><i>Publishers</i> <i>New</i></span> <i>York</i></div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> - -<p class="center">Copyright, 1955, by<br /> -<span class="p120">CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY</span></p> - -<hr class="short" /> - -<p class="center"><i>All Rights Reserved</i></p> - -<hr class="short" /> - -<p class="center p120">GIRL SCOUTS AT SINGING SANDS</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Printed in the United States of America</i></p> - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> - -<h2><a name="contents" id="contents"></a>CONTENTS</h2> - -<table summary="Contents"> -<tr> -<th class="tdr"><i>Chapter</i></th> -<th class="tdl"> </th> -<th class="tdr2"><i>Page</i></th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">1</td> -<td class="tdl">Snug Down</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#i">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">2</td> -<td class="tdl">The Locked Door</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ii">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">3</td> -<td class="tdl">Hager’s Hole</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iii">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">4</td> -<td class="tdl">Night Sounds</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iv">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">5</td> -<td class="tdl">Song of the Flute</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#v">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">6</td> -<td class="tdl">The White Witch</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vi">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">7</td> -<td class="tdl">The Treasure Box</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vii">61</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">8</td> -<td class="tdl">Valuable Cargo</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#viii">70</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">9</td> -<td class="tdl">“Is Joe There?”</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ix">79</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">10</td> -<td class="tdl">A Midnight Disturbance</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#x">88</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">11</td> -<td class="tdl">Spell of the Cave</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xi">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">12</td> -<td class="tdl">The Private Road</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xii">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">13</td> -<td class="tdl">The Missing Key</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiii">113</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">14</td> -<td class="tdl">A Familiar Face</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiv">123</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">15</td> -<td class="tdl">Judy’s Mistake</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xv">132</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">16</td> -<td class="tdl">Another Disturbance</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvi">141</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">17</td> -<td class="tdl">Smoke in the Woods</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvii">150</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">18</td> -<td class="tdl">An Urgent Call</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xviii">159</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">19</td> -<td class="tdl">The Hide-Out</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xix">168</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">20</td> -<td class="tdl">Treachery</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xx">176</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">21</td> -<td class="tdl">Trucker’s Welcome</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxi">183</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">22</td> -<td class="tdl">Descent into the Cave</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxii">192</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">23</td> -<td class="tdl">The Siphon</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiii">200</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">24</td> -<td class="tdl">Help from Captain Hager</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiv">207</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">25</td> -<td class="tdl">Court of Honor</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxv">214</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="i" id="i"></a><i>Chapter 1</i><br /> -<span>SNUG DOWN</span></h2> - - -<p class="noi">TWILIGHT was creeping up Old Baldy Mountain -as the dusty station wagon turned in at the private -road leading to Pine Cone Girl Scout Camp.</p> - -<p>In the front seat beside the driver, Miss Louise -Ward, troop leader, twisted sideways to smile at the -six girls who rode directly behind. All were attired -in the neat, green uniform of the organization, but -each member of Beaver Patrol, it seemed, wore her -dark green beret at a different angle.</p> - -<p>“We’ll soon be there now, girls,” the troop leader -remarked. “Pine Cone is lovely. We should have a -grand vacation.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose it’s too late for a swim this afternoon,” -remarked Judy Grant. She was one of the newest -members of the patrol, a pleasant, dark-haired girl -with saucy brown eyes and a ready wit.</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid that by the time we’re snug down in -our tents, it will be supper time,” the teacher replied, -looking at her wrist watch. “Besides, we’re all rather -tired after driving from Fairfield.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be ready for chow whenever it comes,” -declared plump, good-natured Ardeth Padgett. “This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> -invigorating pine air has given me a tremendous appetite.”</p> - -<p>“Given it to you?” teased Beverly Chester. “I’d -say you always had it!”</p> - -<p>The remark was made and accepted in fun. -Nevertheless, Beverly had a quick tongue which -occasionally annoyed even her best friends. At one time, the -dark-haired eighth grader had been leader of the -patrol. However, during the previous winter, an -unfortunate skiing incident had caused her to become -conscious of her personality handicap, and she had -insisted upon turning the post over to Kathleen Atwell.</p> - -<p>Kathleen was considered one of the most level-headed -girls in the organization. A natural leader, -she always was thoughtful of others and had a way -of getting things done with a minimum of fuss.</p> - -<p>The other patrol members were Betty Bache, who -wore her sandy hair in a short boyish bob, and Virginia -Cunningham, an excellent athlete. Judy had -nicknamed the three girls the “A-B-C’s” because of -their last names—Atwell—Bache—Cunningham.</p> - -<p>All the girls lived in the little city of Fairfield, -some distance from Old Baldy Mountain. Throughout -Spring, they had worked very hard to save -enough money for an outing at the official Girl Scout -Camp on Morning Glory Lake. Now, as the station -wagon turned into the private road, they felt that -they were indeed at the threshold of a wonderful -adventure.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span> -“Our arrival here is somewhat different from the -one last winter when we trudged into Maple Leaf -Lodge,” Virginia Cunningham commented, grinning -at the recollection. “Remember?”</p> - -<p>“Can one ever forget?” chuckled Judy. Contentedly, -she drew a deep breath of the pine laden -mountain air. “No one to meet us ... a dreadful -snow storm ... the lodge closed ... and that horrible -caretaker!”</p> - -<p>“A Scout camp is different, I promise you,” Miss -Ward assured the girls. “Everything is carefully -planned. Nothing ever is left to chance. We should -be there any minute now.”</p> - -<p>Eagerly, the girls leaned forward in their seats, -striving for the first glimpse of the clear blue lake -which they knew would soon be visible through the -tall, stately pines. On either side of the curving road, -they saw rustic signs pointing out interesting trails.</p> - -<p>“There it is!” suddenly cried Betty Bache.</p> - -<p>To the right, the girls caught a flash of blue water. -A moment later, as the station wagon rounded another -curve, they saw the camp itself, a cluster of -tents, with main lodge and dining hall.</p> - -<p>The station wagon pulled up at an office near the -entrance gate. Everyone scrambled out, unkinking -cramped legs. As the girls helped the driver unload -dunnage, Miss Ward went inside to register the patrol. -She was gone a long while. When finally she rejoined -the group, it was evident by the expression of -her face that something had gone wrong.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> -“Girls, I hate to tell you this—” she began apologetically.</p> - -<p>“Don’t say we aren’t to stay!” exclaimed Beverly -Chester. “That would be the last straw!”</p> - -<p>“We’re staying,” the teacher replied. “However, -there’s been a mix-up on reservations. Another patrol, -which wasn’t expected until next week, arrived -ahead of time.”</p> - -<p>“Then there’s no place for us?” Kathleen asked.</p> - -<p>“Miss Lubell, the camp director, is extremely upset -about it. One tent, which sleeps four, is available. -If we can make out with that for tonight, more satisfactory -arrangements probably can be completed by -tomorrow.”</p> - -<p>“There are seven of us,” Beverly pointed out.</p> - -<p>“The more the merrier!” declared Judy cheerfully. -“I don’t mind being crowded for a night or two. For -that matter, it’s warm enough to sleep out under the -trees. We’ll get along fine.”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” added Kathleen heartily, “Scouts -aren’t softies.”</p> - -<p>“I knew you’d feel that way about it,” Miss Ward -said, pleased by the willingness of the girls to accept -inconvenience. “Miss Lubell is taking me in with -her, so that will make only six for the tent.”</p> - -<p>After registration had been completed, the girls -were shown to their temporary quarters. They -stowed their dunnage, spread their blankets and -changed into informal camp clothes. Carefully reading -the rules posted on a bulletin board, they learned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span> -that they would have only a half hour until the evening -meal would be served.</p> - -<p>“Let’s see the beach at least,” Virginia proposed. -“We have a few minutes free time.”</p> - -<p>A walk led down a gentle slope to Morning Glory -Lake, a deep bowl of deep blue, edged with a ruffle -of green forest. The beach had been cleared of stones -and sticks, extending for a long distance. There was -a roped off area for safe swimming, as well as a dock -to which were tied a sailboat and two rowboats.</p> - -<p>Judy bent down to test the water with her finger. -“Cold,” she reported with a laugh. “It’s just as well, I -guess, because otherwise, I’d be tempted to leap in, -clothes and all!”</p> - -<p>The girls of Beaver Patrol met the waterfront director, -their unit leader and several counselors. -Members of other patrols and troops came by to chat -and to provide scraps of information relative to camp -routine.</p> - -<p>Several of the Beaver Patrol girls were inspecting -the outdoor ovens when the unit leader approached -the group.</p> - -<p>“I’m looking for Judy Grant,” she said.</p> - -<p>“Here I am,” Judy said, separating herself from -the other girls. She could not guess why she had -been singled out for attention.</p> - -<p>“I have a telegram for you. It came only a moment -ago from the village.”</p> - -<p>“A telegram?” Judy repeated. She was startled,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> -and stood staring at the yellow envelope which the -unit leader offered.</p> - -<p>A half dozen fears assailed her. Her father or -mother might have been taken unexpectedly ill! -Perhaps her brother Ted had suffered an accident! -At the very least, something must have gone wrong -at home, and now it might be necessary for her to -return to Fairfield before the vacation really started.</p> - -<p>“Well, Judy, why don’t you open it?” Virginia demanded. -“Don’t look so scared.”</p> - -<p>“This is the first telegram I ever received,” Judy -replied, a bit shakily.</p> - -<p>Ripping open the envelope, she scanned the message. -Her chubby face with its splattering of freckles -became a study as she read.</p> - -<p>“Bad news?” Betty Bache finally asked.</p> - -<p>“No, not exactly. It’s from Aunt Mattie.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t recall having heard you speak of her,” remarked -Virginia.</p> - -<p>“Aunt Mattie is a character. She’s coming here for -two weeks.”</p> - -<p>“To the Scout Camp?” Beverly inquired.</p> - -<p>“Oh, no! Only to the resort area.” Judy folded the -telegram and placed it in the pocket of her slacks. -“Aunt Mattie, as usual, must have acted on impulse. -Anyway, she wants me to find her a nice cottage -with reasonable rent.”</p> - -<p>“And you haven’t a bed to call your own!” chuckled -Kathleen. “From what I’ve heard, space is at a -premium in this locality.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> -“That’s right,” agreed Ardeth. “I noted as we -drove up the mountain, that there were no vacancies -anywhere. Everything seemed to have been -taken.”</p> - -<p>“I saw one place for rent,” Virginia informed the -group. “Remember that sign that said: ‘To Calico -Cave?’”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I noticed it particularly,” nodded Judy. “I -was wondering if Calico Cave is only a name, or if -the road leads to a real cave.”</p> - -<p>“A cottage that looked practically new stood on -the opposite side of the road,” Virginia went on. “It -was rather cute, I thought. At any rate, a signboard -in the yard said the place was for rent. A real estate -man’s name was given, but I didn’t make note of it.”</p> - -<p>“That cottage may be just the ticket!” Judy declared. -“I’ll talk to Miss Ward, and if she says I -may, I’ll try to rent the place tomorrow.”</p> - -<p>Actually, it was nearly noon the next day before -the girls gave further thought to Aunt Mattie’s -housing problem. Camp routine absorbed them -completely. There were so many fascinating things -to do, so many interesting places to explore, that -they neither desired nor sought permission to leave -Pine Cone.</p> - -<p>A brisk swim in the lake preceded breakfast, and -after the camp work was done, there were classes in -nature lore and first aid.</p> - -<p>At luncheon, however, Judy broached the problem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> -that was on her mind, showing Miss Ward the -telegram.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure Aunt Mattie wouldn’t have made the -request, if she had realized how difficult it is to -obtain cottages here,” she apologized.</p> - -<p>“Why, I think it’s nice your aunt is coming,” Miss -Ward replied. “Of course we’ll help her find a -place. <em>A Girl Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help -others.</em>”</p> - -<p>“That’s law three,” Judy said with a relieved grin. -“I just didn’t want to put anyone to the trouble of -having to take me to the village. Aunt Mattie’s good -fun, and I’ll love having her near.”</p> - -<p>Later that afternoon the Scout leader arranged -for all the girls in the Beaver Patrol to ride down -the mountain to the little town of Milburn, a railroad -and tourist center.</p> - -<p>“I may as well tell you the bad news,” Miss Ward -remarked regretfully as the camp station wagon -rolled smoothly around the curves. “You’ll be -crowded into a single tent for another night or two. -Miss Lubell tried, but wasn’t able to make other arrangements.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, it wasn’t half bad last night,” Kathleen returned. -“We’ll manage.”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” added Judy cheerfully.</p> - -<p>By this time, the station wagon approached a -crossroad which bisected the main highway nearly -at a right angle.</p> - -<p>“There it is!” Ardeth cried, rolling down the car<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span> -window. “The road to Calico Cave! That cottage -Virginia noticed is on the other side of the highway, -perched up on a slope among the trees. See it?”</p> - -<p>“I do!” cried Judy. “Why, it’s a darling little cottage! -I’m sure Aunt Mattie would love it—if the -rent isn’t too high.”</p> - -<p>“All rents are sky high in this area,” Beverly -Chester warned. “I’ll bet they’re asking a small fortune -for the place. Probably that’s why it’s vacant.”</p> - -<p>“Anyway, it will do no harm to inquire,” Judy -said. As the station wagon halted for a moment, she -jotted down the name of the real estate agent, who -offered the cottage for rent.</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later the girls were in Milburn, -standing at the door of the Timothy F. Krumm -Realty Co. office.</p> - -<p>Mr. Krumm was busy making entries in a book, -but he laid aside his pen as the Scouts approached -his cluttered desk. He was a baldish, middle-aged -man with a nervous habit of moistening his lips.</p> - -<p>Judy introduced the group, and mentioned her -interest in the cottage which was for rent. Timidly, -she inquired the rental price.</p> - -<p>“Let’s not talk about price,” Mr. Krumm said -briskly. “First, I want you to see Calico Cottage. -Five beautiful rooms, including kitchen, fully -equipped, and a tiled bath with hot and cold running -water. A collosal bargain! And you’ll not find -another cottage vacant within six miles of Morning -Glory Lake.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span> -Judy glanced uneasily at Miss Ward and remained -silent. She very much feared that “the bargain” -would be offered at a price too steep for Aunt -Mattie’s modest pocketbook.</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t know,” she began doubtfully. “My -aunt isn’t prepared to pay a very high rental—”</p> - -<p>“Give that detail no thought,” Mr. Krumm insisted. -“I’ll run you up there in my car. If you like -the cottage—and you’ll be crazy about it—we can -come to terms.”</p> - -<p>Almost before she could think, Judy was escorted -to the realtor’s car which was parked at the curb. -Miss Ward, Virginia and Ardeth also decided to accompany -them, while the others elected to wait in -the village.</p> - -<p>During the swift ride up the mountain road, Mr. -Krumm talked endlessly, extolling the virtues of the -cottage he hoped to rent.</p> - -<p>“It’s a classy little place,” he told the girls. “Brand -spanking new! You’ll not find a snappier cottage -anywhere in the area.”</p> - -<p>“But the rental—” Judy began again.</p> - -<p>“Now don’t try to get the cart before the horse,” -Mr. Krumm interrupted once more. “Just hold your -ponies until you see the cottage.”</p> - -<p>Soon the car drew up amid the tall pines, in a -lonely but lovely section of the forest. Mr. Krumm -went ahead to remove the front door key from beneath -an over-sized rubber “Welcome” mat on the -porch. He unlocked the door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> -“No neighbors hereabouts to bother one,” he asserted, -stepping aside so that the girls might enter. -“You’ll find everything in apple-pie order. Two airy -bedrooms. Good mattresses. Nice draperies. Everything -the very best—top hole!”</p> - -<p>“It seems a bit musty,” Miss Ward commented.</p> - -<p>“Oh, the place needs an airing,” Mr. Krumm replied, -quickly raising the windows. “You know how -it is after a cottage has been closed for a long -while.”</p> - -<p>“A long while?” the teacher repeated. “Then -you’ve had no recent renters?”</p> - -<p>“That was a slip of tongue, a mere figure of -speech,” the real estate man said carelessly. “You -like the place?”</p> - -<p>“It is attractive,” Judy said after completing a -quick inspection of the kitchen. “My aunt though, -will be alone. She requires only one bedroom. So -I’m afraid the rent may be too high.”</p> - -<p>“Tell you what! I’ll make you a special offer,” Mr. -Krumm said, eyeing the girl shrewdly. “That is, I -will if you’ll agree that the cottage will be occupied -for the full period of the rental. Say, fifty dollars?”</p> - -<p>“A week?”</p> - -<p>“For the two weeks. You can’t say that isn’t a generous -offer. Rents are high at Morning Glory Lake.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a very reasonable rental, I’m sure,” Judy -agreed. “There isn’t anything—wrong with the -place?”</p> - -<p>Mr. Krumm drew himself up haughtily. “What<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> -an idea! I take a shine to you girls and offer you a -real bargain. Then you think there’s something -wrong with the cottage! You think I’m pulling a fast -one, handing you a cabbage!”</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry,” Judy apologized hastily. “My question -wasn’t tactful. The cottage is beautifully furnished. -If Miss Ward says it is all right, I’ll take it.”</p> - -<p>“Your aunt should be quite comfortable here,” -Miss Ward replied after a moment’s hesitation.</p> - -<p>“Fine!” Mr. Krumm approved. He whipped a receipt -book from his pocket. “Now if you’ll kindly -pay in advance, we’ll close the deal on the spot.”</p> - -<p>Judy had brought only twenty-five dollars with -her, but Miss Ward advanced the remainder, knowing -she would be repaid. Mr. Krumm then handed -over the key. Judy asked him if he would mind if -the cottage were put to use before the arrival of her -aunt.</p> - -<p>“The rent’s paid, and the place is yours, for better -or for worse,” the realtor replied. “All I ask is that -you don’t come running to me with complaints, or a -demand for a return of your money. The deal’s -final.”</p> - -<p>“That’s understood,” Judy agreed.</p> - -<p>Having pocketed the fifty dollars, Mr. Krumm -seemed eager to be away.</p> - -<p>“You may want to look the place over more carefully,” -he said quickly. “I have a pressing engagement -in town. Suppose I have your friends pick you -up in the camp station wagon. Okay?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span> -“Yes, that will be satisfactory,” Miss Ward replied.</p> - -<p>“Oh, by the way,” Mr. Krumm said, apparently -as an after-thought. “Better keep that door to the -cellar locked.”</p> - -<p>“Door?” Judy repeated with misgiving. “I didn’t -notice a door. Is there a special reason—”</p> - -<p>Mr. Krumm did not wait for her to complete the -question. The girls were certain he heard and -wished to avoid answering. At any rate, without -offering further information, he tipped his hat and -hastened down the weed-grown path to his car.</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="ii" id="ii"></a><i>Chapter 2</i><br /> -<span>THE LOCKED DOOR</span></h2> - - -<p class="noi">MISS Ward and the Scouts watched Mr. Krumm -drive away with mingled feelings. Already they -were wondering if they had made a mistake in renting -the cottage.</p> - -<p>“‘For better or for worse,’” Judy echoed the -real estate man’s words. “‘Final deal.’ It all has an -ominous sound.”</p> - -<p>“Especially that remark about the locked door,” -remarked Virginia. “But the rent seemed so attractive.”</p> - -<p>“Anyway, it was the only place available,” Ardeth -pointed out. “So why worry?”</p> - -<p>Judy left the porch to inspect the foundation of -the building. Stooping, she ran an exploratory hand -across the crumbling mortar between the bricks.</p> - -<p>“This cottage may be brand spanking new,” she -remarked, “but the building foundation certainly -isn’t! Not that it matters, if the place is comfortable.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know what Mr. Krumm meant about -keeping the cellar door locked,” Virginia said. -“Let’s investigate.”</p> - -<p>However, before the girls could reenter the cottage,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> -a milk delivery truck rolled into the private -drive. From the cab leaped a young driver with -reddish hair and a carefree smile. A frisky black -and white short-haired dog trotted at his heels as he -came over to the porch with a wire rack filled with -milk bottles.</p> - -<p>“Good afternoon,” he said politely, doffing his -white cap. “I see you are moving in. Will you be -needing any milk or cream?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll take a quart of milk,” Miss Ward decided, -selecting a bottle from the rack.</p> - -<p>“How about regular delivery?”</p> - -<p>“We’ve rented the cottage for my aunt, who -won’t be here for a day or two,” Judy explained. “If -you’ll drop by later on, I’m certain she’ll sign up.”</p> - -<p>“Cloverleaf supplies the best,” the young man -said. “My name, by the way, is Bart Ranieau.”</p> - -<p>“You must be of French descent,” Miss Ward remarked.</p> - -<p>“My father came from France, but I inherited my -red hair and my temper from my mother. I’m a -mixture—like Pete here.”</p> - -<p>The cheerful milkman indicated the little dog -that was sniffing at Judy’s heels.</p> - -<p>“He’s real cute,” she declared, patting him. “You -call him Pete?”</p> - -<p>“He’s mine only by adoption,” Bart replied. “He -kept following my truck, so finally I let him ride. -Now he sticks like a burr. Never could find his -owner.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> -Picking up the rack of bottles which he had set -down on the porch, the young milkman turned to -leave. Directing his remark at Judy, he said in an -offhand way: “Your aunt is the hardy type, I hope. -Not the kind that worries about strange noises?”</p> - -<p>“We-ll,” Judy replied, startled by the odd question. -“Aunt Mattie is inclined to be nervous. Is -there any reason why she should worry about this -place?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, the cottage is okay so far as I know,” Bart -answered evasively. “I’d be the last person to run -it down, particularly when Old Krumm is so desperate -for a renter.”</p> - -<p>“Desperate? Oh, dear, we thought it was just the -opposite!”</p> - -<p>“That you were getting a bargain?”</p> - -<p>Judy nodded miserably. “Now it proves to be a -lemon!”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t say that!” the milkman corrected her. -“And the cottage <em>is</em> a bargain for anyone hardy -enough to stay here.”</p> - -<p>“But what’s wrong with the place?” Judy demanded.</p> - -<p>“Maybe your aunt won’t find anything out of the -way,” Bart said, edging off with his rack of bottles. -“I shouldn’t have said a word. Old Krumm would -have a fit if he knew I’d so much as opened my -kisser.”</p> - -<p>“Those noises—”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -“Forget ’em. Forget I said a thing. You can take -my word for it, there’s nothing really harmful or -dangerous about Calico Cottage.”</p> - -<p>The Scouts followed Bart and his dog down the -walk, trying to learn more. But the young milkman -obviously was in retreat. With a friendly wave of -his hand, he sprang into the delivery wagon and -with Pete at his side drove off.</p> - -<p>“There <em>is</em> something wrong with this cottage!” -Judy declared with firm conviction. “That young -man spoke of strange noises.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe they have a connection with that locked -door Mr. Krumm mentioned,” Ardeth said. “Judy, -I think you’ve rented a house with a mystery!”</p> - -<p>“If that’s all that’s wrong with it, I’ll be pleasantly -surprised!” Judy responded, her voice grim, “I wish -I could get my money back.”</p> - -<p>“No chance of that, I’m afraid,” commented Miss -Ward. “Mr. Krumm warned us the deal was final. -He may have taken advantage of us. That remains -to be seen.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s really inspect the cottage,” Virginia proposed. -“Mr. Krumm purposely took us through at -a whirlwind pace, so we wouldn’t notice too much.”</p> - -<p>Dejectedly, the girls trooped into the cottage. -The living room was pleasant enough with a rug on -the floor, a slightly musty-smelling davenport, -chairs, a good reading light and attractive red calico -curtains at the windows.</p> - -<p>Bedrooms also were well furnished and ample<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> -wardrobe space had been provided. Water ran -rusty from the kitchen tap when Judy turned it on.</p> - -<p>“Apparently, the cottage has been empty a long -while,” she remarked. “I guess Mr. Krumm tagged -me for an easy mark all right!”</p> - -<p>“If you were taken in, so was I,” said Miss Ward. -“All the same, I can’t for the life of me see very -much wrong with this place.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s inspect the kitchen,” Virginia urged. -“Probably the drain won’t work.”</p> - -<p>The sink proved to be an attractive new unit with -shiny faucets and an unmarred enamel finish. Judy, -testing the drain, found that it worked perfectly.</p> - -<p>Ardeth had turned her attention to the big electric -refrigerator. When she plugged in the cord, the -machinery began to hum.</p> - -<p>“Nothing out-of-order here,” she reported.</p> - -<p>Miss Ward meanwhile, quietly had been checking -the kitchen doors. One opened onto a back -porch and another into a storage room. The third -one, which apparently led down to the cellar, was -locked.</p> - -<p>She turned the knob and rattled it a couple of -times.</p> - -<p>“Any key?” Judy inquired.</p> - -<p>“None in the door.”</p> - -<p>“Why do you suppose it’s kept locked?” Ardeth -speculated. “Is there any reason why we shouldn’t -inspect the cellar? After all, it’s part of the cottage.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span> -“In a way, it isn’t,” Judy remarked. “I’m certain -from examining the foundation of this place, that -the cottage was built on an old base.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t see anything so mysterious about a -locked cellar door,” Virginia asserted, losing interest. -“Like enough, the basement is damp and musty. -So Mr. Krumm advised keeping the door locked.”</p> - -<p>“Why should he tell us to keep it locked, when -we have no key with which to open it?” Ardeth demanded. -She was struck by an intriguing thought. -“Say, maybe that key is here somewhere!”</p> - -<p>“I know I’m not going to waste time searching for -it,” Judy declared. “I am a bit worried though, -about that milkman’s reference to strange noises. I -wish I could be sure the cottage is all right before -Aunt Mattie moves in.”</p> - -<p>“There is a way,” Miss Ward returned. “We -could sleep here for a night. In fact, it would relieve -the congestion at Pine Cone Camp. We might try -it tomorrow night.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” cried Virginia enthusiastically. “It -would be fun!”</p> - -<p>“We could stock the cottage larder and have -everything ready for your aunt when she comes, -Judy,” added Ardeth with equal zest for the proposal. -“How about it?”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to stay,” declared Judy. “It will give us a -chance to learn if anything is wrong with the cottage.”</p> - -<p>The girls remained on the premises another half<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span> -hour. By the time they were ready to return to Pine -Cone Camp, their friends drove up in the station -wagon.</p> - -<p>“At least Mr. Krumm relayed our message,” Ardeth -said, as she climbed into the car. “Maybe he -isn’t such a bad egg after all.”</p> - -<p>From Calico Cottage, the station wagon followed -a smooth pavement which wound in easy curves up -the mountain. At a lookout point, the driver halted -briefly to permit the girls to obtain a view of the -distant peaks and valleys. They went on again, but -presently were stopped by a forest ranger, whose -green car was parked at the roadside.</p> - -<p>“What have we done now?” Beverly Chester muttered -uneasily.</p> - -<p>The ranger greeted the campers courteously, -dropping a handful of literature into Miss Ward’s -lap.</p> - -<p>“Welcome to Old Baldy Mountain,” he said. -“This entire area is a national forest preserve. -You’re staying at Pine Cone Camp?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, we arrived last night,” Miss Ward replied.</p> - -<p>“Girl Scouts always are careful about starting -fires,” the ranger continued. “I wish other visitors -here were as cooperative. You’re familiar with the -regulations. The most important one is never to -start a fire except in the designated places. You’ll -find them all marked on the forest map.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll be careful,” Miss Ward promised.</p> - -<p>“My name is Arthur Wentz,” the ranger ended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span> -his little talk. “If I can be of service at any time, let -me know.”</p> - -<p>Back at Pine Cone Camp a few minutes later, the -girls found they had just enough time for a brisk -swim in the lake before dinner.</p> - -<p>Judy and Kathleen, who were good swimmers, -were paired together. They tried their skill on the -diving board, watched a group of other Scouts receiving -instruction in Red Cross Life Saving, showered -off and were ready for a hot meal when it was -served promptly at 5:30 p.m.</p> - -<p>Later, when all the girls had gathered for songs -and a nature talk in the main lodge room, Miss -Lubell mentioned a plan whereby all interested patrols -would take part in a competitive first-aid -expedition.</p> - -<p>“It will work like this,” she related. “Arrangements -have been made for a forest patrol plane to -drop messages to the various Scout groups which -will scatter over the mountainside. The notes will -provide fictional location of a plane crash. The patrols -are to proceed as quickly as possible to the site -of the crash, administer first aid and summon help. -There will be an award for the patrol which accomplishes -its mission first and with the most skill.”</p> - -<p>“If it’s all to be imaginary, how will we give first -aid?” Betty Bashe asked in a puzzled tone.</p> - -<p>“Everything will be worked out carefully,” Miss -Lubell replied, with a smile. “Although the crash -is to be imaginary, counselors will be at the secret<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span> -site selected. Notes pinned on their clothing, will -provide clues as to the type of injury supposedly -suffered. For example, one counselor may have an -imaginary broken arm. The unit reaching the scene -first, will be expected to care for the injuries exactly -as if they were real.”</p> - -<p>“Say, that will give us first class experience,” -Kathleen declared enthusiastically. “I hope Beaver -Patrol wins!”</p> - -<p>Next day in camp the girls were given opportunity -to brush up on previous first aid training, and -patrol leaders received maps of the mountain area -in the vicinity of Pine Cone Camp.</p> - -<p>Throughout the day, when not otherwise absorbed -by camp activities, the girls of Beaver Patrol -pored over the map, thoroughly familiarizing -themselves with every road and trail.</p> - -<p>After lunch a telegram came for Judy from her -Aunt Mattie Meadows, announcing that she would -arrive in two days at Milburn.</p> - -<p>“That doesn’t give us too long to prepare the cottage -and make certain that everything is satisfactory -there,” Judy remarked, as she showed Miss Ward -the message. “Will we be permitted to stay at the -cottage tonight?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve talked it over with Miss Lubell,” the Scout -leader replied. “While she considers it irregular for -any of the girls to remain away from the camp, she -realizes that through no fault of hers or ours, one -of the tents is badly overcrowded. So until that situation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> -can be corrected, she is granting permission -for three of the girls, and myself, to sleep at the -cottage. We’ll prepare our own breakfasts there, -and then return here for the day’s program.”</p> - -<p>“We’re staying at Calico Cottage tonight then?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Kathleen, as patrol leader, will remain here -with Beverly and Betty. Ardeth and Virginia will -go with us to the cottage. The camp station wagon -will take us to Milburn where we can buy necessary -supplies. Then we’ll be deposited at Calico Cottage, -and be picked up again tomorrow morning.”</p> - -<p>The plan was acceptable to everyone, although -Kathleen, Beverly and Betty secretly were a bit disappointed -that they were not to be included in the -party.</p> - -<p>“Never mind!” Miss Ward assured them. “Perhaps -tomorrow night, we can trade places.”</p> - -<p>At four o’clock, the station wagon came to take -Miss Ward, Judy, Ardeth and Virginia to the Village. -Most of their luggage was left behind, but -each girl had packed a few essentials which would -be needed for the over-night stay.</p> - -<p>At Milburn, the Scouts sought a grocery store, -there to make careful purchase of a list of supplies -they had worked out. As she paid for the groceries, -Judy remarked that they were to be used at Calico -Cottage.</p> - -<p>“Calico Cottage?” repeated the woman who had -waited upon her. “Don’t tell me you’re staying at -that place!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> -“Yes, we are for a few days,” Judy admitted. “I -rented the cottage for my aunt. Until she comes, a -few of the Scouts plan to use some of the bed -space.”</p> - -<p>“You may like the cottage,” the woman replied. -“No one could hire me to stay there though!”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” Judy inquired, instantly alert. “What -<em>is</em> wrong with the cottage?”</p> - -<p>“That’s what folks around here would like to -know,” the woman replied with an expressive shrug -of her shoulders. “It’s close to Hager’s Hole for one -thing.”</p> - -<p>“Hager’s Hole?”</p> - -<p>“Some call it Calico Cave.” The clerk rang up -the sale and packed the groceries into sacks for -convenient carrying. She did not seem inclined to -carry on the conversation.</p> - -<p>“Please tell us what you know about the cottage,” -Judy requested earnestly.</p> - -<p>“Really, I don’t know a thing. I shouldn’t have -said a word. It’s just that it seems sort of queer -about the tenants.”</p> - -<p>“Did anything happen to them?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no,” the woman answered. “But the last -couple stayed only two days. They moved out in -the middle of the night. Since then Mr. Krumm -hasn’t been able to find another renter.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="iii" id="iii"></a><i>Chapter 3</i><br /> -<span>HAGER’S HOLE</span></h2> - - -<p class="noi">THE sun had lowered behind the spruce trees as -the camp station wagon unloaded three sober-faced -Scouts and their leader at the doorstep of Calico -Cottage.</p> - -<p>“I’m not certain that we should stay here,” Miss -Ward remarked uneasily. “All this talk we’ve heard -about the place makes me wonder if I’m acting -wisely to allow the group to remain overnight.”</p> - -<p>“And I’m worried about Aunt Mattie coming -here,” Judy added. “I wish I never had taken the -cottage. We’ve rented a lemon, that’s certain.”</p> - -<p>The girls had been unable to glean any definite -information from the woman in the grocery store. -However, her observation that other tenants repeatedly -had moved out, had filled them with misgiving.</p> - -<p>At Miss Ward’s suggestion, Judy had gone to Mr. -Krumm to ask for a rent refund. He had rejected -the request, impatiently assuring her that nothing -was wrong with the cottage.</p> - -<p>“I thought Girl Scouts had nerve,” he lectured -her. “What happens? You hear a few busybodies -passing gossipy remarks, and immediately jump to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> -false conclusions. When you rented the cottage I -gave you a good price on it with the understanding -that you’d stick by the deal. Now you come crying -to me before you’ve spent even a night in the -place.”</p> - -<p>“Girl Scouts do have nerve,” Judy had replied, -carefully controlling her temper. “We believe in being -cautious though. And we don’t like to be misled -or cheated.”</p> - -<p>“It was your own proposition,” Mr. Krumm retorted. -“You wanted the cottage and you got it. I’m -making no refund!”</p> - -<p>So now, as the three Scouts stood on the porch -waiting as Miss Ward unlocked the door, they were -wondering what the night might bring forth.</p> - -<p>There was little conversation as the girls quietly -set to work making the cottage more liveable. Ardeth -opened the windows to air out the rooms. -Virginia made up the beds, while Judy and Miss -Ward put away the groceries.</p> - -<p>“You’re not much worried about staying here tonight -are you?” Judy asked the leader as she stacked -eggs in the refrigerator.</p> - -<p>“No. If I were, I’d take the girls back to Pine -Cone Camp,” Miss Ward replied. “Frankly though, -I don’t like the things we’ve heard. I can’t imagine -why tenants would leave here suddenly unless—”</p> - -<p>“Calico Cottage may have a ghost,” Judy supplied -with a nervous giggle.</p> - -<p>“Judy, we know there are no such things!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe by staying here we can disprove the rumors -that have been circulating,” Judy said soberly. -“Now, if we could, that would be performing a real -service for Mr. Krumm.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> -An inspection of the cottage and the grounds immediately -surrounding it, proved reassuring. Save -that a musty, damp odor lingered in the dwelling -even after rooms had been thoroughly aired, the -girls could detect nothing amiss.</p> - -<p>“Our telephone is connected,” Miss Ward reported. -She had tested it by calling Miss Lubell at -Pine Cone Camp. “It’s reassuring to know that if -anything should go wrong, we’ll not be cut off from -help.”</p> - -<p>“As we were last winter at Maple Leaf Lodge!” -Judy added with a laugh. “Remember how that -man, who pretended to be a caretaker, cut the -wires?”</p> - -<p>“And the exciting time we had at Penguin Pass -with Monstro the Snowman!” contributed Virginia, -who had overheard the conversation. “Those were -the days!”</p> - -<p>“You speak as if our adventures are over,” chuckled -Ardeth. “I have a hunch we may have a few -here at Calico Cottage before we’re through.”</p> - -<p>The three girls became thoughtful as they reflected -upon a recent skiing excursion to Maple -Leaf Lodge on Candy Mountain. Judy, at the time, -had been a Tenderfoot Scout. However, she had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span> -proven her courage and by passing difficult tests, -had moved up in rank.</p> - -<p>For that matter, not only Judy, but the entire patrol -had won the admiration of villagers by the efficient -manner in which the capture of a dangerous -criminal had been accomplished. This story of the -Girl Scouts’ meeting with a clever impersonator has -been told in the first volume of a series, entitled: -“The Girl Scouts at Penguin Pass.”</p> - -<p>Judy and Ardeth peeled potatoes for the evening -meal, set the table and prepared a simple salad.</p> - -<p>“Anything more?” Judy then inquired.</p> - -<p>“Not for awhile,” Miss Ward replied. “The meat -loaf will take at least thirty minutes more in the -oven. Then we’ll have dinner.”</p> - -<p>“Mind if Ardeth and I do a bit of exploring?”</p> - -<p>“Not if you’ll be back within half an hour.”</p> - -<p>“We will,” Judy promised. “Want to come along, -Virginia?”</p> - -<p>“No, thanks, I’ll stay to help Miss Ward with last -minute things,” she decided. “Besides, I had enough -hiking this morning.”</p> - -<p>Letting themselves out the screen door, Judy and -Ardeth walked through the aisle of tall trees to the -main highway. Then, without any discussion, they -turned into the narrow private road, and struck off -in the general direction of Calico Cave.</p> - -<p>“No telling how far it may be,” Judy presently remarked. -“Or whether we can find it quickly. I simply -have to see that place!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> -“Caves always fascinated me,” declared Ardeth, -walking fast to keep up with her friend. “I hope -this one has stalactites.”</p> - -<p>For awhile, the girls walked directly into the setting -sun. The road was hemmed in on either side -with stately evergreens which spiced the air with a -pleasant fragrance. Presently, hearing a sound behind -her, Judy looked back and was astonished to -see a small dog following almost at her heels. She -halted to coax him to her. He wagged his stub tail, -and licked her hand affectionately.</p> - -<p>“Why, Ardeth, it’s Pete!” she exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Not the milkman’s dog?”</p> - -<p>“It’s the same dog, I’m sure. Do you suppose he -jumped off the milk truck and is lost?”</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t act lost,” Ardeth rejoined as the animal -started on ahead of Judy. “In fact, he seems to -know right where he’s going.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe we should catch him,” Judy said doubtfully. -“He might get lost in the woods.”</p> - -<p>The two Scouts started after Pete, but the faster -they hurried, the more distance the dog put between -them. Now and then, he would pause to look -back and bark, as if to tell them that he thoroughly -enjoyed the game.</p> - -<p>Presently the weed-grown private road came to -a dead-end in a loop which permitted a car to turn -around and retravel the route it had come. A -weather-beaten signboard read: “To Calico Cave,” -its painted arrow pointing up a rocky trail.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> -“Come back here, Pete!” Judy called. “Why, you -little scamp!”</p> - -<p>Paying not the slightest heed, the dog trotted up -the trail.</p> - -<p>“He acts as if he’s been here before,” Ardeth observed. -“Maybe he’s trying to guide us to the cave!”</p> - -<p>“We really should turn back,” Judy said. “Oh, -well, if we hurry, maybe we’ll have time to take a -quick peek at the cave.”</p> - -<p>Struggling up the sharp incline, the girls soon -came to an opening amid the tall bushes. To their -right was an expanse of limestone rock, badly -eroded by the elements.</p> - -<p>“There it is! The cave!” Judy cried as she discerned -a small, dark opening.</p> - -<p>Pete had gone directly to the entrance and stood -there, barking and jerking his head, as if to beckon -the girls.</p> - -<p>“That dog has been here before all right!” Judy -declared. “Otherwise he wouldn’t be so excited -about the place.”</p> - -<p>With Ardeth close behind, she picked her way -across the rocky path to the projecting shelf. The -cave opening was barely shoulder height and not -more than four feet wide.</p> - -<p>Curiously, Judy peered down into the dark interior. -“It’s just a narrow passage leading gradually -into a deep endless hole,” she reported. “I imagine -though, that the cave may open up into a large -chamber somewhere below. Want to explore?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span> -“You and your jokes!”</p> - -<p>Judy laughed and turned to leave. Ardeth however, -crouched down to direct her gaze into the -opening.</p> - -<p>“I can hear water dripping,” she reported. “Say, -why do you suppose the name of this place was -changed from Hager’s Hole to Calico Cave? Or are -they one and the same?”</p> - -<p>“Ask Pete,” Judy replied with a chuckle. “He -seems to know more about the place than we do.”</p> - -<p>She whistled to attract the dog’s attention, but -he paid her no heed. Even after she and Ardeth -started down the path, he kept sniffing at the cave -entrance.</p> - -<p>“Come on, Pete!” Judy called impatiently.</p> - -<p>“Maybe he thinks he’ll find a rabbit down in that -hole,” Ardeth remarked. “I hate to leave him here -alone. I’ve heard of dogs losing themselves in -caves.”</p> - -<p>“He’ll come in a minute or two,” Judy returned. -“He’s only trying to tease us.”</p> - -<p>Pete, however, did not follow the girls. At the -bend of the path, they looked back again. Even as -they called to him, he barked and vanished into the -dark hole.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="iv" id="iv"></a><i>Chapter 4</i><br /> -<span>NIGHT SOUNDS</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">“WHY, that crazy Pete!” Judy cried as she saw -the dog disappear into the opening. “He went into -the cave!”</p> - -<p>Worried lest the pet lose himself in the dark -cavern, the girls quickly ran back to the shelf of -projecting rock.</p> - -<p>Anxiously, Judy peered into the deep, rather -terrifying hole.</p> - -<p>“Pete!” she called. “Pete! Come back here!”</p> - -<p>The little dog could not be seen, but the girls -heard a muffled, answering bark. It seemed to come -from far down in the bowels of the rock.</p> - -<p>“He’s a long distance in,” Judy said anxiously. -“What’ll we do, Ardeth? Go after him?”</p> - -<p>“No, we don’t dare,” the other decided. “It’s -dangerous to explore caves without taking precautions. -Besides, Miss Ward is expecting us at -the cottage.”</p> - -<p>“Pete may never find his way out. That’s what -worries me.”</p> - -<p>The dog’s smothered bark gradually faded until -no sound could be heard. Thrusting head and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> -shoulders into the hole, Judy tried again to catch -a glimpse of the truant pet.</p> - -<p>“Not a sign of him,” she reported hopelessly. “All -we can do is report to Bart Ranieau. He was such -a nice little dog—”</p> - -<p>“Do you see him?” Ardeth demanded as Judy -broke off her remark.</p> - -<p>For a long moment, Judy made no reply. Then -she pulled her head out of the opening, staring at -her friend rather wide-eyed.</p> - -<p>“What’s wrong?” Ardeth questioned. “Did you -see a ghost?”</p> - -<p>“You look down there in that hole,” Judy urged. -“Tell me what you see.”</p> - -<p>Ardeth moved in close beside her, peering into -the darkness. A gust of wind ruffled her hair and -nearly bowled her headlong into the cave. She -grasped a projection of limestone rock for support.</p> - -<p>“See it?” Judy demanded.</p> - -<p>“Pete, you mean?”</p> - -<p>“No! No! Look far down the passageway, -Ardeth.”</p> - -<p>Try as she would, Ardeth could see nothing -save empty space. Now that her eyes were becoming -more accustomed to the blackness, she could -make out a white rock floor, and on the ceiling, -a wet patch where grew a tight mat of lichens. -But that was all.</p> - -<p>“Look down,” Judy directed again. “I’m sure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> -I didn’t imagine that I saw something moving in -the passageway.”</p> - -<p>Once more Ardeth directed her gaze below, and -involuntarily stiffened.</p> - -<p>“Now I see it!” she exclaimed. “Why, it looks -like a moving light!”</p> - -<p>“I thought so too,” Judy agreed. “You don’t -suppose anyone could be down there?”</p> - -<p>“At this late hour?”</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t seem likely, does it?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe Calico Cave has a ghost,” Ardeth declared -with a nervous giggle. “Wouldn’t that be -something!”</p> - -<p>Judy had peered into the cave again. “The light -is moving away, descending the passageway,” she -reported. “Ardeth, Pete may have started down -there to investigate.”</p> - -<p>“If he did, he’s welcome to the job! Just to look -down into that ink well gives me the jitters. Poor -Pete! We’ll never see him again, I’ll bet.”</p> - -<p>“Someone will have to get him out,” Judy insisted. -“It would be too heartless to let him die in -there. Miss Ward will know what to do.”</p> - -<p>Though she would not have admitted it, the -moving light which seemed to have no explanation, -had somewhat unnerved her. With dusk coming -on, she was eager to be away from the lonely -locality.</p> - -<p>“Okay,” Judy agreed reluctantly.</p> - -<p>Before getting up from the crouched position,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> -she took a last look into the cave. The light had -vanished completely and Pete likewise could not -be seen.</p> - -<p>“Since we can’t save Pete without risking our -safety, I guess we may as well hike for Calico Cottage,” -Ardeth declared quickly.</p> - -<p>The chill of evening was in the air as the two -girls silently trudged back the way they had come. -A rising breeze whipped the evergreens overhead, -making ragged shadows, and causing the needles -to whisper mournfully. Far below, the White River -remained visible in the dying sunlight, a wide, -shining band of silvery blue.</p> - -<p>At Calico Cottage, supper was nearly ready. Judy -and Ardeth, however, had little appetite. Dejectedly, -they related their discovery of the cave, and -their misfortune in losing Pete.</p> - -<p>“You were wise not to try to venture into that -hole,” Miss Ward assured the two girls. “The dog -may wander out by himself. Even if he is lost, -the risk of trying to bring him out without a guide, -would be very great.”</p> - -<p>“You really think Pete will get out by himself?” -Judy asked, brightening.</p> - -<p>“He may. At any rate, he’ll survive for many -days. I’ll telephone the young milkman and tell -him his dog is lost. You’re certain the pet was his?”</p> - -<p>“It was Pete, all right,” Ardeth answered. “He -acted as if he’d been in that cave before too.”</p> - -<p>“Then there’s an excellent chance he may find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -his way out,” the troop leader asserted. “I’ll telephone -the dog’s owner now. Do you recall his -name, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“Bart Ranieau.”</p> - -<p>Miss Ward went directly to the telephone, but -was unable to contact the young man. She learned -that he roomed in the village, and was informed -by his landlady that after coming in from his milk -route, he had left without saying where he intended -to go.</p> - -<p>“If we can’t get word to him by tomorrow morning, -I’ll notify the forest rangers,” Miss Ward decided. -“They’ll know how to proceed.”</p> - -<p>As night came on, the girls washed all the -dishes and tidied the kitchen. The very nearness -of the cave and the knowledge that Pete was lost -somewhere in its vast recesses, tended to depress -them.</p> - -<p>Virginia spoke somewhat wistfully of Pine Cone -Camp, speculating upon whether or not the other -Scouts might be having a ceremonial fire and singfest -there.</p> - -<p>“We’re cut off from the fun here,” Judy acknowledged. -“It’s my fault too. If Aunt Mattie hadn’t -sent that telegram, we’d all be in camp together.”</p> - -<p>“Considering the mix-up over reservations, the -sleeping arrangement is much better here,” Ardeth -declared. “Besides, we don’t want your aunt to -have this cottage if it isn’t suitable.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a Girl Scout’s duty to be useful and to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span> -help others,” added Virginia gravely. “At any rate, -we like Calico Cottage.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t see anything wrong with the place,” -Ardeth picked up the conversation. “Of course, it’s -isolated and a bit lonely off here in the pines. -Now and then that musty odor hangs over the -place, and one can’t seem to localize it. The cottage -isn’t really damp.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve been annoyed by that odor myself,” said -Miss Ward. “It was especially strong when first -we opened up the cottage. I wonder if it comes -from the cellar?”</p> - -<p>“With that door locked, we can’t investigate,” -Judy responded. “What do you suppose became -of the key? And why did Mr. Krumm advise us to -keep the door locked? Those questions keep going -around in my mind.”</p> - -<p>The evening passed slowly for the girls. Ardeth -sewed and the others tried to read. As a chill crept -over the cottage, Miss Ward lighted a heater which -made the living room more cheerful. By eight-thirty, -everyone was ready to go to bed.</p> - -<p>“We must be abroad early in the morning,” Miss -Ward warned. “Breakfast at seven. The camp station -wagon will pick us up between eight-thirty -and nine o’clock.”</p> - -<p>Judy and Ardeth had elected to share one of -the bedrooms, while Virginia and the teacher took -the adjoining chamber. The mattresses were surprisingly -comfortable.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span> -Snuggling down into the covers, Judy closed -her eyes, but was annoyed to discover that she was -not sleepy. Ardeth, on the other hand, curled up -like a kitten, and soon was breathing with deep -regularity.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter with me anyhow?” Judy -asked herself. “I guess I can’t take the comforts -of home.”</p> - -<p>For awhile, she stared out the open window, -watching the movement of the pine trees. A strong, -cool breeze had arisen. It flapped the calico draperies -and whistled around the corners of the flimsily-built -cottage.</p> - -<p>Judy resolutely tried not to think of Calico Cave -or poor Pete, but the harder she struggled to banish -the unpleasant recollection, the more clearly it -emerged. She could visualize the little dog, wandering -helplessly deeper and deeper into the cavern, -always searching for an exit which never materialized.</p> - -<p>“I’m becoming positively morbid!” she told herself -sternly. “Enough of this!”</p> - -<p>Judy tossed off the blankets and taking care not -to disturb Ardeth, went quickly to the kitchen for -a drink of water.</p> - -<p>The cottage was very still. Now that she was -abroad, Judy began to regret that she had left her -comfortable, warm bed. The kitchen was icy cold -and the only light came from a half moon which -shone eerily through the windows.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> -Judy drank a glass of water in the darkness, preferring -not to disturb any of the sleepers by switching -on a light. In the kitchen, the damp, unpleasant -odor which the girls had noted earlier, seemed -especially strong.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure it comes from the basement,” she -thought, sniffing the air close to the locked door. -“Maybe this is why Mr. Krumm wants us to keep it -closed. But what can cause such an odor?”</p> - -<p>Judy had started to move away when she was -startled by an unusual sound which seemed to come -from beneath the floor of the kitchen. The noise -assaulted her ears as a series of loud thumps.</p> - -<p>“Gracious!” Judy thought, backing a step away -from the locked cellar door. “What’s going on -down there in the basement? Maybe this place does -have a ghost!”</p> - -<p>If the loud thumping, bumping noise had startled -Judy, she was to suffer an even greater shock.</p> - -<p>As she held herself rigid, straining to catch the -slightest sound, there arose from below, the clear -melodious notes of a flute!</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="v" id="v"></a><i>Chapter 5</i><br /> -<span>SONG OF THE FLUTE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">JUDY stood transfixed, listening tensely. The musical -notes now had died out and in the kitchen -there was only silence. Had the strange notes of -the flute been no more than a trick of the imagination?</p> - -<p>Suddenly she was aware of a sound in the room -beyond the kitchen. Judy whirled to see a white -apparition framed in the doorway. She uttered a -choked cry and then laughed aloud in relief. The -figure was no ghost, only Miss Ward in a white -bathrobe.</p> - -<p>“Did I startle you?” the teacher asked in a whisper. -“It is you, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I couldn’t sleep. I came out here to get a -drink of water. For a minute I thought you were -a ghost from the basement!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Judy!” Miss Ward reproved. “What nonsense!”</p> - -<p>“I was joking,” Judy said hastily. “Of course, -everyone knows there are no ghosts. All the same, -that sound was unnerving.”</p> - -<p>“Sound? What sound, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“Well, it seemed to come from the cellar. First,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> -I heard a series of loud thumps. Then, I thought -I heard someone playing the flute.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps the sound drifted in from outside the -cottage.”</p> - -<p>“I’m sure it didn’t, Miss Ward.”</p> - -<p>For several minutes the Scout leader listened -attentively, but the noises which had disturbed -Judy were not to be heard again.</p> - -<p>“It is very late,” she said finally. “Judy, you must -go back to bed.”</p> - -<p>“I’m sorry to have awakened you. I tried to be -quiet.” As Judy started across the kitchen, the badly -constructed floor creaked beneath her slippered -feet. She had reached the living room doorway, -when she was brought up short by the high pitched -note of a musical instrument.</p> - -<p>“There it is again, Miss Ward!” she whispered, -grasping the teacher’s arm. “A flute! Hear it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I do,” the Scout leader replied. “It certainly -sounds like a reed or a wind instrument.” She -stood very still, listening.</p> - -<p>From below the flooring issued a series of musical -notes, tuneless but not displeasing to the ear. -Then the kitchen again was enveloped in silence.</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t my imagination, Miss Ward. You -heard it too!”</p> - -<p>“No, you didn’t imagine it, Judy,” the teacher -soberly agreed. “The sound came from the basement, -or so it seemed to me.”</p> - -<p>Crossing to the cellar door, Miss Ward twisted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span> -the knob and pulled hard on it. “It’s still locked,” -she murmured. “I begin to understand why Mr. -Krumm was unwilling to make a refund on the -rent.”</p> - -<p>“This explains why the other tenants moved out -so suddenly.”</p> - -<p>“It may,” Miss Ward acknowledged. “Evidently, -there is a very good reason for keeping this door -locked.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t suppose—anyone—could be down -there?” Judy said falteringly. “Maybe locked in?”</p> - -<p>“I’m afraid you’ve been watching too many television -thrillers.”</p> - -<p>“I guess so,” Judy admitted, laughing shakily. -“My theory is wild all right. How do you explain -the flute?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t. However, I intend to talk to Mr. Krumm -tomorrow. If this cottage has a mystery or any -possible danger, it is his duty to inform us completely. -Now get to bed, Judy. I’ll sit up for awhile.”</p> - -<p>Next morning, when Judy awoke from a deep -slumber, bright sunlight was streaming through the -slats of the venetian blinds. Ardeth already was up -and dressed.</p> - -<p>“Breakfast in ten minutes,” she informed Judy, -giving her a hard shake. “If you don’t get a move -on, we’ll not be ready by the time the camp station -wagon calls for us.”</p> - -<p>“I guess I overslept,” Judy mumbled, pulling out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> -of bed and groping blindly for her shirt and slacks. -“Is everything all right?”</p> - -<p>“Is everything all right?” Ardeth echoed, starting -to air the bed. “What could go wrong so early -in the morning?”</p> - -<p>“I was just wondering, that’s all,” Judy answered, -deciding to postpone the tale of the flute until after -breakfast. “What smells so utterly delicious?”</p> - -<p>“Bacon. Miss Ward and Virginia are cooking it. -We’ve been assigned to the dishes.”</p> - -<p>Judy dressed speedily, helped Ardeth tidy the -bedroom, and was ready in time to help carry -dishes to the breakfast table.</p> - -<p>Miss Ward herself broached the subject of the -strange sounds which had been heard in the basement -during the night.</p> - -<p>“I don’t wish to alarm anyone,” she asserted, -pouring hot chocolate. “I feel though, that if we -are to stay here, we must be on the alert. Furthermore, -I intend to ask Mr. Krumm for an explanation. -I am sure there is one, and that he can provide -it.”</p> - -<p>“If he will,” Judy added. “He certainly wasn’t -passing out any information when he rented this -cottage. I don’t know what to do about Aunt -Mattie.”</p> - -<p>“Fortunately, she won’t be here for a day or two,” -Miss Ward replied. “We’ll have a little time in -which to try to clear up the situation.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> -As was to be expected, Ardeth and Virginia expressed -keen disappointment at having missed out -on the excitement. They asked a dozen questions, -and spent the entire breakfast period speculating -upon the nature of the mysterious basement sounds.</p> - -<p>“Calico Cottage has a ghost!” Virginia insisted -gaily. “How thrilling! And a boy who plays a flute -is far more interesting than an ordinary apparition.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know it’s a boy ghost?” Ardeth demanded. -“For all we know, it may be an old man -or a beautiful lady in white. My, I wish we could -get down into the cellar!”</p> - -<p>“I can see you leading the way!” Virginia teased. -“Anyway, we have a more urgent problem.”</p> - -<p>“That little dog,” interposed Judy, her face becoming -grave. “Something must be done to get him -out of the cave.”</p> - -<p>Miss Ward told the girls that she had tried very -early that morning to get in touch with Bart Ranieau. -Though she had telephoned at seven o’clock, -he already had left his rooming house and was off -on his route.</p> - -<p>“He may come this way,” she remarked hopefully. -“If he does, perhaps we can flag him down. -Otherwise, I’ll call the forest ranger headquarters -in the village.”</p> - -<p>Breakfast finished, Judy and Ardeth cleared the -table and made a fast and furious attack upon the -dishes. As they rushed about, stacking china neatly -in the cupboards, they kept an attentive ear trained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> -on the cellar area. The only sounds came from out-of-doors.</p> - -<p>“If Miss Ward hadn’t backed up your story about -that flute player, I’d have accused you of dreaming -it up,” Ardeth declared. “Just my luck to have -missed out on the fun.”</p> - -<p>“It was scarey, rather than fun,” Judy answered. -“For Aunt Mattie’s sake, I hope our basement friend -doesn’t strike any more sour notes.”</p> - -<p>Hanging up the dish towels to dry, the two -girls joined Miss Ward and Virginia who were -watching the highway for a glimpse of either the -station wagon or the milk truck.</p> - -<p>“There it comes!” Virginia suddenly cried, spying -the vehicle driven by Bart Ranieau.</p> - -<p>All the Scouts rushed to the main highway to -flag down the milk wagon.</p> - -<p>“Hi!” Bart greeted the girls as he halted the -delivery wagon at the side of the road. “I see you’ve -moved in. Need milk or butter this morning?”</p> - -<p>“We can use two quarts of milk,” Miss Ward -returned. “But we stopped you for another reason.”</p> - -<p>“It’s about Pete,” Ardeth said tensely. “He lost -himself in the cave last night. Judy and I called -to him, but he wouldn’t come out. He kept going -deeper and deeper in the hole.”</p> - -<p>She broke off in the report, suddenly aware that -the young milkman was smiling in an odd sort -of way.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span> -“That Pete!” he remarked. “He’s a natural-born -spelunker.”</p> - -<p>“A what?” demanded Judy.</p> - -<p>“A spelunker. That’s what modern cave explorers -call themselves. The science of caves is called speleology.”</p> - -<p>Bart motioned for the girls to step over to the -milk wagon. Peering in, they saw Pete sprawled -comfortably on a rug, lying on the floor. He was -fast asleep, his head resting on his forepaws.</p> - -<p>“Pete found his own way out of the cave, as he -usually does,” Bart explained. “I’ve tried to keep -him out, but no soap. One of these days, he may -lose his life in there.”</p> - -<p>“Well, at any rate, he’s safe now,” Judy declared, -greatly relieved. “Is the cave very deep?”</p> - -<p>“The exit never has been found.”</p> - -<p>“Really?” Ardeth’s eyes opened wide. “I guess -Calico Cave is an unsafe place.”</p> - -<p>“One shouldn’t venture in very far without a -guide. Some ten years ago, a very courageous man -whom I knew rather well, lost his life down there. -He was seeking the cave exit. Since then, no one -has ventured past the point where he last was seen.”</p> - -<p>Judy inquired if Calico Cave and Hager’s Hole -were one and the same place. Bart replied that -they were identical.</p> - -<p>“For years the cave was known as Hager’s Hole,” -he explained. “It was named for old Captain Hager, -who once owned this property.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span> -“Our cottage?” Virginia asked in astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Not the cottage. But the Hager home used to -stand in the same location. Mr. Krumm bought the -place not so long ago. He tore down the old house -and put up a new cottage on the original foundation. -Folks advised him not to do it, but no one -can tell Krumm anything!”</p> - -<p>“He’s had a little trouble renting the cottage?” -Judy probed.</p> - -<p>“Oh, renters came along fast enough, but they -wouldn’t stay!” the milkman chuckled. “Some of -’em, it seems, were allergic to strange sounds. I take -it you folks spent a comfortable night?”</p> - -<p>“We were disturbed once,” Miss Ward answered. -“Nothing serious. We fancied we heard a flute -player.”</p> - -<p>“No ghosts?” Bart asked, grinning.</p> - -<p>“Nary a ghost,” Miss Ward returned. “Naturally -we were a bit disturbed about the music, and intend -to seek an explanation.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Ranieau, you seem to be quite familiar with -Calico Cave,” Judy remarked pointedly. “Could -you, by chance, tell us why the name was changed, -and maybe explain the mystery of the cottage?”</p> - -<p>“Maybe I could,” Bart said, grinning in an odd -way. “I like you folks. You have more nerve than -those other renters. Maybe, if you ask pretty, I’ll -tell you the story of the Old White Witch.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="vi" id="vi"></a><i>Chapter 6</i><br /> -<span>THE WHITE WITCH</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">BART Ranieau’s remark about the White Witch -intrigued the girls, who immediately pleaded with -him to tell them the story connected with the cave.</p> - -<p>“Okay,” he agreed, “but I’m late on my route -this morning, so I’ll have to make the tale brief. -Calico Cave is very old. It was here before the village -was incorporated and has had a half dozen -names over the years.</p> - -<p>“According to an ancient legend, an old witch -once lived in the cave, arousing the villagers by -casting horrible spells upon them. In their terror -they called upon a monk who once resided in the -mountains, to turn the old hag into stone. So now -in a chamber of the cave you may see a strange -stalagmite formation—the White Witch.”</p> - -<p>“Is that a true story?” Virginia asked, deeply -impressed.</p> - -<p>“The legend is true. As for the White Witch, you -can see her if you’ve a mind to explore as far as the -first chamber.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t believe that tale yourself, I take it?” -Miss Ward inquired with a broad smile.</p> - -<p>“I think the story was made up to explain the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -white formation, which does resemble a witch,” -Bart answered. “Over the years, the yarn took -on more and more detail and color.”</p> - -<p>“I’d love to see that old stalagmite witch,” Judy -declared, her dark eyes sparkling. “How deep down -in the cave is the formation?”</p> - -<p>“Too far for you to explore alone,” the milkman -responded. “Don’t try it. Not without a guide. -Caves are safe enough, if one takes precautions, -but they’re no place for amateur explorers, unsupervised.”</p> - -<p>“Does Calico Cave have any other interesting -formations besides the Witch?” Judy inquired.</p> - -<p>“Oh, gobs of ’em. Few persons though, have -gone past the old White Witch. In fact, it’s part of -the legend that she casts a spell upon all who go -beyond that point in the cave.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve disproved that part of the legend?” the -Girl Scout leader questioned.</p> - -<p>“Well, the old witch cast her spell over me all -right,” Bart admitted with a chuckle. “Not an evil -one though. The Cave fascinates me, and if I had -time, I’d really delve into its innermost secrets.”</p> - -<p>“Ardeth and I thought we saw a moving light in -the cavern late yesterday afternoon,” Judy remarked. -“Maybe you were down there exploring.”</p> - -<p>“Not yesterday,” Bart replied. “You’re certain -you saw a light?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, it startled us. Either someone was down -in the cave, or it was that old witch!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span> -“It wasn’t the old witch,” Bart assured her. “She’s -a harmless old gal and has stayed fixed for a thousand -years, more or less. I can’t guess who might -be down in the cave, because folks hereabouts -seldom venture in.”</p> - -<p>“You spoke of former Calico Cottage renters -moving out because of strange sounds which disturbed -them,” Miss Ward reminded the young milkman. -“Can you tell us more about it?”</p> - -<p>“Did the other folks ever hear a flute player?” -interposed Ardeth.</p> - -<p>“Seems to me I heard some such talk.”</p> - -<p>“And loud banging noises at night?” demanded -Judy.</p> - -<p>“I reckon so.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us everything!” urged Virginia. “Is Calico -Cottage supposed to be haunted? Is that why Mr. -Krumm has trouble keeping his renters?”</p> - -<p>“All I know is what I hear,” Bart replied evasively. -“I wouldn’t have told you about the White -Witch, only I could tell that you Scouts aren’t -easily scared.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any connection between Calico Cottage -and the Witch?” Judy questioned.</p> - -<p>“Only as she’s supposed to have cast her spell -over the place. The last tenants had a cat. One -night she became scared at some noise and leaped -through a window, shattering the glass. The folks -moved out, came dawn. I know because I met ’em -as they were driving away. Tried to talk ’em into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> -staying, but they were dead set the cottage was -haunted.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t believe that nonsense yourself?” Miss -Ward inquired.</p> - -<p>“Nope. I think there’s a logical explanation for -the cottage cutting up the way it does. I’d tip -Krumm off if he weren’t such a disagreeable egg. -He took advantage of old Captain Hager in buying -the property, and the townsfolk never quite forgave -him.”</p> - -<p>“Is Captain Hager still alive?” questioned -Ardeth.</p> - -<p>“Very much so,” Bart told her. “The old sea dog -is edging seventy now, but he’s as spry as ever. -Since Krumm got the old homestead away from -him, he’s lived frugally in a cabin down on the -river.”</p> - -<p>“The cave, you said, was named for Captain -Hager?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, it bore his name ever since I can remember. -Then Krumm bought all this property, including -the private road and the cave. Right off, he changed -the name to Calico Cave.”</p> - -<p>“But why?” inquired Judy.</p> - -<p>“Well, he didn’t want the cave to have Captain -Hager’s name, for one thing. There’s no love between -them, you know. Then I guess he thought -Hager’s Hole was too closely associated with talk -of the White Witch and death.”</p> - -<p>“Death?” Ardeth repeated uneasily.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> -“One man lost his life in the cave. Another explorer—an -amateur—broke his leg, and a searching -party had to bring him out. Not so many months -ago, a group of giddy girls went in without a guide. -They lost their way, and wandered around for -several hours before help got to them. The stories -they told around didn’t help any. So Krumm -changed the cave name.”</p> - -<p>“I can see that the cavern is no drawing card,” -Miss Ward remarked. “When first I saw the cave -sign, I assumed that the place might be a tourist -attraction.”</p> - -<p>“It could be,” Bart said seriously. “That cave has -everything! Fantastic formations beyond belief! An -underground river, a waterfall, everything to attract -visitors, if facilities could be provided. But -Krumm has no imagination, and he’s too tight to -spend a penny developing the cave. It’s a pity -the property ever came into his possession.”</p> - -<p>The Scouts had a dozen more questions at the tip -of their tongues. Before they could ask any of -them, a familiar automobile drove up, parking -squarely in front of the Cloverleaf milk truck.</p> - -<p>Mr. Krumm squeezed out from behind the wheel -and walked directly over to the group. He gazed -sharply at Bart, his attitude unfriendly.</p> - -<p>“I thought I’d drop by to inquire how you’re -getting along,” he said, ignoring the milkman and -bowing to Miss Ward. “You have found the cottage -quite comfortable, I trust?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> -“It seems to be very well equipped,” the teacher -conceded. “I can’t say we spent too comfortable a -night, though. We were disturbed by strange -sounds.”</p> - -<p>“Strange sounds?” The real estate man registered -surprise which was not in the least convincing.</p> - -<p>“We heard music, and thumping noises,” Judy -supplied. “It seems your cottage has a ghost.”</p> - -<p>“No such thing!” Mr. Krumm indignantly denied. -“That’s all bosh! You’ve been listening to stupid -gossip.”</p> - -<p>“You should have told us the truth about the -cottage before we rented it,” Miss Ward reproved -him mildly. “Judy’s aunt will be coming shortly, -and we hesitate to turn over a place to her that may -be unnerving or possibly unsafe.”</p> - -<p>“There’s nothing wrong with the cottage,” Mr. -Krumm flared. “You’ve been talking to Bart Ranieau, -and he’s been filling you with hot air!”</p> - -<p>“We were asking him about the cottage and likewise -about the cave,” Miss Ward admitted. “If -we’re to remain here another night, we want all -the information we can get.”</p> - -<p>“I was telling ’em about the White Witch,” Bart -interposed to plague the realtor.</p> - -<p>“How many times have I told you to keep your -nose out of my affairs?” Mr. Krumm demanded -furiously. “You can’t keep that wagging, clacking -tongue of yours still! You’ve driven away all of -my tenants, one by one.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> -“That’s not so, Krumm, and you know it.”</p> - -<p>“You fill ’em up with fears about White Witches -and such nonsense. I want no more of it, understand? -Furthermore, I want you to keep off my -property. Don’t be snooping around Calico Cave -any more!”</p> - -<p>“You can’t keep me from exploring,” Bart returned -coolly. “You may own the land, but not -what’s below the surface.”</p> - -<p>“You stay out of that cave, and away from it,” -Mr. Krumm repeated his order.</p> - -<p>Bart grinned provokingly, and without making -answer, drove off down the road.</p> - -<p>“That young whippersnapper gets my blood up!” -Mr. Krumm asserted after the milk wagon had -vanished around a curve. “I wouldn’t have ordered -him to keep off the property, only he’s become a -pest.”</p> - -<p>“I take it, you don’t consider the cave safe?” -Judy inquired curiously.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s safe enough, if you don’t wander in too -far,” the real estate man replied with a shrug. “My -order doesn’t apply to you folks. If you want to see -the cave, you can go down there any time.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe I’d care to explore,” Ardeth said -with a shiver. “Not after learning that a man died -in the cave.”</p> - -<p>“Bart told you about <em>that</em>, I suppose?” Mr. -Krumm questioned sarcastically.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t it true?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> -“Bart didn’t tell you <em>why</em> the man lost his life,” -Mr. Krumm said, without answering the inquiry. -“No, he just filled you up with a lot of nonsense -about a White Witch.”</p> - -<p>“She doesn’t really cast a spell over the cottage?” -Judy asked mischievously.</p> - -<p>Mr. Krumm’s normally florid face became even -redder. He sucked in his breath, moistened his lips, -and then launched into another vehement denial -that anything was wrong with Calico Cottage.</p> - -<p>“I’m sick of all this gossipy talk!” he ended his -tirade. “I’m sick of losing tenants! I’m so weary of -it, that I’m willing to pay good money to disprove -all the contemptible stories.”</p> - -<p>The Scouts remained respectfully silent.</p> - -<p>“Bart has convinced you, I suppose, that you -should move out,” Mr. Krumm went on. Without -giving anyone an opportunity to deny the statement, -he continued: “All right, suppose I admit -that former tenants have complained about the -cottage having strange noises at night? There must -be an explanation for it—a logical, sensible one.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll go along with you on that theory,” Miss -Ward replied. “You have a proposition, Mr. -Krumm?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I have. It’s all bunk about Calico Cave or -the cottage having a ghost. If you’ll stay here for -two weeks, and disprove the story, I’ll refund your -rent payment. What d’you say?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> -Ardeth, Virginia and Judy gazed questioningly at -their leader, awaiting her decision.</p> - -<p>“We would prefer a rent refund with no strings -attached,” the teacher suggested.</p> - -<p>“Sorry, I can’t do that. After all, I’m not in business -for my health. This cottage has been an expensive -proposition. What do you say?”</p> - -<p>“We’ll consider your offer,” Miss Ward said -quietly. “We’ll remain for another night and make -our decision after that. However, if we do make -the test, it will not be for commercial reasons, but -only to safeguard Judy’s aunt.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="vii" id="vii"></a><i>Chapter 7</i><br /> -<span>THE TREASURE BOX</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">PINE Cone Camp seemed strangely deserted when -Miss Ward, Ardeth, Judy and Virginia arrived there -at nine o’clock in the station wagon.</p> - -<p>Seeking the tent which had been assigned to the -Beaver Patrol unit, the new arrivals found it quite -deserted.</p> - -<p>“Where is everyone?” Ardeth asked in perplexity. -“Surely not on a hike so early?”</p> - -<p>Swimming suits hung on the clothes lines, attesting -to the fact that the campers already had -enjoyed an early morning plunge in Morning Glory -Lake.</p> - -<p>“Look!” Judy suddenly cried, pointing toward a -cleared area some distance away at the edge of the -forest. “Everyone is over there! Let’s see what’s -doing.”</p> - -<p>Hurrying over to the group, the girls could not -at first discern what it was that had drawn the interest -of the entire camp.</p> - -<p>Gradually, however, they edged deeper into the -assembly and saw that the other Scouts were taking -turns peering into a large wooden box, covered with -a wire screen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> -“What in the world?” Virginia speculated.</p> - -<p>Just then Beverly, Kathleen and Betty caught -sight of their patrol mates in the crowd, and joined -them. Judy asked the cause of the excitement.</p> - -<p>“Oh, you girls have missed all the fun, being -stuck down there at Calico Cottage,” Kathleen told -her. “We’ve started a treasure box.”</p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p>“Look in it and you’ll see!”</p> - -<p>The other Scouts moved aside to make way for -Judy and the newcomers. Gazing into the box, they -were amazed to see all manner of strange animals -and insects.</p> - -<p>“It’s a nature treasure chest!” Kathleen informed -her friends. “We already have a mouse, a spider, -and three varieties of turtles. Each patrol is supposed -to contribute an animal, bird or unusual -insect.”</p> - -<p>“Does Beaver Patrol have an entry?” Judy asked.</p> - -<p>“Not yet. Beverly very nearly caught a little chipmunk, -but he eluded her. We’re depending upon -you girls to help us.”</p> - -<p>“We will,” Ardeth promised. “Just give us time -to get our thoughts adjusted, and we’ll come up with -a prize winner.”</p> - -<p>“There are to be no duplications,” Kathleen -warned. “All the patrols are working on it, so we’ll -have to get busy.”</p> - -<p>“How about a little garter snake?” suggested -Ardeth thoughtfully.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -“If Beaver Patrol goes for that, you’ll have to -produce the snake,” Kathleen replied with a shudder. -“No snakes for me!”</p> - -<p>“I vote we put Ardeth in charge of finding a -patrol entry for the treasure box,” proposed Betty -Bache, who had joined the other girls. “She’ll get -a big boot out of the job.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be glad to take it over,” Ardeth offered, for -she thoroughly enjoyed the study of nature and -had no fear of animals or insects.</p> - -<p>“Good!” Kathleen approved. “That takes a load -off my mind.”</p> - -<p>The blowing of a bugle summoned all the campers -to assembly. Miss Lubell waited until all the -Scouts had gathered, and then signalled for silence. -It was evident that she had a most important announcement.</p> - -<p>“Girls,” she began, “we had planned a hike to -Indian Falls this morning, but it will be necessary -to make a change.”</p> - -<p>A chorus of groans met this announcement, for -the girls had looked forward to the outing and outdoor -cookery.</p> - -<p>“However, we have other interesting plans,” the -director went on quickly. “The Civil Air Patrol has -notified me that it can make a plane available for -the first-aid and exploration excursion I mentioned -earlier. But today is the only time the Service will -be able to cooperate. Accordingly, we’ve decided -to go ahead. All patrols desiring to compete, should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> -sign up at once. Your counselors will provide full -details.”</p> - -<p>The girls were informed that at ten o’clock all -competing patrols would hike a quarter of a mile to -Flat Top, an area relatively level and clear of trees.</p> - -<p>According to the plan, a Civil Air Patrol plane -would fly over the section to drop a message which -would give Scouts notification of a fake plane -crash. The general location of the accident likewise -would be given. Starting with equal information, -the units were expected to separate and compete -in trying to be the first to reach the designated -locality.</p> - -<p>Once there, the Scouts were to give first aid -treatment to the imaginary victims, and proceed -exactly as if the accident were a real one. Three -girls from the Garden City Patrol had volunteered -to act as the injured passengers of the plane crash. -Notes would be pinned to their clothing, stating -the nature of their supposed injuries.</p> - -<p>Kathleen, Judy, Betty and Beverly teamed up -as one exploring unit, representing Beaver Patrol. -Ardeth and Virginia decided not to enter the competition, -preferring to remain behind to search for -a suitable wild pet to add to the treasure box collection.</p> - -<p>Shortly after ten o’clock, the representatives of -seven patrols were encamped on the table top, -anxiously scanning the sky for a glimpse of the -expected plane. All the girls had dressed sensibly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> -in heavy shirts, slacks and stout climbing boots. -Faces and necks were protected from the sun, but -even so, the rays bore fiercely down upon their -backs as they sat impatiently waiting.</p> - -<p>“Won’t that plane ever come?” Beverly fretted, -wiping perspiration from her neck. “We’ve been -here an age now!”</p> - -<p>“Only ten minutes,” Kathleen corrected.</p> - -<p>“Well, it seems a year. Maybe there’s been a mix-up -about plans,” Beverly went on. “I wish I’d stayed -in camp. This trip will be hard and tiring.”</p> - -<p>“Good experience though,” Judy said, continuing -to scan the azure, almost cloudless sky. “It will be -a test of skill to find our way to the right place, -administer first aid, make improvised litters and -carry our victims to help.”</p> - -<p>“I hope we’re the first to get there,” Kathleen -declared. “So far, Beaver Patrol hasn’t shown up too -well in the camp competitions. That’s because all -of the girls haven’t been together, especially in the -evening. This is our chance.”</p> - -<p>Judy suddenly sprang to her feet. She had been -the first in the group to sight the Civil Air Patrol -plane winging in from the east.</p> - -<p>“Here it comes!” she cried. “They’ll be dropping -a message in a moment. Watch sharp!”</p> - -<p>All of the patrols now were alert and ready. The -Scouts who had equipped themselves with field -glasses, trained them on the approaching plane.</p> - -<p>Its wings flashing in the sunlight, the ship came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -in low enough for the girls to see the forms of the -pilot and his passenger. Three times the plane -circled the tableland. Then on the fourth trip over, -the message tube was dropped.</p> - -<p>It missed the open table top by twenty feet, -landing amid the trees and brush just below where -the Beaver Patrol girls had taken their stand.</p> - -<p>“Come on,” Judy shouted, starting off at a run. -“I saw where it dropped!”</p> - -<p>There was a mad scramble to see who would be -the first to reach the message tube. According to the -rules of the competition, the directions, once read, -could not be kept, but must be left behind for other -patrols.</p> - -<p>Plunging through the underbrush, Judy was the -first to seize upon the shining metal tube. As she -opened it to remove the message which had been -folded within, Beverly, Kathleen and Betty crowded -close to read the directions.</p> - -<p>“Plane crash at 9:48 a.m. on Hermit’s Ridge,” -Kathleen discerned the writing. “Three passengers -in need of help.”</p> - -<p>“Hermit’s Ridge!” Beverly explained. “Where is -that?”</p> - -<p>Judy already was consulting her map of the -region.</p> - -<p>“You might know it’s a difficult climb from here!” -she exclaimed. “We have several choices of a -route. We can take the short, hard climb—no trail.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> -That way, it looks to be approximately a mile and -a half from here.”</p> - -<p>“What are the other choices?” Kathleen questioned.</p> - -<p>“We can follow the main highway three quarters -of the way, and then make a short climb on Lone -Pine Trail. Our third choice is to descend from here -to Rocky Point Path and keep on it all the way.”</p> - -<p>“I’m for taking the shortest route even if it will -mean a harder climb,” Beverly said at once. “Let’s -go!”</p> - -<p>“Hold on,” Judy directed, continuing to study the -map. “I’m in favor of the road myself. It may be -longer, but it’s a lot faster, easier walking most of -the way.”</p> - -<p>“Furthermore, we may be able to catch a ride -part of the distance,” Kathleen added. “That would -be within the rules. The patrol wins that gets first -to Hermit’s Ridge and accomplishes its first aid -mission.”</p> - -<p>“I’m in favor of the road too,” Betty Bache asserted, -siding with Kathleen and Judy. “The various -choice of routes is a test of judgment as well as -endurance.”</p> - -<p>Leaving the message for the other patrols to read, -the four girls quickly descended rugged terrain -to the paved highway.</p> - -<p>“I think we’re making a mistake,” Beverly insisted, -shifting her first-aid kit to a more comfortable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> -carrying position. “Not many cars pass on the road -at this time of day. The distance is much longer.”</p> - -<p>“We can dog-trot part of it,” Judy said, beginning -to lope along. “Anyway, we’re well out ahead of the -others!”</p> - -<p>“I can see another group starting out,” Beverly -reported looking back. “They chose the short, hard -way.”</p> - -<p>“Since we’re out ahead, that might be their only -chance to beat us,” Betty reasoned. “I still think -we chose the better, faster route.”</p> - -<p>Alternately, the girls dog-trotted twenty steps -and then walked the same number. In that manner, -they did not tire so easily or lose breath.</p> - -<p>The road wound on through the forest in dips -and sharp ascents. They kept going, ignoring the -heat of the sun and their own increasing weariness.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad we didn’t take the hard climb,” Judy -commented as she and Kathleen paused a moment -to wait for Betty and Beverly to catch up. “The -going will be tough enough before we reach Hermit’s -Ridge.”</p> - -<p>At the next sharp bend in the highway, the Scouts -were able to look down at the table top some distance -below. Not a single patrol seemed to have -followed them.</p> - -<p>“I knew it!” Beverly exclaimed. “All the others -have taken the shorter routes!”</p> - -<p>“Let them,” Judy replied cheerfully. “It hasn’t<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> -been proven yet that our judgment was poor. We’ve -been making fast time.”</p> - -<p>“We haven’t caught that ride yet,” Beverly reminded -her. “Not a single car has passed us on the -road. And we’ve met only one truck.”</p> - -<p>Resting only momentarily, the four went on, -doggedly determined to be the first to reach Hermit’s -Ridge. Soon they lost all view of their competitors -who had been swallowed up by the dense forest -foliage.</p> - -<p>“Say, I think I hear a truck coming now!” Betty -presently exclaimed. She paused to cock an attentive -ear. “Wow! It’s coming fast, burning up the -road!”</p> - -<p>“We’ll never flag down that driver!” Judy exclaimed, -moving hastily off the pavement.</p> - -<p>The heavy freight carrier roared past the girls, -its massive tires screaming as it went around a -bend.</p> - -<p>“What does that driver think this road is—a -speedway?” Beverly demanded. “Why, it’s dangerous—”</p> - -<p>The four hikers halted abruptly, frozen by the -fearful sound of screeching brakes. They could not -see beyond the next sharp curve, but the sickening -thud was unmistakable. The speeding truck had -missed its turn and had skidded off the road!</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="viii" id="viii"></a><i>Chapter 8</i><br /> -<span>VALUABLE CARGO</span></h2> - - -<p class="noi">ROUNDING the bend at a run, the four Scouts saw -that the big truck had missed plunging over the -ravine by mere inches.</p> - -<p>The heavily loaded vehicle had skidded wildly, -bringing up at a sharp angle against a rocky embankment. -Shattered glass lay on the pavement.</p> - -<p>Judy was the first to reach the tilted truck cab. -She could not at first get the jammed door open, but -suddenly it gave, swinging back so hard, she nearly -was thrown off balance.</p> - -<p>The driver was slumped over the wheel, stunned -and bleeding from flesh cuts. He was a heavy-set -man with a beak-like nose and square jaw which -sagged to give him a stupid appearance. His eyes -were glazed and unseeing.</p> - -<p>The only other occupant of the truck, a thin man -with two front teeth missing, sprawled half off the -seat, moaning and using foul language.</p> - -<p>“My neck!” he screamed. “It’s like killing me! -Don’t stand there! Do something! Get a doctor!”</p> - -<p>He pulled himself out of the cab, pushing angrily -at Kathleen when she tried to help him. Despite the -rebuff she took his arm to steady him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> -“Don’t touch me! Get away!” he screamed, staggering. -Kathleen caught a whiff of his breath then -and knew that he had been drinking. She noted that -his right arm hung limp and that the right shoulder -was much lower than the left. He had grasped it -at the elbow to provide support.</p> - -<p>“You can’t raise your arm above your shoulder, -can you?” she demanded. “Your collar bone must be -fractured.”</p> - -<p>“So what?” the trucker demanded savagely. He -leaned weakly against the truck, ignoring her efforts -to be of help.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Judy, Beverly and Betty had devoted -their attention to the truck driver, who appeared in -more serious condition than the disagreeable passenger.</p> - -<p>Carefully, they stretched him out flat on the cab -seat.</p> - -<p>“He may be only stunned,” Judy said anxiously. -“The first thing is to get the blood stopped. No artery -has been cut fortunately.”</p> - -<p>The blood came from two facial cuts and a wrist -which had been slashed by flying glass. Judy removed -a tiny splinter of glass from the latter wound, -treated the cut with antiseptic, placed a compress -over the opening and bandaged it tightly.</p> - -<p>That job done, the girls bandaged the driver’s -face, noting with relief that he seemed to be recovering -from shock. Now and then he moaned in pain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> -as they worked deftly and efficiently, but for the -most part he eyed them silently.</p> - -<p>Kathleen, on the other hand, was having a most -trying time with her patient, who refused to cooperate. -He would not lie down or let her examine -his neck.</p> - -<p>“I can’t do anything with him,” she whispered -to Judy. “I’m sure he has a fractured collar bone. -But what to do about it? He’s acting like a maniac.”</p> - -<p>“Delirious?”</p> - -<p>“He’s just a mean character,” Kathleen muttered -in an undertone. “I’m sort of scared.”</p> - -<p>“Scared? Why?”</p> - -<p>“He has a revolver in his back pocket.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe he carries it to protect the cargo,” Judy -replied. “Let’s see what we can do about that collar -bone.”</p> - -<p>Moving over to the sullen trucker, who stood -leaning against the tilted vehicle, she addressed him -quietly but firmly.</p> - -<p>“You’ll feel more comfortable if you sit or lie -down. We’ll help you—”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want any help.” The trucker’s lips parted -in an ugly snarl which revealed his missing front -teeth. “You got a car?”</p> - -<p>“No, we’re Girl Scouts on a hike.”</p> - -<p>“Girl Scouts! A lot of help you’ll be!”</p> - -<p>Judy ignored the sarcasm, noting how limply the -trucker’s right arm hung.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> -“We can help,” she insisted. “Your collar bone has -been broken, I think.”</p> - -<p>“So what?” the trucker demanded belligerently. -“I’m worried about this truck. We can never move -it out of this—have to abandon it.”</p> - -<p>“You should be able to get a wrecker from the -village. Now about that collar bone—”</p> - -<p>“Forget it, I said.” The man’s gaze roved toward -the cab of the truck where Betty and Beverly were -covering the driver with coats.</p> - -<p>“Is Joe done for?” he demanded with cold rather -than friendly concern.</p> - -<p>“He’s more stunned than hurt, I think,” Judy -replied.</p> - -<p>“Can’t he make it on his own pins? We gotta get -out o’ here.”</p> - -<p>“He shouldn’t try to walk. We’ll bring help to -you as fast as we can. First, though, you must take -a sensible attitude and let us wrap that collar bone. -You’ll be far more comfortable until we can get you -a doctor.”</p> - -<p>“Okay,” the trucker suddenly consented. “Make -it snappy though, and don’t hurt me or I’ll bash -you in! I ain’t in no mood to be worked over by -amateurs.”</p> - -<p>Having cajoled the man into a more cooperative -mood, Judy went quickly to work. With Kathleen -helping, she utilized a triangular bandage as a sling -for the right arm, tying it snugly to the side of his -body with a cravat bandage.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> -“Humph!” the trucker muttered, not displeased -as he surveyed the finished job. “Not too bad.”</p> - -<p>“The important thing now is to get you both to -a doctor,” Judy said briskly. “Cars pass rather infrequently -on this road. Kathleen and I will go for -help while Beverly and Betty stay here to do what -they can.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve done enough now,” the trucker returned. -“Thanks, kids! Now all of you beat it—on your way.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll have a wrecker sent,” Judy went on, gathering -up her first aid equipment.</p> - -<p>“Don’t bother.”</p> - -<p>“But we’ll be glad to do it,” Judy insisted. “It’s -part of our Scout training to help when we can.”</p> - -<p>“Yeah? Cut out the chatter and clear out!” The -trucker glowered at the girls, and dropped his left -hand to his hip pocket. “Get out I said!”</p> - -<p>Frightened by the hostile attitude of the man, -Beverly and Betty snatched up their first aid kits, -and started hurriedly off the way they had come. -Kathleen and Judy were more deliberate in making -their departure. However, knowing that the trucker -had a revolver, they were in no mood to argue with -him.</p> - -<p>Once beyond the first bend in the road, the four -girls excitedly discussed the situation.</p> - -<p>“That’s all the thanks we get for helping!” Beverly -said furiously. “We’ve lost out on the Hermit -Ridge competition too—worse luck.”</p> - -<p>“I guess there’s more to this first aid business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> -than just wrapping up broken bones!” Betty added. -“One has to learn how to handle half-crazy patients.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t understand why that man was so eager to -get us away,” Judy remarked thoughtfully. “Normally, -anyone in similar plight would welcome help. -Why wouldn’t he want us to send a doctor or a -wrecker?”</p> - -<p>“Just out of his head, I guess,” Beverly shrugged.</p> - -<p>“On the contrary,” Judy insisted, “he seemed -quite cool about the entire procedure. You know, -I wonder what sort of cargo those men were carrying?”</p> - -<p>“It must have been valuable,” Kathleen replied. -“Otherwise, why would he carry a revolver for -protection?”</p> - -<p>Keyed up by the encounter with the two men, -but decidedly discouraged over the outcome of their -efforts, the girls hiked as fast as they could down -the mountain road. Despite the order that they -were not to send help, they planned to do so.</p> - -<p>“Doesn’t a car ever come on this road?” Beverly -complained after they had hiked ten minutes without -meeting or being passed by an automobile or -a truck.</p> - -<p>“I see a car coming now!” Kathleen suddenly -cried. “From the direction of the village.”</p> - -<p>“Say, we’re in luck!” exclaimed Judy, abruptly -halting. “It’s a state highway patrol car!”</p> - -<p>Waiting, the girls flagged the automobile to a -stop. Quickly, they told the two patrolmen of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> -accident and of the strange behavior of the truckers -who had rejected assistance.</p> - -<p>“Did you notice the license number of the truck?” -one of the highway patrolmen asked.</p> - -<p>None of the Scouts had made a note of it.</p> - -<p>“We were too busy wrapping up wounds to think -of that,” Judy confessed.</p> - -<p>The patrolmen next inquired if the girls could -describe the two truckers.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes!” Kathleen said eagerly. “The passenger -was a thin fellow with two teeth missing. He had -dark bushy eyebrows and was very disagreeable.”</p> - -<p>“That was Ben Vodner, I’ll bet a cent!” one of -the patrolmen exclaimed. “Did he have a scar on -his left cheek?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he did!” Judy recalled. “A long jagged white -mark!”</p> - -<p>“What did the other man look like?”</p> - -<p>“His most prominent feature was a large hooked -nose,” Judy described him. “He was a large man, -heavy-set and with a square jaw. I’d say he weighed -about two hundred pounds—”</p> - -<p>“That’s Joe Pompilli for sure!”</p> - -<p>“Who is he?” Kathleen demanded.</p> - -<p>“Joe’s the ring leader of a bunch of hi-jackers,” -one of the patrolmen informed her. “Off and on -for the last six months, he and his boys have been -hi-jacking cargo and taking it through here right -under the noses of the forest rangers.”</p> - -<p>“So that was why they didn’t want help!” Judy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> -exclaimed. “That truck that went off the road was -loaded with stolen cargo!”</p> - -<p>Taking the girls into the patrol car, the two patrolmen -proceeded with all speed toward the scene -of the accident.</p> - -<p>“It’s just around the next bend,” Judy informed -the driver.</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll let you girls out here,” he said, pulling -up at the side of the road. “There may be shooting. -Stay back until we see what’s what.”</p> - -<p>Piling out of the car, the Scouts waited until the -patrolmen had driven on. Then, they rounded the -bend, tense and expectant.</p> - -<p>The truck remained in the ditch where last they -had seen it, but neither of the injured men were -anywhere visible.</p> - -<p>Watching from a safe distance, the girls saw the -patrolmen carefully search the truck cab.</p> - -<p>“Those two hi-jackers have fled!” Judy exclaimed. -“I guess they weren’t as badly hurt as we thought!”</p> - -<p>At a run, the Scouts raced up the road to join the -patrolmen, who by this time had broken open the -door lock on the back of the truck.</p> - -<p>“Just as I thought,” one of the searchers declared -as he swung open the double doors. “Stolen auto -tires!”</p> - -<p>“Tires snatched from the Graystone Transport -Co. The truck was held up early this morning across -the state line.”</p> - -<p>Judy and her friends were bewildered with respect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> -to what had happened to the two accident victims. -They were not long in doubt however, for -tire marks on the pavement showed plainly that a -car had come along, turned on the roadway, and -returned in the same direction whence it had come.</p> - -<p>“Ben Vodner must have stopped the driver and -made him take him and his pal, Joe, to town,” the -patrolman commented. “They’re likely heading for -Brady City, over the state line. There’s a slim -chance we can overtake ’em.”</p> - -<p>Knowing that the wild chase might end in a gun -battle, the patrolmen told the Scouts they could -not take them along.</p> - -<p>“Catch a ride back to your camp,” one of the men -advised Judy as he prepared to drive away. “We’ll -let you know later how this comes out. If we overtake -those hi-jackers, we may need you to testify. -If they get away, you want to steer clear of them. -Joe and Ben are mighty tough boys, and they’ll -bear you no gratitude for the help you gave them -today!”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="ix" id="ix"></a><i>Chapter 9</i><br /> -<span>“IS JOE THERE?”</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">ALL that day, Pine Cone Camp buzzed with the -exciting story of how the four Beaver Patrol Scouts -had given first aid to the two notorious hi-jackers.</p> - -<p>Judy, Beverly, Betty and Kathleen were subjected -to a great deal of teasing. The other campers, to -plague them declared that their timely assistance -had made it easier for the truckers to escape.</p> - -<p>That the two men had made a successful getaway -was confirmed late in the afternoon. Two state -highway patrolmen, Clinton DeWitt and George -Franey, dropped around at Pine Cone Camp purposely -to inform Judy and her friends that the identity -of the hi-jackers tentatively had been established.</p> - -<p>“We’re quite sure those two truckers were Joe -Pompilli and Ben Vodner,” the girls were told. -“They stopped a car and made the driver give them -a lift. At gun point, they forced him to take them -across the state line. Finally, on a side road, miles -from a telephone, they abandoned the driver and -continued on their way.”</p> - -<p>“Joe and his pal probably will give this area a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> -wide berth for awhile,” the other patrolman added. -“You never can tell though.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” agreed George Franey. “They’re -daring outlaws, well organized. Joe Pompilli won’t -abandon this run because of one mishap. But we’ll -be watching for him!”</p> - -<p>As was to be expected, Judy, Beverly, Betty and -Kathleen, were regarded somewhat as heroines by -their camp mates. Many times they were called -upon to recite their adventures on the lonely mountain -road.</p> - -<p>“We’ve given a bandage-by-bandage report so -many times I’m beginning to embellish the details,” -Judy laughed as she told the story for perhaps the -twelfth time. “That thin fellow the patrolmen called -Ben was a mean sort of individual. He didn’t actually -threaten us with his gun though.”</p> - -<p>“The worst of it was that we lost out in the Hermit -Ridge competition,” added Kathleen ruefully. -“I’m afraid we’ll have to depend on Ardeth and -Virginia to win points for our patrol.”</p> - -<p>She smiled at the other two, who had spent most -of the morning searching for a suitable specimen to -add to the nature treasure chest.</p> - -<p>Both girls were sunburned and discouraged. True, -they had captured an unwary bull frog and a -rare type of water insect, but only to learn that -other units had made similar entries during their -absence from camp.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> -“So now to qualify, we’ll have to find something -different,” Ardeth asserted. “I’m sick about it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, we’ll get an entry before the deadline,” -Judy said cheerfully.</p> - -<p>“We have several days to work on it,” added -Kathleen.</p> - -<p>“The other campers have combed the lake and -the area around here so thoroughly that it will be -hard to find anything unusual,” Ardeth insisted with -a shake of her head. “All of the common things such -as worms, bugs, and bees, have been used too!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe we can find an entry while we’re at -Calico Cottage,” Kathleen suggested. “The woods -near the cave haven’t been explored.”</p> - -<p>“We might enter the Cottage ghost!” Judy said -with a chuckle. “If we could capture him, we’d be -entitled to first prize!”</p> - -<p>“By the way, have you heard from your aunt?” -Ardeth inquired.</p> - -<p>Judy nodded and displayed a telegram which she -carried in her pocket. “This came in the morning -delivery from town,” she explained. “Aunt Mattie -will arrive on the 2:10 p.m. train tomorrow.”</p> - -<p>“Have you told her about the cottage having a -ghost?”</p> - -<p>“No, and I’m not eager to either,” Judy returned -with a grimace. “Aunt Mattie might make a dreadful -fuss. I wish we could clear up the mystery -before she gets here.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> -“We have tonight to work on it,” Kathleen remarked -thoughtfully. “If only we could get down -into the cottage basement! It wouldn’t do though, -to break the door lock.”</p> - -<p>“Hardly,” Judy agreed. “Mr. Krumm would have -a just complaint then!”</p> - -<p>Though the Beaver Patrol girls made light of the -“ghost” and the strange flute music which had disturbed -their slumbers at the cottage, they were -determined to find a logical explanation for the occurrence.</p> - -<p>Judy and her friends had said very little about -the mysterious happening, but the story had leaked -out and greatly enlarged in the telling. Throughout -the afternoon, the girls were besieged by questions. -Their rivals in the Lone Tree unit seemed especially -interested.</p> - -<p>“We’re certainly the target of attention,” Judy -remarked to Kathleen. “I can’t understand why the -Lone Tree girls are so fascinated by every detail. -Something’s in the wind!”</p> - -<p>The Beaver Patrol members remained at camp -for dinner and to enjoy a ceremonial camp fire -which wound up with the telling of ghost stories. -At nine o’clock, the station wagon took Judy, Kathleen, -Miss Ward, Ardeth and Virginia to Calico -Cottage for the night.</p> - -<p>“We’ll have our tent by tomorrow, I’m quite sure,” -Miss Ward told the girls as they let themselves into -the dark cottage. “That will be a relief.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> -“I don’t mind being here,” Virginia asserted. “In -fact, I think it’s exciting! Do you suppose we’ll hear -that flute player tonight?”</p> - -<p>“We will if we keep dwelling upon it,” Miss -Ward replied as she switched on the lights. “The -mind, you know, plays strange tricks. Now everyone -to bed, and no nonsense.”</p> - -<p>Rather soberly, the girls went to their rooms. -Because Miss Ward was with them, they had no -fear of spending a night in the cottage. Nevertheless, -they were somewhat tense with expectancy.</p> - -<p>Ardeth was removing a shoe, when suddenly she -stiffened. “Listen!” she directed. “What was that?”</p> - -<p>“I heard nothing,” returned Virginia.</p> - -<p>“I thought I heard a thumping sound in the cellar,” -Ardeth insisted in a hushed voice.</p> - -<p>“That was your own heart pounding, goose!” -teased Kathleen. “Jump into bed, and stop imagining -things.”</p> - -<p>Ardeth obediently turned off the bedroom light. -Going to the window, she opened it, and stood for -a moment, gazing toward the dark forest which -edged ominously close to the cottage lawn.</p> - -<p>“Kathleen! Virginia!” she summoned the others, -drawing in her breath.</p> - -<p>“Now what?” Kathleen demanded.</p> - -<p><a name="come" id="come"></a>“Come here, quick! Tell me what you see.” Dramatically, -Ardeth pointed toward the towering trees.</p> - -<p>Virginia went quickly to the window, peering in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span> -the direction indicated. She stood silent and tense, -scarcely believing her own eyesight.</p> - -<p>“It’s—it’s something white, and it moves!” she -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Kathleen had joined the other two. Ardeth gripped -her hand so tightly it hurt. “I’m scared,” she -confessed shakily. “What do you think, Kathy?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll call Miss Ward and Judy.”</p> - -<p>Quickly, she summoned the other two from the -next bedroom. Neither had started to disrobe for -the night. For several minutes the five stood at the -darkened window, gazing out across the sloping -lawn to the dark backdrop of trees.</p> - -<p>Plainly they could see a white object moving -lazily back and forth against a curtain of foliage. -A nearly full moon added to the eerie effect, casting -a ghostly light over the lonely forest area.</p> - -<p>“A spook!” Ardeth declared shakily. “It’s coming -this way too!”</p> - -<p>“No such thing,” Miss Ward corrected in a firm -voice. “Whatever the object may be, it is not moving -in this direction. I’ll get my flashlight and investigate.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go with you,” Judy offered.</p> - -<p>Putting on warm jackets, the two slipped out of -the cottage. The night was chilly, for a light breeze -blew from the direction of the river.</p> - -<p>Judy and the teacher focused their eyes on the -white object at the edge of the woods. Though it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> -continued to move lazily, its basic position did not -seem to change.</p> - -<p>“Keep well behind me, Judy,” Miss Ward directed -as they drew near the trees. “I doubt that -there is any serious cause for alarm, but it’s wise to -proceed cautiously.”</p> - -<p>Having decided upon a bold approach, the pair -moved directly toward the white object.</p> - -<p>When they were within a few yards of it, Miss -Ward switched on the flashlight. She directed the -beam squarely upon the fluttering “ghost.”</p> - -<p>“Why, it looks like a bed sheet!” Judy exclaimed, -and burst into relieved laughter.</p> - -<p>“A sheet attached to a bush!” added Miss Ward. -“Let’s find out about this.”</p> - -<p>She held the light while Judy removed the sheet -from the foliage. To prevent it from blowing away, -two ends had been tied to the branches with cord.</p> - -<p>“This ‘ghost’ was put here purposely!” Judy declared. -“By whom, I wonder?”</p> - -<p>“Any marking on the linen?”</p> - -<p>Judy inspected the sheet under the light. “Here -are some initials stamped on the edge!” she exclaimed. -“‘P.C.C.’”</p> - -<p>“Pine Cone Camp!”</p> - -<p>“Well, if that isn’t a good joke on us!” Judy -laughed. “The girls at camp decided to produce -that ghost we were telling them about! Beverly -and Betty may have pulled this one!”</p> - -<p>“They were in camp all afternoon, Judy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> -“That’s true. Maybe some of the Lone Tree Scouts -did it then! One of their girls has been asking a -lot of questions about Calico Cottage.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t mind a bit of good fun,” Miss Ward said, -folding the sheet. “On the other hand, I’m not in -favor of making too much of this ghost talk. I think -I’ll discuss the matter with Miss Lubell tomorrow.”</p> - -<p>“I hope whoever played the trick won’t get into -trouble. I’m sure it was all in good fun.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no one will receive a reprimand,” Miss -Ward promised. “I’ll find out which girls had camp -leave this afternoon. If it develops that any of them -played the trick, I’ll ask them not to repeat it, that’s -all.”</p> - -<p>When the two returned to the cottage with the -bed sheet, Virginia, Ardeth and Kathleen anxiously -met them at the door.</p> - -<p>“Here’s your ghost!” Judy laughed, tossing the -camp linen into Kathleen’s arms. “Look at the initials!”</p> - -<p>“So that’s why those Lone Tree Scouts were giggling -and carrying on this afternoon!” Kathleen exclaimed -after she had examined the markings. “Several -of them asked for camp leave too!”</p> - -<p>“Then my idea about that probably was right,” -Miss Ward said.</p> - -<p>Greatly relieved that the ghost scare had no serious -aspects, the Scouts discussed the prank for a -few minutes, and then went to bed. It was a long<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -while, however, before the house finally settled -down.</p> - -<p>Judy fell quickly asleep. How long she slumbered -she had no way of knowing. But suddenly, she -found herself wide awake.</p> - -<p>Miss Ward, she noted, was sleeping soundly beside -her.</p> - -<p>Wondering what had disturbed her, Judy sat up. -Moonlight streamed into the bedroom. She judged -that it could not be later than midnight or possibly -one o’clock.</p> - -<p>The telephone was ringing.</p> - -<p>“So that’s what awakened me!” Judy thought, -leaping out of bed. “Wonder who can be calling -at this time of night?”</p> - -<p>The phone call, she thought, might be from Pine -Cone Camp. Something might have happened to -Betty or Beverly. Or possibly it was a message from -Aunt Mattie.</p> - -<p>In her haste to reach the telephone before it -stopped ringing, Judy bumped against a chair. Nursing -a bruised knee, she hobbled on.</p> - -<p>As she took down the receiver to say “hello,” -a gruff voice came over the line.</p> - -<p>“Time you answered! Is Joe there?”</p> - -<p>“Joe?” faltered Judy. “Joe who?”</p> - -<p>Only silence gave reply. Then the wire went -completely dead. The speaker at the other end of -the line had hung up.</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="x" id="x"></a><i>Chapter 10</i><br /> -<span>A MIDNIGHT DISTURBANCE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">AS Judy hung up the telephone receiver, the light -suddenly was switched on behind her. Startled, she -whirled around with a smothered exclamation of -alarm.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t mean to frighten you, Judy.” It was -Kathleen who stood in the doorway, a corduroy -robe flung over her shoulders. “I heard someone -moving around, and thought I’d check, that’s all. -Is anything wrong?”</p> - -<p>“The phone was ringing. I—I don’t know what to -make of it.”</p> - -<p>“Who was it that called, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“That’s the point. I don’t know. Someone asked -for Joe.”</p> - -<p>“Joe? Joe who?”</p> - -<p>“That’s exactly what I asked, Kathleen. The only -Joe I know is that dreadful Joe Pompilli.”</p> - -<p>“Someone must have called the wrong number.”</p> - -<p>“I guess so,” Judy admitted doubtfully. “It gave -me an ugly start though. What time is it?”</p> - -<p>“A little past midnight,” Kathleen said, looking -at her wristwatch. “What a night! All we need to -make it complete is a little flute music!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span> -The switching on of a light had disturbed the -others in the cottage. Miss Ward came in from the -bedroom and then Virginia and Ardeth, the latter -groggy with sleep.</p> - -<p>“What now?” she mumbled. “Another ghost?”</p> - -<p>Judy explained about the telephone.</p> - -<p>“Those Lone Tree Scouts!” Virginia exclaimed -indignantly. “They’re playing another joke on us! -Trying to pretend that Joe Pompilli is calling!”</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t anyone from Pine Cone Camp,” Judy -said, her face serious. “Whoever called was a man.”</p> - -<p>“It must have been someone who dialed a wrong -number,” Kathleen insisted. “I’m in favor of forgetting -the whole business, and going to bed. If -we don’t get some sleep we’ll all be wrecks tomorrow.”</p> - -<p>“That’s sound advice,” approved Miss Ward. “To -bed everyone!”</p> - -<p>All the girls were up at seven o’clock the next -morning, feeling little the worse for the excitement -of the night. While the Scouts were washing the -breakfast dishes, the telephone rang again.</p> - -<p>“You get it, Judy,” Virginia directed with a giggle. -“It’s probably from Joe.”</p> - -<p>“From Aunt Mattie more than likely,” Judy replied, -moving hastily to the telephone.</p> - -<p>The message was from Miss Lubell at Pine Cone -Camp. She asked Judy to tell Miss Ward that the -station wagon driver had been delayed that morning -and could not call for the girls until ten thirty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> -“This means we’ll have considerable free time on -our hands,” Judy remarked as she relayed the information -to the others.</p> - -<p>“Let’s explore the river area, and maybe around -the cave,” proposed Ardeth. “I want to find an -insect or an animal we can enter in the nature treasure -chest.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll all go,” Miss Ward decided.</p> - -<p>The work already had been finished. Locking the -cottage, the five struck off down the private road. -After it dead-ended, they went on across the silvery-gray -rocks and through a stretch of sand to the -river.</p> - -<p>Beyond the ribbon of blue water, the mountains -rose in jagged green peaks. A ranger station was -visible on one of the high slopes, set in a cleared -area among the trees.</p> - -<p>A half-rotted dock extended for some distance -out into the stream. The girls noticed an elderly -man in blue overalls tying up his rowboat after a -fishing expedition.</p> - -<p>“Good morning,” Judy said pleasantly as the girls -wandered over. “How’s the fishing?”</p> - -<p>Straightening up, the old man shoved a soiled -white cap at a rakish angle over his shaggy white -hair.</p> - -<p>“Mornin’ to you,” he greeted the girls jovially. -“The fishin’? Nary a bite! Blast my timbers, it’s a -waste of a man’s time to blister his skin out in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span> -sun on this old river. I’m slingin’ my hook for today.”</p> - -<p>Moving stiffly, the elderly man began to unload -his fishing equipment from the boat. Judy and -Kathleen reached down to help him.</p> - -<p>“Right handy mates ye be,” he remarked, well -pleased by their attention. “Don’t recollect seein’ -you gals hereabouts before. Tourists?”</p> - -<p>“We’re Girl Scouts,” Judy explained. “We’re staying -at Pine Cone Camp. Because of a mix-up there -over reservations, some of us have been sleeping at -Calico Cottage.”</p> - -<p>“Calico Cottage? Well, bash my binnacles!”</p> - -<p>“It’s a lovely cottage,” Ardeth contributed. “The -only trouble is, it seems to have a ghost.”</p> - -<p>“A musical ghost who plays a flute at night,” -added Virginia.</p> - -<p>“You don’t say! A ghost!” The old man gave a -throaty chuckle and then laughed so hard that his -sizeable stomach rolled up and down under the -overalls. “I’ll be a son of a sea cook! That’s a good -joke on Krumm!”</p> - -<p>“It’s not so much fun for us though,” Judy declared -earnestly. “We’re turning the cottage over -to my aunt this afternoon. She’s inclined to be nervous. -We’d hoped to clear up the mystery before she -arrived, but that seems out of the question now.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t waste any time worrying about that ghost,” -the old man advised. “A bunch o’ Girl Scouts ought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> -to be smart enough to get to wind’ard of any flute-playin’ -spook.”</p> - -<p>“It would seem that way,” agreed Judy. “So far, -though, we’ve had no luck. By the way, you’re not -Captain Hager by any chance?”</p> - -<p>“That’s my name, but not by chance! Captain -Humphrey Hager, formerly master of the good ship -<i>Elaine</i>. I’ve been in dry dock going on ten years -now.”</p> - -<p>“We’re glad to meet you,” Judy declared cordially. -She introduced Miss Ward and the girls, and -then added: “Bart Ranieau told us that you once -owned Calico Cottage—or rather, the old homestead -that stood on the same foundation.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” Old Captain Hager agreed, his -leathery face wrinkling into a scowl. “I found myself -in low water, financially speaking. That blasted, -penny-squeezin’ Krumm kept pestering me, until -finally I sold him the place.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us, Captain Hager,” urged Kathleen, “did -the house have a ghost when you lived there?”</p> - -<p>A knowing smile overspread the old man’s face. -“Well, yes, and no,” he said. “I advised Krumm to -put in a new foundation, but he let me know he -would do it his own way. So now he has a ghost! -Ha!”</p> - -<p>“Does the old foundation have anything to do -with the ghost?” Virginia asked, looking puzzled.</p> - -<p>Old Captain Hager acted as if he had not heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> -the question. He fussed with the painter of the -rowboat for a moment, and then remarked offhand:</p> - -<p>“So you gals have met Bart Ranieau? Now there’s -a fine lad, smart as a whip and with the courage of -a young lion. He told you about Hager’s Hole?”</p> - -<p>“Calico Cave?” inquired Judy.</p> - -<p>“Hager’s Hole,” the old man repeated. “I don’t -take stock of that new fancy name Krumm tacked -on. Bart told you about his father losing his life in -the cave?”</p> - -<p>“Why no!” exclaimed Judy.</p> - -<p>“He did say something about an explorer trying -to find the cave’s exit, and never being heard of -again,” Virginia added.</p> - -<p>“That was Bart’s father,” the Captain informed -her. “His son’s a chip off the old block. Lots of sand -in the craw! Bart’s trying to work his way through -college by peddlin’ milk. Aye, he’s an up and -comer!”</p> - -<p>“How did Bart’s father lose his life?” Miss Ward -inquired.</p> - -<p>The old captain’s gaze swept the river and lifted -to fasten thoughtfully upon the dark entranceway -of Calico Cave.</p> - -<p>“No one knows,” he replied. “Not for sure. Folks -say though, that it was the siphon that did for him.”</p> - -<p>“What’s a siphon?” demanded Kathleen.</p> - -<p>“Hager’s Hole has an underground river,” he related. -“Where it empties no one knows. Deep in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span> -the cave is a grotto, so beautiful it will blast your -eyes! The underground stream must have hollowed -it out ages ago, then bored its way on through the -rock.</p> - -<p>“By wading waist-deep and finally neck-deep in -water one can follow the river for awhile. Then the -ceiling dips until water and roof meet. That’s your -siphon.”</p> - -<p>“A stretch of water between the rocks, with no -roof space above?” Judy questioned.</p> - -<p>“Aye.”</p> - -<p>“Bart’s father tried to go through the siphon?” -Miss Ward inquired soberly.</p> - -<p>“He knew he was risking his life, but spelunkers -don’t have good sense when it comes to explorin’ -caves. Bart’s father was obsessed with the idea he -had to find the exit to Hager’s Hole. He gambled his -life, figuring he could dive through the siphon and -find an air space beyond.”</p> - -<p>“No one ever learned for certain what became of -Mr. Ranieau?” The question was asked by Judy -who sat cross-legged on the dock, listening intently -to every word of the story.</p> - -<p>“His clothes were found in the grotto, tied in a -neat bundle. That’s all that ever was known. A -watch was kept at the siphon for days, but there -never was a sound or a signal of any kind. That was -a long while ago, and now Bart’s sailin’ the same -course as his dad, hauntin’ that cave, and dreamin’ -about it at night. I’m right worried about the lad.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> -“You’re afraid he’ll meet with mishap in the -cave?” questioned Miss Ward.</p> - -<p>“Bart knows his way in that cavern like it was his -own ship,” the old captain replied. “What worries -me, Ma’am, is that he’s obsessed with finding out -what became of his father. He keeps talking about -the siphon, speculatin’ on whether a strong swimmer -couldn’t get through. One of these days he may -be rash enough to try it.”</p> - -<p>“Calico Cave—Hager’s Hole, I mean,” Kathleen -corrected herself, “must be a fascinating place. -You’ve been in the cave many times I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“Aye, in my younger day, I went there right -often.”</p> - -<p>“Then you must have seen the White Witch!” -cried Judy, her brown eyes dancing.</p> - -<p>“Aye,” Captain Hager agreed reminiscently. -“Aye.” He became absorbed in deep thought.</p> - -<p>Judy broke into his meditation to ask how long it -would take to reach the formation after one left the -cave entrance.</p> - -<p>“Ten minutes,” the captain estimated. “It’s easy -walkin’. But don’t you gals try it by yourself. If -you’re aimin’ to go into that cave, you need a -guide.”</p> - -<p>“We do, indeed!” cried Judy. She sprang to her -feet, seizing the captain’s hand so unexpectedly that -he nearly dropped his pipe. “Oh, Captain Hager, -will you take us? Please, will you guide us to the -White Witch?”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xi" id="xi"></a><i>Chapter 11</i><br /> -<span>SPELL OF THE CAVE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">CAPTAIN Hager’s remarks about the cave had -stirred the imagination of the Scouts, and even Miss -Ward thought it would be interesting to explore the -cavern for a short distance.</p> - -<p>“Would it be safe, do you think?” she asked, as -Captain Hager seemed to be giving Judy’s request -sober consideration.</p> - -<p>“It’s safe enough, Ma’am,” he assured her. “The -only danger lies in going too far without a guide.”</p> - -<p>“No rock falls?”</p> - -<p>“Never heard of one in all the years I’ve lived -hereabouts.”</p> - -<p>“Then do take us, Captain Hager!” Judy urged -again, prancing excitedly about the dock. “We -haven’t much time, because the camp station wagon -is to come for us at ten thirty. Please, could we start -right now?”</p> - -<p>“Dash it, I was calculatin’ on anchorin’ for a comfortable -snooze,” the captain complained good-naturedly. -“But if them’s my sailing orders, we’ll -cast off for the cave!”</p> - -<p>The old man told the Scouts and their leader to -meet him at the entranceway of Hager’s Hole. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> -promised to join them there as soon as he had gone -to his nearby river shack to leave his fishing equipment -and pick up a few items he would want for -the trip.</p> - -<p>Taking leave of the old man, the girls swiftly -climbed the slope to the cave. Captain Hager did -not keep them waiting long.</p> - -<p>Within fifteen minutes, they glimpsed his bent -figure coming along the path. He had changed his -shoes, put on a blue jacket, and carried a lantern.</p> - -<p>Before leading the way into the cave, Captain -Hager told the group something of its history. The -cavern, he related, was known to have been in existence -in early Indian days—the exact date of its -origin never would be established.</p> - -<p>“Now there are all types of caves,” he went on, -warming to his subject. “Tunnel caves, river system -caves, fissure caves—no two ever are the same, and -that’s what makes ’em so interesting to explorers. -This one starts with a sort of sinkhole entrance. It -narrows down for a distance and then opens up into -a chamber where you’ll see the White Witch. That’s -as far as most folks ever go.”</p> - -<p>“It won’t take us too long to see the formation?” -Miss Ward asked, looking anxiously at her wrist -watch. “We haven’t much time.”</p> - -<p>“Ten minutes, ma’am, to walk to the chamber. -The climb back will take longer. I’m not as spry as -I was in the old days.”</p> - -<p>“We can spare an hour,” Miss Ward decided.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span> -Captain Hager instructed the girls to follow him, -single-file. Miss Ward brought up the rear of the -procession to make certain that none of her charges -wandered out of line.</p> - -<p>Cautiously, and with awe, the Scouts moved into -the entrance chamber of the cave. A considerable -current of air moved in the cavern, nearly lifting -Kathleen’s beret from her head.</p> - -<p>The room in which the girls found themselves, -though dark, was neither damp nor musty. By the -light of Captain Hager’s lantern, they distinguished -smoke-blackened limestone walls, and on the floor -were the dead ashes of a small fire.</p> - -<p>“Someone has been in here lately,” the guide remarked. -“Not Bart, because he wouldn’t bother -with a fire. He does most of his exploring in a bathing -suit.”</p> - -<p>“A bathing suit!” gasped Miss Ward, truly astonished. -“I should think he’d freeze to death.”</p> - -<p>“Not that lad,” chuckled the captain. He had -rested his lantern for a moment on a rocky ledge. -“The temperature of this cave is the same, summer -or winter. Bart wears a bathing suit because he can -crawl through narrow places better than if he had -on bulky clothes. And when he gets wet, he says he -stays warmer and dries out faster.”</p> - -<p>“Dear me, there’s more to this exploration of -caves than I realized,” commented Miss Ward. -“We’ll not get wet, I trust?”</p> - -<p>“No, Ma’am,” the captain promised. “There’s no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> -water down to the level where we’re going. Keep -your eyes out for bats though—not that the little -creatures will harm you.”</p> - -<p>“Bats!” Virginia squealed. “Horrors!”</p> - -<p>“They won’t hurt you,” the captain repeated. -“Not even if you touch ’em with your hand. Sometimes -they’re packed in on the walls as tight as a -swarm o’ bees. Then if they’re disturbed, the whole -mass may take flight. Bats are strange creatures.”</p> - -<p>“Ardeth should be assigned to capture one for -the camp treasure chest!” Judy chuckled.</p> - -<p>“We’ll go below, now,” the captain announced. -“Follow me closely, and don’t do too much talkin’. -Sound echoes in a cave and is magnified. Full steam -ahead!”</p> - -<p>Step by step, the Scouts descended the narrow -passageway. The slope was an easy one, but it -seemed endless. Unable to judge distance underground, -the girls imagined they had gone a long -ways when finally the captain brought up in a gallery -approximately sixteen feet wide.</p> - -<p>Walls of the room were covered with limestone -ridges and there were a few interesting stalagmites -and stalactites. Captain Hager struck one of the latter -with his stout walking stick, and it gave forth a -musical ring.</p> - -<p>Waiting until the entire party had clustered -about, he slowly moved his lantern so that it threw -a circular, shadowy light on a dark portion of the -gallery.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> -The girls sucked in their breath, uttering exclamations -of surprise and awe.</p> - -<p>There before them, was the cave witch!</p> - -<p>Tall and skinny, she appeared to lean on a long, -white staff. The ice-like figure, the girls knew, had -been formed by stalagmites and stalactites which -over the years had grown together in weird formation.</p> - -<p>For a long while they stood silent, held by the -ghostly spell of the old witch. In the dead stillness, -they could hear the rush of the mysterious hidden -river far below them. A cold gust of air blew across -the gallery, causing the Scouts to pull their jackets -more closely about them.</p> - -<p>“How real that old witch looks!” Judy whispered, -finally breaking the silence. “No wonder folks make -up tales about this cave.”</p> - -<p>Keeping his voice low to prevent echo, Captain -Hager explained that the dripstone formations were -called stalactites when they hung from the limestone -ceiling and stalagmites if they rose from the -cave floor.</p> - -<p>“Each icicle-like formation, if broken, shows -growth rings not unlike those of a tree,” he related. -Some, he told the Scouts, grew very rapidly, while -others were years in the making.</p> - -<p>“Usually each stalactite has a small hole in the -center through which the water flows to drip off the -end,” he went on. “When the drip-off strikes the -floor, it sometimes builds up a stalagmite as you see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span> -them here. When the two unite, you may get any -variety of weird shapes.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, dear,” protested Kathleen, “you’re taking all -the magic away from the White Witch, Captain -Hager! I prefer to imagine that she is pure white -stone.”</p> - -<p>Virginia inquired if there were other interesting -formations deeper down in the cave?</p> - -<p>“Aye, in the gallery below, there’s one Bart calls -the Grand Ballroom. Farther on, there’s a Frozen -Waterfall, or flowstone, as it’s called. You can see -needles and toadstools and totem poles.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Captain Hager, take us on!” pleaded Ardeth. -“Only as far as the Ballroom. This cave is so fascinating.”</p> - -<p>Before the captain could answer, Miss Ward interposed -firmly: “No, girls. Perhaps some other day, -if we have a guide, we can return.”</p> - -<p>“The camp station wagon will be at Calico Cottage -before we are, if we don’t hurry,” declared -Kathleen. “This is such a wonderful grotto, I hate -to leave, but we must.”</p> - -<p>Regretfully, the others agreed that further exploration -of the cave must be postponed. Leading the -way with the lantern, Captain Hager began the -steep climb. He moved slowly and in the narrow -passageway, his heavy breathing was so loud that -those behind him could hear it plainly.</p> - -<p>“I’m not as spry as I was ten years ago,” the old -man confessed when the party presently reached<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> -the cave exit. “Going down is easy enough, but -when I throw ’er in reverse, my ticker starts to -pound.”</p> - -<p>“We shouldn’t have pressed you into taking us to -see the old witch,” Judy apologized.</p> - -<p>“I was glad to do it,” the captain insisted. “Anyway, -I’m not ready yet to let old age get to the -windward of me! No, sir!”</p> - -<p>The Scouts thanked their guide for taking them -on the expedition. Saying goodbye, they hastened -along the rocky path to the private road, thence to -Calico Cottage. To their relief, the camp station -wagon had not yet arrived.</p> - -<p>“What a wonderful morning!” Kathleen declared, -sitting down on the porch steps to think over the -exciting things she had seen inside the cave. “I -wish all the girls at Pine Cone Camp could see the -White Witch!”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps it can be arranged,” Miss Ward remarked. -“I’ll talk to Miss Lubell about it and see -what she thinks. Caves certainly are educational.”</p> - -<p>“Captain Hager knows a lot about them too,” -contributed Judy. “He told us a great deal, but I -have a hunch there’s more he left unsaid.”</p> - -<p>“About the White Witch?” inquired Virginia.</p> - -<p>“The White Witch and maybe some other -things,” she hinted. “Both Captain Hager and Bart -seem to dislike Mr. Krumm. If it weren’t for that -personal feeling, I suspect they might tell us more -about the ghost of Calico Cottage.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xii" id="xii"></a><i>Chapter 12</i><br /> -<span>THE PRIVATE ROAD</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">AFTER lunch at Pine Cone Camp, the Scouts busied -themselves washing their clothes and cleaning the -Beaver Patrol tent. Miss Lubell sent word by one -of the counselors that other quarters would be available -for the girls by nightfall.</p> - -<p>“I guess we’ll have no excuse for staying at Calico -Cottage tonight,” Judy said regretfully. “You know, -that boy with the flute intrigues me!”</p> - -<p>“Everyone in camp has heard about him,” added -Ardeth as she hung a blouse on the line to dry. -“We’re being teased no end. If we don’t solve the -mystery before we leave here, we’ll never hear the -last of it.”</p> - -<p>Miss Ward had overheard the conversation, and -interposed a word. “It might be well for a couple of -Scouts to stay with Judy’s aunt tonight,” she proposed. -“I’m satisfied that the cottage is safe, but -strange sounds at night can be most disturbing to -a nervous person alone.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll stay with Aunt Mattie, if I may,” Judy -promptly volunteered.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to myself,” added Ardeth. “While I’m -there, I want to visit the cave again. If I could get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> -one of those bats we heard about, we’d have a fine -entry for the nature treasure chest.”</p> - -<p>“The cave is out-of-bounds without a guide,” -Miss Ward returned. “I talked to Miss Lubell about -it. She thinks we may be able to arrange a tour for -the entire camp later this week. The problem is to -find a suitable guide. It seems that with the exception -of Bart and Captain Hager, few persons go -near the place.”</p> - -<p>“Someone has been in there lately,” Judy said, -reminding the teacher of the dead camp fire ashes -they had seen at the cave entrance.</p> - -<p>Shortly before two o’clock, the station wagon -took Miss Ward, Judy and Ardeth to the village depot. -A smoky haze hung over the mountainside, and -the girls were somewhat disturbed to learn that a -small forest fire had broken out across the river on -Brady’s Ridge.</p> - -<p>Enroute to the station they met a forest service -truck and passed a ranger with a portable radio on -his shoulder.</p> - -<p>The driver of the station wagon pulled up, to ask -the forest service man if the situation was considered -at all serious.</p> - -<p>“Everything’s under control,” the ranger assured -him. “It’s a small brush fire. We’re keeping a close -watch of the entire area though.”</p> - -<p>“How did the fire start?” inquired Miss Ward.</p> - -<p>The ranger shrugged. “Perhaps from a carelessly -dropped cigarette. Or a motorist may have tossed a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> -match out of a car window. The fire apparently -started close to the road. You folks will be all right, -if you don’t try to cross the river. Keep on this side.”</p> - -<p>The haze of smoke hung low as the station wagon -parked near the depot. Judy sniffed the fumes and -coughed.</p> - -<p>“What a welcome for Aunt Mattie!” she remarked. -“She’ll be scared to death that the fire will -spread to this side of the river. And if we tell her -about the ghost—”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe I’d do that,” Miss Ward advised. -“And least not for a day or so. Why disturb her unnecessarily?”</p> - -<p>“You’re right,” Judy promptly agreed. “If the -ghost makes any more trouble, Aunt Mattie will -find out about it soon enough. Mum’s the word.”</p> - -<p>The train proved to be half an hour late. Finally -it rumbled in, throwing up dust and cinders. Aunt -Mattie Meadows was on the last Pullman car. She -was a jolly-faced woman of forty-two, well turned -out in a trim gray suit, with a white carnation in the -lapel.</p> - -<p>“Hi, Aunt Mattie!” Judy cried, rushing to greet -her.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows enfolded her niece in a warm embrace, -and then held her off at arm’s length for a -better view.</p> - -<p>“Why, you’re brown as an Indian!” she exclaimed. -“What have you done to your complexion?”</p> - -<p>“Liberal doses of sun, wind and lake water,” Judy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> -chuckled. She turned to present Miss Ward and -Ardeth.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows greeted them, made a few casual -remarks and then sniffed the air. “Goodness! Do I -smell smoke?” she demanded. “Is something on -fire?”</p> - -<p>“Only a little brush across the river,” Judy said -carelessly. She picked up her aunt’s suitcase and -started for the station wagon. “Nothing to worry -about.”</p> - -<p>Aunt Mattie kept sniffing the air. “Dear me, it -doesn’t seem a little fire could make so much smoke. -Judy, are you quite sure there’s no danger? You’re -not keeping anything from me?”</p> - -<p>“The ranger assured us there is no danger. Don’t -give it a thought, Aunt Mattie.”</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows fell silent as she was escorted to -the waiting station wagon. Nevertheless, she kept -gazing toward the horizon in the direction of the -river.</p> - -<p>Going up the winding mountain road, the woman -became increasingly ill at ease. At each sharp turn, -she instinctively braced herself, as if fearing the car -would roll off into a ravine.</p> - -<p>“I hope you rented a nice cottage for me, Judy,” -she chatted. “You didn’t write me a word about it.”</p> - -<p>“There wasn’t time, Aunt Mattie. In fact, we -didn’t have any choice in selecting the cottage. We -had to take the only place available.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span> -“Is it a quiet place? I’ve had a hard, tiring year, -and I do want to have complete rest.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Calico Cottage is off the beaten path,” -Judy replied evasively. “How quiet it will prove to -be no one can predict.”</p> - -<p>The station wagon rounded a curve and slowed -to a standstill. Peering ahead, the girls saw that a -wooden barrier had been placed across part of the -highway, blocking traffic.</p> - -<p>“Now what?” murmured Judy. “This wasn’t here -when we came down the mountain an hour ago.”</p> - -<p>A state highway patrolman came over to the station -wagon. Recognizing the driver and the occupants, -he told them they might proceed.</p> - -<p>“We’re checking every car,” he told the group. -“We have a report some hi-jackers, who took a truck -at Oelwein, are coming this way. With the forest -service tied up fighting a forest fire, and most of our -men helping ’em, they probably figured they could -slip a cargo through.”</p> - -<p>“Hi-jackers!” Aunt Mattie exclaimed in dismay. -“Judy, what sort of a place is this?”</p> - -<p>“Never a dull moment,” Judy responded lightly. -“You’ll love it here!”</p> - -<p>“Judy, tell her about your meeting with Joe—” -Ardeth began, only to let her voice trail off as Miss -Ward directed a warning glance in her direction.</p> - -<p>The station wagon moved on past the barrier and -drew up presently at Calico Cottage. Aunt Mattie,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> -who had fallen into a weary silence, suddenly revived -at sight of the little house.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s charming!” she cried. “Judy, you -couldn’t have found a nicer place. So peaceful looking, -set back among the trees.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s hope Calico Cottage lives up to its appearance,” -Judy said, leading the way across the lawn. -“Ardeth and I thought we’d stay with you tonight, -so you won’t be lonesome. Do you mind?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be happy to have you! I’m not afraid to stay -alone at night, but I’ll admit I’ll rest easier with -someone in the house. Especially with a forest fire -burning at my doorstep, and hi-jackers on the main -highway!”</p> - -<p>“It’s not that bad,” Judy protested.</p> - -<p>After seeing that Miss Meadows was comfortably -settled in the cottage, Miss Ward decided to return -with the station wagon driver to Pine Cone Camp. -Before leaving, she talked privately with Judy.</p> - -<p>“Everything should be all right here,” she said, -“but if by chance anything does go wrong, call me -at once.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll be safe and comfortable,” Judy insisted. -“No more ghost scares I hope.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Lubell put a stop to that,” the teacher informed -her. “We checked and learned that it was -the Lone Tree girls who attached the bed sheet to -the bushes. They’ve promised not to pull any more -tricks.”</p> - -<p>After the station wagon had departed, Judy and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> -Ardeth helped Miss Meadows unpack. Her enthusiasm -for the cottage was boundless. She was especially -delighted with the kitchen and went about -poking in the high cupboards over the sink.</p> - -<p>“Tomorrow when I am rested, I’ll straighten all -the dishes and rearrange them more to my liking,” -she announced. “I never feel that I’m settled in a -place until I’ve cleaned the cupboards.”</p> - -<p>With the supplies on hand, Aunt Mattie cooked a -magnificent supper, topping it off with biscuits and -a custard pie. The meal finished, she suddenly collapsed -from weariness, leaving the dishes for Judy -and Ardeth.</p> - -<p>“I declare, I don’t know what’s come over me,” -she apologized. “The long train ride must have -worn me out. I can’t keep my eyes open.”</p> - -<p>“Go straight to bed, Aunt Mattie. Ardeth and I -will take care of everything.”</p> - -<p>“I believe I will turn in,” Miss Meadows said, -covering a yawn. “You’ll be sure to lock all the -doors?”</p> - -<p>“Every one,” Judy promised.</p> - -<p>The sink was fairly loaded with dishes, for Aunt -Mattie did not skimp on them when she cooked a -meal. After scouring the last stubborn pan, Judy -hung up the dish rag with a tired sigh.</p> - -<p>“Shall we turn in?” she asked Ardeth.</p> - -<p>“We may as well, I guess. Wonder what the girls -are doing at Pine Cone?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> -“Singing songs and telling stories by the camp -fire, like as not. Wish you were there, Ardeth?”</p> - -<p>“Someone should stay here this first night with -your aunt. I don’t mind, Judy. Do you suppose—”</p> - -<p>“We’ll have a serenade from our friend with the -flute?” Judy supplied. “For Aunt Mattie’s sake I -hope not. If she hears about a ghost on top of hi-jackers -and a forest fire, she’s likely to pack her -suitcase and leave.”</p> - -<p>Ardeth had moved to the open kitchen door. -“There isn’t as much smoke in the air now,” she reported. -“Either the wind is carrying it the other direction, -or the fire has died down.”</p> - -<p>After closing the windows and making certain -the doors were locked, the two girls presently went -to their bedroom which adjoined the one Miss Meadows -had taken.</p> - -<p>Judy secretly had made up her mind she would -lie awake a long while to be sure that nothing went -amiss in the cottage. However, her bed was so -pleasantly comfortable, that despite her firm resolution, -she dozed off almost at once.</p> - -<p>When finally she awakened, it was to find herself -being shaken by Ardeth.</p> - -<p>“Get up, lazy!” the latter ordered. “It’s late! Your -aunt has been up for at least half an hour.”</p> - -<p>“Jumping fishes!” Judy exclaimed in dismay, dragging -herself from beneath the covers. “I must have -slept like a log all night.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> -“I know I did,” Ardeth confessed. “What a fine -pair of guards we proved to be!”</p> - -<p>“Well, at least nothing went wrong here,” Judy -said, pulling on her shoes. “I’m relieved on that -score.”</p> - -<p>Dressing fast, the girls hastened to the kitchen. -Miss Meadows had the stove going and was cooking -cereal. She appeared pale, however, and there -were dark shadows under her eyes.</p> - -<p>“Did you sleep well, Aunt Mattie?” Judy asked -politely.</p> - -<p>“Very badly.”</p> - -<p>Judy and Ardeth exchanged a quick, worried -glance. Both hesitated to ask the question which -was foremost in their minds.</p> - -<p>“Did—did anything disturb you?” Judy managed -finally.</p> - -<p>“I never sleep well the first night in a strange -place. I was awake for hours.”</p> - -<p>Judy drew a long breath and grinned at Ardeth. -But her relief was brief. For Aunt Mattie went on -impressively:</p> - -<p>“I’m not sure I’ll like this place as well as I -thought last night. There’s entirely too much traffic -on the side road.”</p> - -<p>“You mean the main road, don’t you, Aunt Mattie?” -Judy corrected.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows stirred the pot of cereal on the -stove. “I mean that highway that runs down the hill -toward the river.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> -“Why, that’s a private road and it dead-ends,” -Judy responded. “There’s never any traffic in that -direction.”</p> - -<p>“There was last night,” Miss Meadows insisted -firmly. “A truck came along the highway and -stopped so that the headbeams shone almost directly -into my window. The driver flashed them on -and off several times as if in signal. Then, the lights -were doused, and the truck turned down the side -road.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t imagine a truck using that road at night,” -Judy said thoughtfully. “The road doesn’t go anywhere -except to the cave. Perhaps you were mistaken, -Aunt Mattie. Don’t you think the truck might -have gone on down the main highway?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so,” Miss Meadows replied. “No, -I’m sure the truck turned down the side road.”</p> - -<p>No more was said about the matter then. But -after the breakfast dishes had been done, Ardeth -and Judy slipped outside for a private talk.</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose your aunt was right about those -truck lights?” Ardeth asked, lowering her voice so -it would not carry through the open kitchen window. -“And what about that signal?”</p> - -<p>“She must have been mistaken,” Judy replied -anxiously. “All the same, we certainly should investigate. -Come on, Ardeth! If that truck turned down -the dead-end road, there will be tire marks to -prove it.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xiii" id="xiii"></a><i>Chapter 13</i><br /> -<span>THE MISSING KEY</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">CUTTING across the lawn which was heavy with -dew, the two girls turned toward the entrance to -the private road. A haze of smoke still hung above -the treetops, but it was evident that the fire which -had alarmed everyone the previous day, now was -well under control.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, Judy halted, staring at tire marks on -the dirt road.</p> - -<p>“Aunt Mattie was right!” she exclaimed. “A big -truck did turn off the main highway!”</p> - -<p>“The tire prints are plain to see,” Ardeth agreed, -equally startled. “But what would a heavy truck be -doing here? The road dead-ends.”</p> - -<p>“It seems odd.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps the driver only pulled off the pavement -to fix a tire.”</p> - -<p>Judy shook her head. “The tracks plainly go down -the slope toward the cave,” she pointed out.</p> - -<p>“Mightn’t it have been a forest ranger fire fighting -truck?”</p> - -<p>“That’s so,” Judy acknowledged, “it might have -been. Maybe that would explain the headlight signals -Aunt Mattie reported seeing. I can’t imagine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> -though, why a Forest Service truck would use this -road at night. The fire was across the river.”</p> - -<p>As the girls considered whether to go farther -down the private road, they heard the rattle of a -milk wagon approaching on the main highway.</p> - -<p>“It’s Bart!” Judy cried.</p> - -<p>The delivery truck stopped some distance away, -but after milk had been left at Calico Cottage, came -on down the road. Bart drew up to chat with the -girls.</p> - -<p>“How’s everything?” he inquired cheerfully. -“Your ghost behaving himself?”</p> - -<p>Judy replied that the household had not been -disturbed further by the mysterious flute player. -She added, however, that her aunt had slept badly -and that lights from a truck had bothered her.</p> - -<p>“I guess it must have been a Forest Service truck -that went down this road last night,” Ardeth remarked. -“See the tire tracks.”</p> - -<p>Bart already had stepped out of the milk wagon -to inspect them.</p> - -<p>“Those weren’t made by a Forest Service truck,” -he told the girls. “Their vehicles are lighter. Anyway, -I don’t know what a forest truck would be doing -here late at night. Seems sort of queer—”</p> - -<p>“I thought so myself!” Judy said quickly.</p> - -<p>“Let’s have a look-see,” Bart proposed. “Want to -ride down the hill with me? If you do, hop in!”</p> - -<p>Judy and Ardeth scrambled into the cab, taking -care not to step on Pete who was asleep on the floor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> -“Do you dare leave your milk route?” Ardeth -asked the young driver.</p> - -<p>“I’m ahead of schedule this morning,” Bart answered. -“I can take a few minutes. This is my last -week on the route anyway.”</p> - -<p>“You’re taking another job?” Ardeth inquired politely.</p> - -<p>By this time the milk truck had turned and was -moving slowly down the narrow, rutty road.</p> - -<p>“Not exactly,” Bart admitted. “I’ve saved enough -money to see me through a year of college. I’m laying -off because I want to do a little exploring before -I start in at school this fall.”</p> - -<p>“Exploring?” Judy repeated with interest. “Of the -cavern?”</p> - -<p>“That’s right.” Bart grinned, as he slowed down -for a bad hole in the road. “Folks hereabouts think -I’m crazy to spend so much time in a cave. It’s in -my blood, I guess! I’m planning on becoming a scientist -if I make the grade.”</p> - -<p>“Does Calico Cave have any bats or other interesting -birds or animals?” Ardeth questioned abruptly.</p> - -<p>“Hundreds of bats. You can see them clustered in -masses on the walls in one section of the cave, near -the entrance.”</p> - -<p>“Ugh!” Judy shuddered.</p> - -<p>“Why, they’re harmless,” Bart assured her. “I -suppose you think of a bat as a naked, winged creature -with claws that would catch in your hair?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> -“I never came very close to one,” Judy admitted, -“but I do feel that way about them.”</p> - -<p>“Like a great many folks, you do the bat an injustice,” -Bart returned. “Its little claws are used -only to provide a means of clinging to a rock wall. -Bats are afraid of people. They fly at amazing speed, -but they can dodge any obstacle.”</p> - -<p>“They sleep in the caves?” Ardeth questioned.</p> - -<p>“Yes, the bat, you know, is descended from an -animal that lived in a warm, uniform climate. For -some reason, the bat never has been able to adapt -itself to weather changes, so it hibernates in caves -which have an almost constant temperature.”</p> - -<p>“I’d give anything if I had a bat!” Ardeth announced. -“Just one!”</p> - -<p>“A bat? What would you want with it?” Bart -asked, rather amused by the remark.</p> - -<p>Ardeth told him about the nature treasure chest -at Pine Cone Camp. “Our unit hasn’t contributed -anything, as yet,” she added. “If I could get one of -those bats, we’d really be the talk of the camp.”</p> - -<p>“I think I can get you one,” Bart offered, glancing -at his wristwatch. “You’re serious about wanting -it?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, but I don’t want to delay you on your -run.”</p> - -<p>“If the bats are where I think they’ll be, I can -pick one off the wall in a minute or two,” Bart -promised. “Want to go into the cave with me?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> -“I don’t think we should without permission from -our leader,” Judy said quickly.</p> - -<p>“I can travel faster alone at any rate,” the young -milkman replied.</p> - -<p>As the milk truck rattled on down the winding -road, he talked enthusiastically about bats and their -habits.</p> - -<p>The creatures, he told the girls, had silky, translucent -wings and flew with astonishing precision.</p> - -<p>“I’ve seen ’em fly between water and ceiling -down deep in the cave where there was barely -clearance,” he related. “Now, if only I were a bat, -I’d explore that siphon!”</p> - -<p>“You shouldn’t even think of such a thing!” Judy -chided. “It would be frightfully dangerous.”</p> - -<p>Bart made no answer.</p> - -<p>“You’re not considering it, are you?” Judy demanded, -alarmed by his silence.</p> - -<p>“I’ve considered it for years,” Bart answered soberly. -“I think about it all the time, in fact. I’ve -just about decided—” he deliberately broke off, and -finished: “Now to tell you more about bats—they -hang to the ceilings by their feet, head down. Their -bodies are covered by their long, folded wings -when they sleep. One can pick them off the wall, -and they make no fuss.”</p> - -<p>“Ardeth, must you have a bat?” Judy tried to discourage -her.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, if I can get one without causing too -much trouble. But how will I get it to camp?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -Bart had pulled up at the end of the private road. -From the back end of the truck, he brought out a -cardboard box with a cover.</p> - -<p>“We can use this,” he suggested. “I may not get -a bat for you though. I haven’t long to ramble -through the cave this trip.”</p> - -<p>Tucking the cardboard box under his arm, the -cheerful young milkman stepped from the truck. -Alertly he gazed at a sizeable slick of oil on the -roadside, remarking that it evidently had leaked -from the parked truck.</p> - -<p>“Apparently, it stayed here quite a while last -night before turning around and pulling out,” he -added.</p> - -<p>“What would a truck be doing down here late -at night?” Judy speculated.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t know,” Bart answered with a shrug. -“Interesting question though.”</p> - -<p>He started off down the path which led to Calico -Cave. Before vanishing from view amid the bushes, -he paused to fling over his shoulder: “Don’t try to -follow me, even if I’m not back in a few minutes. -Wait in the milk wagon.”</p> - -<p>Ten minutes elapsed, then fifteen and twenty. -Eagerly the girls began to watch the path for their -friend to reappear.</p> - -<p>The rising sun beat down harder and harder on -the milk wagon, causing Judy and Ardeth increasing -discomfort. They became restless.</p> - -<p>“It’s taking Bart an awfully long time,” Ardeth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> -remarked uneasily. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have asked -him to get a bat for me. If anything should happen—”</p> - -<p>“He’ll be along soon,” Judy said. “I think I hear -him coming now.”</p> - -<p>She was right, for a moment later, the young -milkman emerged from the tunnel of branches at -the trail’s exit.</p> - -<p>“Did you get one?” Ardeth cried eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Sure did,” Bart responded.</p> - -<p>Coming over to the milk truck, he opened the -punctured lid of the cardboard box, so that the girls -could peep at the frightened creature flopping inside.</p> - -<p>“After you’ve displayed him at camp, better let -him fly away,” the milkman advised. “He’ll find his -way back to the cave.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I wouldn’t want to keep him shut up,” Ardeth -replied. “That would be cruel. I promise to let -him go by tonight.”</p> - -<p>“Fine!” Bart approved, climbing into the milk -wagon and starting the motor. “Now I want you -girls to make me another one.”</p> - -<p>“Another promise?” asked Ardeth, carefully holding -the box Bart had placed in her hands.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I want you to stay away from here unless -you’re with a forest ranger or some man.”</p> - -<p>“Away from the cave, you mean?” Judy questioned, -rather surprised by the request.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> -“From the cave, and also away from this private -road.”</p> - -<p>“But why?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you,” Bart said soberly. By this time he -had turned the milk truck around in the narrow -road and had headed it up the hill. “There’s something -going on here that will bear investigation.”</p> - -<p>“The truck tire tracks, you mean?” interposed -Ardeth, mystified by the remark.</p> - -<p>“At first, that didn’t seem very disturbing,” Bart -said. “But I’ve since made a discovery. That was -why it took me so long.”</p> - -<p>“You didn’t run into anyone in the cave?” Judy -asked quickly.</p> - -<p>“No, but someone has been there recently. Last -night probably.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know?”</p> - -<p>“Someone had trampled the path to the cave. Boot -tracks. Then inside the entrance chamber, I found -cigarette butts and long marks, showing where -heavy objects had been dragged across the floor. -Boxes, I’d judge.”</p> - -<p>“All removed?” Judy questioned.</p> - -<p>“Yes, no sign of anyone or anything in the cave -now.”</p> - -<p>“You think someone must have come here last -night in that truck and used the cave?”</p> - -<p>“Obviously, Judy. But don’t quiz me, because -I’ve told you everything I learned. I’m not venturing -any guesses as to who it was or why the person<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> -or persons came here late at night. My advice is -just to keep clear of the place until we can learn -what’s going on.”</p> - -<p>“Judy and I are returning to camp this morning,” -Ardeth informed the young milkman. “So even if -we wanted to prowl around, we wouldn’t have an -opportunity.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all to the good then,” Bart grinned. “There -may be no cause for alarm, but it’s just as well not -to take chances.”</p> - -<p>At the turn-off onto the paved road, he said goodbye -to the Scouts and resumed his milk route.</p> - -<p>Triumphantly, Ardeth and Judy bore their captured -bat to Calico Cottage where they displayed it -to Miss Meadows. Though they related how they -had obtained the creature, they did not repeat Bart’s -warning or mention what they had learned about -the big truck.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows seemed to have forgotten the disturbance -of the previous night completely. After -making a show of admiring the imprisoned bat, she -chirped:</p> - -<p>“While you girls were away, I cleaned the cupboards.”</p> - -<p>“They’re very neat and tidy now,” Judy said, -opening the double doors to inspect the rows of -china.</p> - -<p>“At the back of the cupboard, I found a key,” -Miss Meadows remarked casually. She produced it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> -from her apron pocket. “Apparently, it fits a door. -But which one I wouldn’t know.”</p> - -<p>Judy rocked back on her heels and looked quickly -at Ardeth. Neither spoke for a moment.</p> - -<p>Finally, Judy trusted her voice. Taking care to -keep it steady, to give no hint of her excitement and -hope, she said quietly:</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t be surprised if that key fits the cellar -door, Aunt Mattie.”</p> - -<p>“Why, it might at that.”</p> - -<p>Judy forced herself to speak casually, as if the -matter were of no great moment.</p> - -<p>“The key looks about the right size,” she remarked. -“Do you mind if I try it?”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xiv" id="xiv"></a><i>Chapter 14</i><br /> -<span>A FAMILIAR FACE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">MISS Meadows willingly relinquished the key -which she had found in the kitchen cupboard.</p> - -<p>Judy fitted it in the door lock and was elated -when it turned readily. Her pose of indifference -instantly dissolved.</p> - -<p>“Now we can get into the cellar!” she exulted. -“Whoopee!”</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows could not understand her niece’s -exuberance. The key was only an ordinary one so -far as she knew, and until that moment she scarcely -had noted that the basement was closed off.</p> - -<p>The opening of the cellar door had brought a -whiff of stale, cool air into the kitchen.</p> - -<p>Poised at the head of the long flight of stone -stairs, Judy peered down into the darkness. In vain -she groped for a light switch.</p> - -<p>“I guess the cellar never was equipped with electricity,” -she remarked. “I’ll get my flashlight.”</p> - -<p>She ran to the bedroom, returning a moment -later to find Miss Meadows regarding the stairway -with disapproval.</p> - -<p>“Need we go down there, Judy?” she asked to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> -discourage her. “Since the door was locked, the -cottage owner might prefer us to keep it so.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, we can relock the door,” Judy answered, -flashing her light over the rough brick wall along -the steep stairway. “First though, I want to see -what’s below.”</p> - -<p>Focusing her light upon the uneven stone steps, -she cautiously started down.</p> - -<p>“Watch your footing,” she advised Ardeth and -her aunt, who followed close behind. “These steps -are narrow and worn.”</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows remarked that the cellar seemed -very old in contrast to the new cottage.</p> - -<p>“It is old,” Judy agreed. “When Mr. Krumm built -the cottage, he tried to save money by using the -foundation of Captain Hager’s place.”</p> - -<p>Judy negotiated the stairway safely and waited -for the others at a jagged doorway which opened -into the main cellar chamber.</p> - -<p>The basement was very still, except for the shuffle -of the descending feet.</p> - -<p>“No musical chimes or the like?” Ardeth demanded -with a suppressed giggle as she reached -the bottom of the stairway.</p> - -<p>Moving through the stone archway, the three -found themselves in a large room. The chamber was -dry, but nevertheless gave forth a musty odor.</p> - -<p>The ancient brick walls were lined with shelves, -all of which appeared empty. In fact, the only visible -objects in the room were a half dozen old barrels.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span> -The casks lay helter-skelter, some on their -sides, and others up-ended.</p> - -<p>Judy deliberately walked around the barrels, inspecting -them closely and kicking at them with her -foot. All gave forth a hollow sound, which echoed -in the chamber room.</p> - -<p>Satisfied that every cask was empty, Judy next -turned her attention to a smaller storage closet off -to the left.</p> - -<p>“This must have been the fruit and vegetable -storage room,” she declared. “It’s been cleaned out -though.”</p> - -<p>The shelves were completely bare, and the roving -flashlight revealed only an undisturbed layer -of dust.</p> - -<p>“We’ve seen everything,” Ardeth said, losing interest. -“I think we should be getting upstairs. The -camp station wagon will be coming for us any minute -now.”</p> - -<p>It was well that they had cut short their inspection -of the basement, for within five minutes the -camp station wagon drove up.</p> - -<p>In a flurry to be off, Judy and Ardeth hurriedly -gathered their few belongings and the precious bat -from Calico Cave.</p> - -<p>“Now have a good time in camp and don’t keep -trying to look after me,” Miss Meadows admonished -as she bade the girls goodbye. “Drop by -whenever you feel like it, but don’t think you have -to stay here over night.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> -“I don’t like you to remain alone,” Judy began -only to have her aunt interrupt.</p> - -<p>“Nonsense! I’ll be all right. Now run along, and -enjoy your friends.”</p> - -<p>In truth, Judy was somewhat relieved to know -that there was no reason for the Scouts to remain -each night at Calico Cottage. Although the mysterious -flute sounds had not been explained, and might -never be, she and Ardeth had convinced themselves -that no danger lurked in the cellar.</p> - -<p>As for Bart’s warning not to go near the cave -without a male escort, Judy decided that to pass on -the admonition to her aunt, might only cause uneasiness.</p> - -<p>“Aunt Mattie never will set foot inside that cave,” -she reflected. “So why worry her needlessly? She’ll -probably never see those truck lights again.”</p> - -<p>At Pine Cone Camp a few minutes later, Judy -and Ardeth created a sensation by producing their -captive bat. The other Scouts generously credited -the Beaver Patrol girls with having the very best -treasure chest entry. Everyone was satisfied when -Miss Lubell announced that they had won the competition.</p> - -<p>“We certainly got in just under the wire,” Ardeth -chuckled, when informed that her bat had taken -first honors. “Now I’ll let him fly away, and hope -he returns to Calico Cave safely.”</p> - -<p>Making up for time which of necessity had been -spent away from camp, Judy had a wonderful day<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> -with her friends. She swam, went sailboating, and -in the late afternoon helped set the table for the -evening meal.</p> - -<p>Later that night, all the girls enjoyed a sing-fest -and took part in folk dancing.</p> - -<p>“What a grand day!” Judy declared blissfully as -she sought her tent a few minutes before the “lights -out” signal. “I hope Aunt Mattie doesn’t run into -trouble. I feel guilty, knowing she’s alone at the -cottage.”</p> - -<p>She dropped off to sleep quickly, determined to -check on affairs at Calico Cottage the first thing in -the morning.</p> - -<p>Judy’s intentions were the very best. Nevertheless, -she awoke late and was hard pressed to dress -and be on time for breakfast. Thereafter, she found -herself assigned to kitchen detail with Beverly and -Kathleen.</p> - -<p>The three spent until lunch time peeling apples -for pie and washing vegetables. Even after luncheon, -Judy did not get to a telephone, for the unit -leader hurried her off to her tent to prepare for a -hike.</p> - -<p>In connection with the hike, the Scouts planned -to visit one of the nearby ranger towers. A brisk -walk through the forest brought them presently -to a cleared area from which arose a tall, steel -framework.</p> - -<p>The Scouts climbed the steep stairway to a -glassed-in square observation room. A ranger, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> -had been poring over a map on a table, greeted -the visitors in a friendly way and invited them to -look about.</p> - -<p>After answering a number of questions, he showed -the girls an automatic fire-finder, an instrument -which permitted an observer to read with precision -both vertical and horizontal angles. By means -of the device, a newly discovered fire could be pinpointed, -and rangers immediately dispatched to the -area.</p> - -<p>“We have a network of ten observation towers -in this particular area,” he informed the Scouts. -“Even so all points cannot be viewed, so we find it -necessary to maintain ground patrols as well.”</p> - -<p>“Can one see Pine Cone Camp from here?” Judy -inquired.</p> - -<p>“No, the camp is one of our blind spots, unfortunately,” -the ranger replied. “Rest assured, it is -well protected though. Lowell Diethelm patrols -that area. His Forest Service car is equipped with -radio telephone. If he should observe a fire, he -immediately would notify headquarters. Ground -fighters would be dispatched at once.”</p> - -<p>“Do you have many fires here during the summer?” -Kathleen inquired.</p> - -<p>“Until this year, very few. Recently, we’ve had -a number of small ones, mostly along the main -highway. A few though, have been of mysterious -origin.”</p> - -<p>“Deliberately set?” questioned Judy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> -“We’re beginning to wonder,” the ranger answered. -“Carelessness, of course, is the underlying -cause of most fires. But incendiarism runs high too. -Now that so many summer campers and tourists are -pouring into the area, we have to be especially -watchful.”</p> - -<p>Before leaving the observation tower, the Scouts -studied the big topographical map and took turns -peering through the binoculars.</p> - -<p>“Well, come again girls,” the ranger invited as -they prepared to leave. “Be careful of your fires. -And remember, if you do see one, report it at once. -Discovery time counts for a lot.”</p> - -<p>Leaving the observation tower, the Scouts hiked -on for another mile and a half. By the time they -reached the Fountain Falls trail, everyone was beginning -to feel the first pangs of hunger.</p> - -<p>“When do we eat?” Virginia demanded.</p> - -<p>“Soon,” promised the unit leader. “I’ll get the -fire started while you girls see the falls. I obtained -a permit, so we’re violating no rules to build our -own.”</p> - -<p>The girls helped gather wood. Then, while the -fire was burning down to bright cherry coals, those -not delegated to watch, climbed a steep path to -Fountain Falls.</p> - -<p>A veil-like spray of water fell nearly thirty feet -to a rocky shelf below. Ferns and moss protruded -from cracks in the limestone rock.</p> - -<p>After admiring the sight for some minutes, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> -Scouts retraced their way to help with supper. Already -a huge tin can was warming on the coals, -filled with a fragrant chowder mixture of bacon, -onions, canned corn and potatoes.</p> - -<p>By the time Judy had toasted bread, the other -simple items of the meal were ready. The crisp -mountain air had given everyone enormous appetites. -However, there was sufficient food for everyone.</p> - -<p>Once the litter had been cleared away and the -last marshmallow toasted, the unit leader personally -supervised putting out the camp fire.</p> - -<p>She had the girls smother it with water brought -from the nearby creek. Then to make certain that -not a spark remained, she covered the dead coals -with a heavy layer of soil.</p> - -<p>“Now it’s time to hike down to Silverton,” she -advised the group as she consulted her watch. “The -time has gone very fast.”</p> - -<p>The downhill hike was comparatively easy and -the group made faster time than had been expected. -As a consequence, they arrived in the village at -twenty minutes to seven.</p> - -<p>“We’ll have a short wait until the station wagon -comes,” the unit leader told the girls. “It shouldn’t -be long though.”</p> - -<p>The group had been instructed to meet their -driver at Luke’s Cafe, one of the few business establishments -open after six o’clock.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, they went in, taking tables and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> -booths. Some of the girls ordered ice cream. Judy -finished hers quickly, and then left the booth to -pay her bill at the counter.</p> - -<p>Two men were seated on stools, drinking coffee -and munching hamburger sandwiches.</p> - -<p>Judy cast an indifferent glance in their direction, -and than looked again, more intently. One of the -men she had never seen before, but she was certain -she recognized the other.</p> - -<p>“That’s Joe Pompilli!” she thought excitedly. “The -man who was hurt in the truck accident! The same -hi-jacker that the State Highway Patrol wants to -nail!”</p> - -<p>As she considered what she should do, Kathleen -sauntered out of another booth. Judy signaled to -her.</p> - -<p>Once Kathleen had joined her, she informed her -of her suspicion.</p> - -<p>Kathleen studied the man that Judy pointed out. -“Yes, he’s the one we helped!” she whispered. “The -one who was called Joe!”</p> - -<p>“He’s wanted by the Highway Patrol,” Judy replied -grimly, her mind made up. “Kathleen, stay -here and keep your eye on those two men. Don’t -let them recognize you, if you can prevent it. I’m -going to slip out of here and telephone!”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xv" id="xv"></a><i>Chapter 15</i><br /> -<span>JUDY’S MISTAKE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">RUSHING out of the cafe, Judy scarcely knew -which way to go. Across the street, lights were on -at the corner drugstore, so she decided to seek a -telephone there.</p> - -<p>As she darted to the opposite curb, she spied one -of the forest rangers, who only that moment had -emerged from a barber shop.</p> - -<p>Judy had seen the Forest Service man several -times since her arrival at Pine Cone Camp and -knew that his name was Lowell Diethelm.</p> - -<p>Now, instantly recognizing his face and uniform, -a wave of relief swept over her. He would know -how to help her notify the State Highway Patrol -quickly!</p> - -<p>“Oh, ranger!” she called, for in the excitement of -the moment, his name temporarily fled from her -mind.</p> - -<p>“Yes?” The ranger turned to regard Judy with -intent curiosity.</p> - -<p>“Can you help me make a report to the State -Highway Department right away?”</p> - -<p>“Why sure,” the ranger replied. “What’s wrong? -An automobile accident?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> -Judy jerked her head to indicate the cafe across -the street. “Two men are in there eating lunch,” -she explained, trying to hold her voice steady. “I’m -sure one of them is Joe Pompilli!”</p> - -<p>“Not the hi-jacker?”</p> - -<p>Judy’s head bobbed excitedly. “I know he’s the -same one Kathleen and I helped the other day -when a truck went off the road. I want to get word -to the State Highway Department right away.”</p> - -<p>“Take it easy,” the ranger advised as Judy turned -as if to start off alone. “You’re mistaken, I think. -Joe Pompilli wouldn’t dare to show himself openly -here.”</p> - -<p>“It does seem a reckless thing for him to do,” -Judy conceded. “But I’m sure the man is the same -one.”</p> - -<p>“You must be wrong, but to prove it I’ll go over -with you to the cafe,” Diethelm offered.</p> - -<p>Crossing the street, Judy and the ranger peered -in through the big plate glass window. The two -truckers still were seated at the lunch counter.</p> - -<p>“Which one do you say is Joe?” the ranger demanded.</p> - -<p>“The one with the square jaw, seated next to the -wall. I never saw the other man before.”</p> - -<p>Diethelm began to chuckle in a hard sort of manner -which grated unpleasantly on Judy’s ears.</p> - -<p>“Why are you laughing?” she asked. “Isn’t that -man Joe Pompilli?”</p> - -<p>“Not on your life. Both those men are truckers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> -for the Peoria Cartage Co., and they make this town -every few days. It’s lucky you ran into me before -you went blabbering your suspicions to the State -Highway patrol. If you’d accused those two of being -hi-jackers, they might not have liked it.”</p> - -<p>“But I can’t understand it, unless I was misinformed -by the state highwaymen,” Judy stammered, -completely crushed by the mistake she had made. -“That man certainly was hurt in an accident. He’s -wearing a wrist bandage and there are cuts on his -face! The other Scouts and myself gave him first -aid treatment.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know about that,” Ranger Diethelm replied -with a shrug. “The state patrolmen either -made a mistake in identifying him, or gave you the -wrong dope.”</p> - -<p>“Shouldn’t I call Highway headquarters to make -sure?”</p> - -<p>“You’ll be making a silly mistake if you do,” -warned the ranger. “A mistake that will make your -Scout organization the laughing stock of the community. -Take my word for it, those two men are -Jim Brady and Donald Fine, two highly respected -truckers. But go ahead if you want to make the -call.”</p> - -<p>Lowell Diethelm’s words, and particularly his -air of amusement, robbed Judy of all desire to risk -action which might hold up her organization to -possible ridicule.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> -She hesitated. The ranger mistook her silence for -unwillingness to follow his suggestion.</p> - -<p>“Instead of trying to track down criminals, you -Scouts would do better to look after affairs around -your own camp,” he said cuttingly.</p> - -<p>“Why, what do you mean?” asked Judy, startled. -She had detected a hostile note in the ranger’s -voice.</p> - -<p>“You girls should be more careful about starting -camp fires.”</p> - -<p>“We’re always careful,” Judy insisted indignantly.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you have a fire this afternoon at Fountain -Falls?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but we were granted a permit. We took -great care with our fire, dousing the coals with -water and covering the dead ashes with dirt as an -added precaution.”</p> - -<p>“Well, not thirty minutes ago, our spotter at -Tower 32 reported a small fire close to the Falls. -Fortunately, it was put out before it spread.”</p> - -<p>“It couldn’t have been our fire, and we shouldn’t -be blamed for it,” Judy said, her eyes flashing.</p> - -<p>“Some member of your party may have dropped -a lighted match.”</p> - -<p>“None of us had any. Only our leader carried -matches.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I don’t know how the fire started,” the -ranger admitted. “Just be more careful, that’s all. -Now about reporting this trucker you think is Joe -Pompilli—”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> -“I guess I must have made a mistake,” Judy -mumbled. “Sorry to have bothered you.”</p> - -<p>“No trouble at all,” Diethelm replied, as he -smiled as if suddenly relieved. “We rangers always -try to be of service. Watch those fires now!”</p> - -<p>Tipping his broad-brimmed hat, he sauntered on -down the darkening street.</p> - -<p>With mingled feelings, Judy was watching the -retreating figure. Humiliated that she had made a -mistake in identifying Joe Pompilli, she nevertheless -was annoyed at the ranger for trying to accuse -the Scouts in connection with a newly discovered -fire.</p> - -<p>“I think he dragged that in just to bother me,” -she thought resentfully. “But why should he take -such an attitude?”</p> - -<p>As Judy stood by the cafe window, wondering -what to do, Kathleen signaled to her from the inside. -Her friend’s meaning was not immediately -clear. Then she comprehended that the two truckers -were paying their bill, preparatory to leaving the -cafe.</p> - -<p>“I’ll have to let them go,” Judy decided. “Nothing -else to do.”</p> - -<p>A moment later the two truckers came outside. -Judy did not try to stop them, but they passed almost -in front of her.</p> - -<p>The one she had taken to be Joe Pompilli gazed -squarely at her. Involuntarily, he half stopped.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> -Then, deliberately turning his gaze away, he went -on.</p> - -<p>“He recognized me!” Judy thought, her pulse -pounding. “I know he was that same man Kathleen -and I helped on the road. He was called Joe too!”</p> - -<p>Ignoring the girl entirely, the two men went on. -Judy saw them get into a truck which bore the -Peoria Cartage Co., name on its side. A moment -before they drove away, she jotted down the license -number.</p> - -<p>She had just finished scribbling the numbers on -the back of an old envelope, when Kathleen joined -her.</p> - -<p>“What happened?” her friend demanded. “I -thought you were going to have those men arrested. -Couldn’t you reach the Highway Patrol station?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t try,” Judy confessed ruefully.</p> - -<p>“You didn’t try? Why not?”</p> - -<p>Judy recounted her conversation with the ranger.</p> - -<p>“He talked me out of it,” she concluded. “I can’t -help thinking I made a mistake too. I wish I’d -ignored his advice. It’s too late now, of course.”</p> - -<p>“I know that man was the same one we met,” -Kathleen insisted.</p> - -<p>“I’m sure of it too,” Judy nodded. “Ranger Diethelm -insists he’s an ordinary trucker and his name -is either Jim Brady or Donald Fine.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that doesn’t fit in with what we learned,” -Kathleen declared, shaking her head. “That man -was called Joe by his friend.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> -“I know,” Judy agreed with a deep sigh. “I’m all -mixed up. I guess the best thing to do is to forget -those hi-jackers and let the state patrol handle the -situation. I’ve made a mess of it!”</p> - -<p>“No such thing,” Kathleen insisted loyally. “We -may have made a mistake, but if so, it wasn’t our -fault. We must have acted on mis-information.”</p> - -<p>Judy grinned and squeezed her friend’s hand. -“You’re a dear,” she said, “always bucking up my -morale. Do me a favor?”</p> - -<p>“Of course.”</p> - -<p>“Then, let’s keep this little episode to ourselves. -The other Scouts didn’t hear about it?”</p> - -<p>“No, I didn’t say a word to anyone. I just kept -out of view and watched those two men as you suggested.”</p> - -<p>“Good!” Judy drew a relieved sigh. “If this gets -out on me, my name will be mud! You know, I’m -already being teased at Pine Cone Camp because -of the Calico Cottage ghost!”</p> - -<p>“We’re all taking a ribbing because of that boy -with the flute,” Kathleen admitted. “Any theory as -to what causes the strange sounds?”</p> - -<p>“No, not yet,” Judy replied. “Everything was -quiet the last night I spent at the cottage. I’m wondering -though, how Aunt Mattie got along last evening?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps our driver will stop at the cottage for a -few minutes, so we can check.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> -“I intend to ask him,” Judy returned. “It must -be seven o’clock now.”</p> - -<p>“It is,” Kathleen agreed, “and our driver is coming -now!”</p> - -<p>She had sighted the familiar camp station wagon -rounding a corner. It waited for a traffic light and -then came on, to park in front of the restaurant.</p> - -<p>The driver had been instructed to make two trips, -as not all of the girls could be seated in the vehicle. -Accordingly, he designated those who should remain -behind.</p> - -<p>Judy, Kathleen and other members of the Beaver -Patrol, managed to find a place for themselves in -the first load.</p> - -<p>On short time, the driver told Judy he could not -possibly wait at Calico Cottage. However, he compromised -by agreeing to let her and Kathleen off -there, while he continued on to camp. Then on the -second trip, he would pick them up.</p> - -<p>“Fine and dandy!” Judy approved. “That will -give us nearly an hour to talk to Aunt Mattie and -make certain everything is all right.”</p> - -<p>The station wagon climbed the darkening mountain -road, presently halting near the cottage. As -Kathleen and Judy alighted, they noticed that lights -blazed everywhere inside the dwelling.</p> - -<p>“Aunt Mattie is here all right!” Judy remarked, -leading the way across the lawn. “I wonder why -she has all the lights burning?”</p> - -<p>“So early too,” Kathleen added.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span> -Even before the Scouts reached the front door, -it was flung open by Miss Meadows, who had noted -the arrival of the station wagon.</p> - -<p>“Oh, I’m so glad you came!” the woman exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Her face seemed drained of all color, and her -eyes had a frightened look.</p> - -<p>“Why, Aunt Mattie!” Judy exclaimed. “Is anything -wrong?”</p> - -<p>“This dreadful cottage!”</p> - -<p>“You’ve been hearing music?” Judy surmised.</p> - -<p>“Music?”</p> - -<p>“What was it that upset you?” Judy asked, realizing -she had made a poor guess. “Not another -one of those mysterious telephone calls?”</p> - -<p>“No! No!” Miss Meadows stepped back so that -the girls might enter the cottage. “Just come in,” -she invited. “Then you’ll hear for yourselves, and -I won’t need to explain!”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xvi" id="xvi"></a><i>Chapter 16</i><br /> -<span>ANOTHER DISTURBANCE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">SCARCELY knowing what to expect, Judy and -Kathleen entered Calico Cottage. Everything appeared -quite normal, except that a chair in the -kitchen had been overturned.</p> - -<p>“I upset it myself,” Miss Meadows explained. “I—I -was rather excited, I’m afraid.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us what happened, Aunt Mattie,” Judy -urged. “What disturbed you?”</p> - -<p>“It was a dreadful sound from the basement. A -sort of moan as if someone were in pain. And then -to top it, there came a series of loud thumps, very -much like muffled thunder.”</p> - -<p>“That couldn’t have been someone setting off -dynamite at a distance?” Kathleen suggested. “I -know the rangers were blasting trees in the park -area.”</p> - -<p>“This sound came from the cellar,” Miss Meadows -insisted.</p> - -<p>“How long ago, Aunt Mattie?” questioned Judy.</p> - -<p>“About ten minutes, I’d judge.”</p> - -<p>“Did you go down there to check?”</p> - -<p>“To the cellar?” Miss Meadows demanded. “I -most assuredly did not!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> -“Then I guess the job is up to us,” Judy said, -looking directly at Kathleen. “Where’s that key?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think you should go down into that -dreary hole,” Miss Meadows protested.</p> - -<p>“Nonsense, Aunt Mattie! We investigated once -before, and everything was all right. You’ve not had -the door unlocked since?”</p> - -<p>“Absolutely, not. I’ve been here at the cottage -all the while too.”</p> - -<p>“Then no one could be down there.”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t imagine those weird sounds,” Miss -Meadows said. “If you had been here—”</p> - -<p>Suddenly she stiffened. From beneath the kitchen -floor there issued forth a series of muffled -thuds.</p> - -<p>“Hear it?” Miss Meadows whispered, staring fixedly -at the locked cellar door.</p> - -<p>The sound ceased and the cottage was as quiet as -before. Judy and Kathleen stood transfixed, dreading -to take the action which they felt they must.</p> - -<p>“Where’s that key?” Judy finally murmured, groping -for it on the high kitchen shelf.</p> - -<p>“Don’t go down there,” Miss Meadows advised -nervously. “It might be dangerous.”</p> - -<p>“It’s worse not to investigate,” Judy insisted. “You -can’t stay here and live in constant dread.”</p> - -<p>Her fingers closed upon the key. She unlocked -the door, but hesitated as she peered down the -dark stairway.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> -“Do you have a flashlight?” she asked Kathleen, -who huddled at her elbow.</p> - -<p>“In my knapsack,” Kathleen replied. “But I left -it on the station wagon, never thinking I’d want it -here.”</p> - -<p>“There are candles on the shelf,” Miss Meadows -remembered. “I’ll get one, if you insist on going -down there. I’d rather just move out of this place -though!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know where you’ll find another cottage -on short notice,” Judy told her regretfully. “Everything -around here has been taken.”</p> - -<p>“I can go to a hotel.”</p> - -<p>“The closest one is eighteen miles away. Aunt -Mattie, I don’t like to urge you to stay, but there -must be a logical explanation for these strange -noises. I mean to find it too! Let me have one of -those candles.”</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows found it for her, and lighted the -wick.</p> - -<p>“Watch the drip of the wax,” she advised, “or -you’ll burn your hand.”</p> - -<p>The glowing candle made a flickering, ghostly -circle of light on the rough walls of the stairway.</p> - -<p>Resolutely, Judy started down. Close behind her -came Kathleen, while Miss Meadows unwillingly -brought up the rear.</p> - -<p>Judy descended a half dozen steps, only to pause. -A slight breath of air caused the candle to waver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> -and nearly go out. And at the same moment, she -caught an unpleasant odor which seemed to rise -from the darkness below.</p> - -<p>“Mercy!” gasped Miss Meadows, as she too -sniffed the air.</p> - -<p>The musty scent became stronger as the three -went on down. Judy localized it in the main cellar -room, toward the south east wall.</p> - -<p>However, in slowly moving the candle about, she -could find no cause for the unpleasant odor.</p> - -<p>“It’s such a strange smell,” Kathleen commented -with a nervous shiver. “A sort of stale air scent. But -from where does it come?”</p> - -<p>Judy asked Kathleen to hold the candle. Carefully, -she ran her hand over the brick wall, feeling -along the line of crumbling mortar.</p> - -<p>“There’s an opening here!” she suddenly exclaimed. -“I can feel cool air coming in!”</p> - -<p>Excited by Judy’s discovery, Kathleen held the -candle higher.</p> - -<p>As she raised it in line with the brick which -Judy’s exploring hand had found, a direct current -of air extinguished the flame.</p> - -<p>The three were left in total darkness.</p> - -<p>“I’ll get some matches,” Miss Meadows said -eager to be out of the basement. “But is there any -need to explore further? Haven’t we discovered -everything there is to learn?”</p> - -<p>“Not quite everything,” said Judy. “We’ve learned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span> -where that musty odor comes from though. It is -being blasted in through the broken mortar.”</p> - -<p>“How strange,” Kathleen murmured. “Shouldn’t -there be solid dirt or rock behind these walls and -under the floor?”</p> - -<p>“One would think so,” Judy agreed thoughtfully, -“unless—”</p> - -<p>“There might be a tunnel connected with the -cottage!” Kathleen speculated.</p> - -<p>“A tunnel, possibly tied up with Calico Cave,” -Judy carried on the thought. “Even so, that doesn’t -explain those strange banging noises.”</p> - -<p>Leaving the girls alone in the cellar, Miss -Meadows went quickly for matches. She returned -promptly and the candle was relighted.</p> - -<p>This time, Judy was careful to shield it with her -hand so that it would not be blown out.</p> - -<p>In the uncertain light, the three were able to see -a faint, rectangular outline on the wall, which -marked a division between old and newer bricks.</p> - -<p>“At one time, there must have been an opening -here!” Judy asserted, elated by her discovery. “A -long while ago, apparently, the passageway or whatever -it is, was bricked over. Now that the mortar -is falling away, cold air filters in.”</p> - -<p>“From where?” Kathleen demanded.</p> - -<p>“That’s what we’ll have to learn, if we can. I have -a hunch Captain Hager might be able to supply -interesting information.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> -“I’ll bet he could at that!” cried Kathleen. “Since -he lived in the old house so many years, he must -have known about this bricked up place on the -wall. In fact, he may have closed it himself.”</p> - -<p>“The captain hinted that Mr. Krumm made a -bad mistake in building the cottage on the old foundation,” -Judy recalled. “I’m sure he knows a lot -about this place that he hasn’t told!”</p> - -<p>“Say, wouldn’t it be great if we could solve the -mystery before we leave Pine Cone Camp? You’d -win a rental bonus too from Mr. Krumm, Judy!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care about that part, but it would be fun -to hit upon an explanation for everything that’s -happened here. The thing that puzzles me most is -that boy with the flute—”</p> - -<p>“Boy with a flute?” Miss Meadow interposed, her -voice rising.</p> - -<p>Judy regretted her slip of tongue. Nevertheless, -having made the mistake, she could do no less than -tell her aunt about the strange musical notes which -had startled the Scouts during the night they had -spent at the cottage.</p> - -<p>“What manner of place have I rented?” Miss -Meadows gasped. “Is the cottage haunted?”</p> - -<p>“By the spirit of the White Witch,” Judy said -with a giggle. Then, becoming sober, she added: -“I’m sure there’s no danger here, Aunt Mattie. Even -so, you mustn’t stay another night. Come with us to -Pine Cone Camp. We’ll find a bed for you, and -tomorrow we can start looking for another cottage.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -“And have everyone say I was frightened away?” -Miss Meadows reproved her niece. “The very idea!”</p> - -<p>“You mean you’re willing to stay?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I intend to,” Miss Meadows announced -firmly. “At least for a day or so.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll remain with you,” Judy offered. “Not that -I’ll be any protection.”</p> - -<p>To her surprise, Miss Meadows turned her aside. -“No,” she told Judy, “you’ve already lost a great -deal of camp fun on my account. You’re not to -worry about me any more, or Calico Cottage.”</p> - -<p>“But to leave you alone—”</p> - -<p>“I’ll manage,” Miss Meadows said dryly. “Let’s -go upstairs now, or you girls will miss your station -wagon.”</p> - -<p>“Goodness, I forgot about the driver calling for -us!” Kathleen exclaimed. “We’ve been down here -in the cellar quite a while.”</p> - -<p>Hastily, the three ascended to the main floor of -the cottage. Miss Meadows locked the cellar door -and replaced the key on the cupboard shelf.</p> - -<p>“I intend to forget about those stupid noises,” -she asserted. “It will take a very powerful ghost indeed -to dislodge me from my bed tonight.”</p> - -<p>Greatly relieved that her aunt was taking such a -matter-of-fact view of an unpleasant situation, Judy -said no more about the disturbances. She and Kathleen -began to watch for the camp station wagon, -and ten minutes later, saw its headlights wink in -signal from the main road.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span> -“Goodbye, Aunt Mattie,” Judy said, giving her -a hasty peck on the cheek. “If anything should go -wrong tonight, you’ll call me at Pine Cone Camp?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll call the police,” Miss Meadows threatened. -“Now run along, and enjoy yourselves.”</p> - -<p>Enroute back to camp, Judy and Kathleen did -not report their experience at Calico Cottage. During -the drive up the mountain, they were somewhat -silent, but the others took it for granted that the two -girls were worn out from the day’s hike.</p> - -<p>In truth, Judy was very tired. Even before the -“lights out” signal, she was snug in her cot, with the -warm blankets tucked around her ears.</p> - -<p>“I feel as if I could sleep until noon tomorrow,” -she murmured drowsily. “Is there any law, I wonder, -about skipping breakfast, and staying in bed?”</p> - -<p>If there was an answer to her question, Judy did -not hear it. She fell into a sound slumber, lulled by -the chirp of crickets.</p> - -<p>Sometime toward morning, Judy began to dream. -A confusion of images flitted through her mind. She -thought she was exploring a cave, that the White -Witch had come alive and was advancing toward -her in a menacing manner.</p> - -<p>In her dream, she became aware of a horrible -odor. The scent enveloped her, stifling her so that -she could not breathe.</p> - -<p>Awakening, Judy found herself battling the blankets -which she had pulled up over her head. She -laughed in relief. The White Witch was only a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span> -nightmare! There was no disagreeable odor—or was -there?</p> - -<p>Thrusting the covers aside, Judy sat up in bed. -Fearfully, she sniffed the air. The odor had not been -entirely in her dream! The air was chilly, filled with -an acrid scent she could not identify immediately.</p> - -<p>Then suddenly, Judy knew. She bolted out of -bed, the cold chills racing down her spine. The tent -was filled with smoke! The camp must be afire!</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xvii" id="xvii"></a><i>Chapter 17</i><br /> -<span>SMOKE IN THE WOODS</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">THOROUGHLY alert now, Judy awakened her -tent mates, warning them of the danger.</p> - -<p>“What’s this?” mumbled Ardeth, drugged by -sleep and unwilling to leave her comfortable cot.</p> - -<p>“Get out of here fast, unless you want to be -burned!” Judy said tersely, giving her a hard shake. -“The forest is on fire!”</p> - -<p>The other Beaver Patrol Scouts who shared the -tent, already were out of bed and dressing with -frenzied haste. Judy pulled on her own clothes, -aware that more and more smoke was swirling -about the canvas shelter.</p> - -<p>Once outside, she saw the source of the fire. -Heavy black smoke was billowing toward the camp -from the woods where duff and debris were ablaze.</p> - -<p>Judy’s first moment of relief that camp buildings -and tents were intact, gave way to concern. The -surface fire was dangerously close. Fed by a light -but steady wind, the flames were moving toward -the camp with amazing speed!</p> - -<p>As she started for the adjoining tents to awaken -the girls there, a gong in the main dining room -sounded the first alarm.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> -Bong! Bong! Bong!</p> - -<p>Tent flaps went apart, and sleep-eyed Scouts began -to thrust tousled heads out into the cold night -air.</p> - -<p>“What’s up?” demanded Beverly, one of the first -Beaver Patrol girls to scramble into her clothes. “Is -the camp afire?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet, but it will be if we don’t work fast!” -Judy asserted. “Oh!”</p> - -<p>She uttered a little scream as a flying brand, -borne by the wind, dropped in the grass only a few -feet away.</p> - -<p>Badly frightened, she and Beverly ran to stamp -out the tiny flames.</p> - -<p>By this time, the camp was in confusion. Scouts -were pouring out of their tents, milling about, chattering -excitedly.</p> - -<p>Unit leaders quickly gained control of the situation, -ordering everyone to the main lodge assembly -room.</p> - -<p>Miss Lubell spoke tersely to the girls.</p> - -<p>“Now there is no cause for alarm,” she advised -everyone. “The fire is very close to our camp, and -the wind is in this direction, but rangers are on -their way here. I notified them by telephone. The -fire already had been spotted from the observation -tower.”</p> - -<p>“Will we have to evacuate the camp?” inquired -Miss Ward.</p> - -<p>“That depends entirely upon whether or not the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span> -fire quickly can be brought under control,” the -camp director replied. “So far, it is not wide-spread, -but the head is moving in this direction.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t we do anything until the rangers come?” -Judy interposed.</p> - -<p>“We can,” Miss Lubell said. “We can’t hope to -fight the fire, but we can take steps to keep it under -control. Each unit is to report to its leader and follow -her orders. We’ll wet down the tents and the -buildings to protect them from flying sparks. Then -we’ll make a fire break by clearing a ditch ahead of -the spreading flames!”</p> - -<p>Pouring out of the assembly hall, the Beaver Patrol -Scouts clustered about their unit leader and -Miss Ward. Under direction, they carried buckets -of water from the lake, dousing the walls of their -tents thoroughly.</p> - -<p>To be prepared for a quick evacuation, in the -event one was ordered, they hastily tossed their belongings -into suitcases.</p> - -<p>This done, they raced to the edge of the camp, to -assist counselors, who frantically had started to dig -a shallow trench or fire break.</p> - -<p>Using garden hoes, rakes, spades and other implements -at hand, the Scouts rapidly cleared a band -several feet wide between the camp and the spreading -ground fire.</p> - -<p>A few sparks were flying, but those which -dropped in dry grass, instantly were extinguished -by a unit assigned to that particular task.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> -By this time, the wind had spread the fire into an -elliptical shape. Inexorably, it crept nearer and -nearer the trench the girls were digging.</p> - -<p>“It’s going to be nip and tuck to save the camp,” -Miss Lubell gasped. “Don’t give up, girls!”</p> - -<p>Against the flames, trees were silhouetted as dark, -towering shapes. The sight was a terrifying one. -But even though they could feel the heat in their -faces, the Scouts kept doggedly at work.</p> - -<p>Then suddenly a cry went up.</p> - -<p>“The rangers!” cried a Lone Tree Scout. “They’ve -come!”</p> - -<p>Judy drew a deep, tired sigh of relief as she saw -the Forest Service truck roll in with fire-fighting -equipment.</p> - -<p>“Our job is done now,” Miss Lubell said, wiping -a smudge from her cheek. “We’ll let the men take -over. Everyone report in the assembly room.”</p> - -<p>The Scouts all checked in, and after washing up, -watched the crew of rangers attack the fire.</p> - -<p>A tractor widened and completed the ditch -started by the Scouts. This task accomplished, rangers -beat out some of the flames which had jumped -the “break,” and hooked up a power pump.</p> - -<p>Sleep was out of the question for the excited -Scouts. They kept in orderly groups, but remained -at the assembly room windows, watching every -phase of the efficient fire fighting work.</p> - -<p>The Beaver Patrol girls, those of the Lone Tree -unit, and the Oriole outfit, volunteered to help in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> -the kitchen. Gallons of coffee were prepared for the -rangers.</p> - -<p>“We’ve made enough for an army of workers!” -Judy laughed.</p> - -<p>The beverage was kept hot, ready to serve whenever -a tired fire fighter could leave his post.</p> - -<p>By four o’clock, the rangers announced that the -fire finally was under complete control. Relaxing a -bit from their arduous labors, the men took turns -dropping around at the kitchen for coffee and a -sandwich.</p> - -<p>Arthur Wentz, one of the first rangers to come, -praised the Scouts warmly for their well organized -efforts prior to the arrival of the forest service truck.</p> - -<p>“This could have been a bad fire,” he remarked. -“There are three types—surface, ground and crown. -But all start as surface fires.”</p> - -<p>Judy asked the ranger to distinguish between the -different classifications.</p> - -<p>“Surface fires, as the name implies, burn only the -loose debris on top of the ground,” he explained. -“That’s the type of thing we encountered here. -Sometimes, the fire eats down into the layer of undecomposed -material on the forest floor, and then -you have a ground fire. The most difficult of all are -those which spread into the trees, or the crown -fires.”</p> - -<p>“How do you suppose this one started?” Miss -Ward asked the ranger.</p> - -<p>“That’s hard to say,” he replied.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span> -Lowell Diethelm, the ranger Judy had met in the -village the previous evening, now tramped into the -kitchen. He had overheard Miss Ward’s question -and the reply.</p> - -<p>“It’s plain enough how the fire started,” he commented, -pouring himself a mug of coffee.</p> - -<p>“How?” Judy asked.</p> - -<p>“Someone from this camp has been careless about -fire.”</p> - -<p>A stunned silence followed the observation. Then, -almost as a unit, the Girl Scouts began to protest.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think that’s fair to say!” exclaimed Kathleen -indignantly. “Do you have any proof that the -fire was started by anyone in this camp?”</p> - -<p>“No proof,” the ranger admitted. “Just circumstantial -evidence. You girls had a cook-out last -night?”</p> - -<p>“We started a fire at Fountain Falls,” Judy said. -“You knew about that. We put it out too!”</p> - -<p>“Anyway, that’s miles from here!” Betty Bashe -broke in. “This fire started close to our camp.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly my point,” replied Diethelm. “Any other -cook-outs last night?”</p> - -<p>“Our unit had one,” spoke up a Scout from the -Lone Tree patrol. “We were accompanied by our -leaders though, and built our fire on a rock. Every -spark was extinguished before we left the spot.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what you thought,” Diethelm said, none -too pleasantly. “I’m not saying the Scouts started -this fire, but I do say, it looks rather suspicious. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span> -the fire hadn’t been reported so quickly, the entire -camp might have burned.”</p> - -<p>“That’s for sure,” agreed Arthur Wentz. “But I -think you’re being unjust to the girls, Lowell. The -fire may have been started by a carelessly dropped -cigarette or a match. Or it could have been deliberately -set.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?” Diethelm demanded, startled.</p> - -<p>“Just a little thought I had,” Wentz replied with -an odd smile.</p> - -<p>Diethelm seemed to have been made uncomfortable -by the remark and pursued the subject no further. -He gulped down his coffee and soon left the -kitchen.</p> - -<p>“Don’t take what he said too seriously,” Wentz -told the Scouts. “This camp has a good record. No -one knows how the fire started.”</p> - -<p>“I can assure you that it was not touched off by -any of our girls,” asserted Miss Lubell firmly. -“We’ve taken every precaution against fire.”</p> - -<p>Although heavy smoke still hung over the camp -area, the flames no longer were spreading. A ranger -was assigned to remain behind to watch the smoldering -debris. The others loaded their truck and -presently drove away.</p> - -<p>Worn out by their strenuous activities, the Scouts -returned to their cots to try to snatch a few winks -of sleep before dawn. Their eyes smarted, but tired -as they were, they were too excited to relax. Most -of the girls were relieved when the gong sounded as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> -a signal for them to dress again and assemble for -breakfast.</p> - -<p>Great quantities of hot chocolate, scrambled eggs, -toast and fruit, brought cheer to the Scouts. Nevertheless, -the main topic at the table was the unjust -accusation which Lowell Diethelm had leveled at -the organization.</p> - -<p>“I’ve never liked that ranger,” Judy remarked to -Virginia, who sat beside her. “I guess it’s mean to -say, because a Girl Scout should try to like folks, -but there’s something about him—”</p> - -<p>“I know what you mean,” nodded Virginia, -reaching for another piece of toast. “He doesn’t -seem friendly as the other rangers do.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t get over what happened today about -that trucker,” Judy went on, thinking aloud. “Suppose -I was right, and Diethelm was mistaken—”</p> - -<p>She broke off then, for Miss Ward had come into -the dining hall, and was signaling to her.</p> - -<p>“Judy, you’re wanted at the telephone,” the -teacher called. “Your aunt, I think.”</p> - -<p>Judy went quickly to Miss Lubell’s office. The -call must be important, she reasoned, else her aunt -would not have phoned at such an early morning -hour. She was afraid Aunt Mattie had learned of -the fire and was alarmed for her safety. Either that, -or the ghost of Calico Cottage had put in another -appearance!</p> - -<p>As she took down the receiver, her first fears were -confirmed. Miss Meadows was in a great state of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> -agitation, having been informed that a fire was raging -at Pine Cone Camp.</p> - -<p>“It was only a little fire, and it never reached our -camp,” Judy explained patiently. “Now don’t worry -one tiny bit, Aunt Mattie! Everything is all right -here.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s a relief,” Miss Meadows sighed. “I -confess, I’ve spent a dreadful night.”</p> - -<p>“No more disturbances, I hope.”</p> - -<p>“It depends upon what you mean by disturbances,” -Miss Meadows returned stiffly. “There were -no weird sounds from the basement. But other -things happened.”</p> - -<p>“What sort of things?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t tell you over the telephone,” Miss Meadows -answered. “Just come as quickly as you can -to the cottage!”</p> - -<p>And with that, she hung up the receiver.</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xviii" id="xviii"></a><i>Chapter 18</i><br /> -<span>AN URGENT CALL</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">IT was well after seven o’clock when Judy, accompanied -by Kathleen, arrived at Calico Cottage.</p> - -<p>The trip down the mountain in the station wagon -had not been without excitement. Less than a half -mile from the cottage, the driver had been halted -by state patrolmen, who had set up a road block.</p> - -<p>At first, the girls had assumed that motorists on -the main highway were being stopped because of -the fire which still smoldered in the Pine Cone -Camp area. Therefore, it came as a surprise to learn -that the road block had been set up for an entirely -different purpose.</p> - -<p>The state highway patrolman informed them that -a truckload of auto parts had been hi-jacked during -the night on a lonely stretch of road between the -towns of Silverton and Grove City, some miles -away. The truck was known to have followed the -mountain road, making for the state line, yet had -seemed to disappear into thin air.</p> - -<p>“Somehow those birds get wind of where our -road blocks are set up,” the highway patrolman had -said. “The hi-jackers have a hide-out. When we’re -not on their trail, they slip off the road somewhere -and wait until the coast is clear.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span> -The bold tactics of the hi-jackers were of intense -interest to the girls because of their own meeting -with two of the men believed to be members of the -gang.</p> - -<p>Nor had Judy erased from her mind the fact that -only a few hours earlier, she had seen the man she -believed to be Joe Pompilli.</p> - -<p>She was reflecting upon the matter as the station -wagon driver let the girls off at Calico Cottage. -Why, she wondered, had Lowell Diethelm been so -certain that she was mistaken in the identification?</p> - -<p>“He seemed honest enough in thinking that the -man was a regular trucker on the road,” she -thought. “But if I were right, and Diethelm made -a mistake—”</p> - -<p>Her reflections were interrupted by Kathleen, -who nudged her in the ribs.</p> - -<p>“Why so sober, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“I was just speculating on those hi-jackers, -Kathy,” Judy replied as they started across the dew-laden -lawn. “I’m more than half convinced that we -made a bad mistake last night.”</p> - -<p>“You think we let Joe Pompilli get away?”</p> - -<p>“We must have. Kathy, he and that other fellow -we didn’t know, may have been killing time at the -restaurant, waiting for that truckload of auto parts -to go through town! Then, they merely followed, -and picked the truck off at a convenient spot on the -road.”</p> - -<p>“That makes a nice sounding explanation,” Kathleen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> -chuckled. “But there’s one bad flaw in your -reasoning.”</p> - -<p>“Two of ’em,” Judy admitted with a grin. “First, -it doesn’t seem logical that Joe Pompilli would -dare show up in this area when he must know that -state highway patrolmen are on the alert.”</p> - -<p>“He was badly hurt in that accident too,” Kathleen -added.</p> - -<p>“Maybe not as seriously as we thought. The other -defect in my theory is that Lowell Diethelm positively -identified him as a regular trucker on the -road.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the part one can’t get around,” Kathleen -nodded soberly. “Either the patrolmen made a -mistake in identifying an ordinary trucker as Joe -Pompilli, or Lowell Diethelm has been misled.”</p> - -<p>“In either case, I guess it’s too late for us to do -anything about it now,” Judy admitted. “We had -our chance, and we muffed it.”</p> - -<p>Walking carefully so that they would not soak -their shoes with the heavy dew, the girls tramped -across the lawn to the back door of Calico Cottage.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows, who had seen them coming, flung -open the door.</p> - -<p>“I’m ashamed to have telephoned you,” she apologized. -“Have you had breakfast?”</p> - -<p>“An early one,” Judy replied as she and Kathleen -entered the warm kitchen. “If those are muffins I -smell, we can eat another one though!”</p> - -<p>“Blueberry muffins,” Miss Meadows smiled, peeping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> -into the oven. “You arrived at just the right -time, for they’ll be done in three minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Aunt Mattie, why did you send such an urgent -telephone message?” Judy asked abruptly. “You -said it wasn’t the ghost again.”</p> - -<p>“No, the basement was quiet enough last night.”</p> - -<p>“Then what did happen?”</p> - -<p>“I know you think I’m nervous and silly—”</p> - -<p>“No such thing, Aunt Mattie.”</p> - -<p>“It was those lights that bothered me again. Now -that it’s morning, I feel much better about it. But -last night, and until after I telephoned, I felt so -jittery.”</p> - -<p>“Lights on the private road?” Judy questioned.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows did not answer until after she had -removed the muffins from the oven. Then she said:</p> - -<p>“I awoke about two o’clock, I’d judge. I can’t explain -it, but I had a strong feeling that something -was wrong. I lay there in bed for awhile, listening. -I could hear the muffled rumble of a big truck engine.”</p> - -<p>“Nothing so unusual about that, Aunt Mattie. A -great many trucks pass on the main highway, even -at night.”</p> - -<p>“This truck didn’t pass,” Miss Meadows said impressively. -“I saw the lights flash past my bedroom -window. Because I was nervous and couldn’t sleep, -I got up and looked out. I saw the truck stop, and -the lights went off. Then the truck turned down that -old road.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span> -Judy and Kathleen had listened attentively to -Miss Meadows’ account. They exchanged a quick -glance but remained silent.</p> - -<p>“I suppose there’s no occasion to be bothered -about a truck turning down a private road,” Judy’s -aunt chattered on. “It shouldn’t worry me, I know. -But I kept imagining all sorts of things, wondering -if those men might be hi-jackers.”</p> - -<p>“Aunt Mattie, we don’t consider you one bit silly -to be nervous about it,” Judy said quickly. “You -didn’t telephone the state highway patrol?”</p> - -<p>“No, I thought of it, but after all, I didn’t know -but what the trucks had a right to be on that road. -It could have been loggers?”</p> - -<p>“How long did the truck remain on the private -road?” Judy asked.</p> - -<p>“So far as I know, it’s still there. I set up and -watched until dawn. Since then, I’ve been rather -busy.”</p> - -<p>“If the truck is still on that road, we should -check—” Kathleen suggested quickly.</p> - -<p>“I think we should,” Miss Meadows agreed. “I’d -have done it myself, only to tell you the truth, I -was afraid to go alone.”</p> - -<p>“Who wouldn’t be?” Judy backed her up. “When -do we start? Right now?”</p> - -<p>“No, finish your breakfast first,” Miss Meadows -urged. “Such nice muffins shouldn’t be wasted.”</p> - -<p>Their thoughts on the investigation before them,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> -Judy and Kathleen ate quickly. Miss Meadows -apologized for not having any milk to offer.</p> - -<p>“I ran out yesterday,” she remarked, “and the -new milkman always comes very late.”</p> - -<p>“The new milkman?” Judy repeated, nearly dropping -her knife. “What became of Bart?”</p> - -<p>“I understand he’s given up his job. The new man -told me that Bart quit because of something special -he wanted to do before the start of college.”</p> - -<p>“Something special,” mused Judy. “You know -what I think! Bart quit so he could thoroughly explore -Calico Cave!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, dear, I hope not,” Miss Meadows murmured. -“That sounds frightfully dangerous. You don’t think -he’d explore very far alone?”</p> - -<p>“I certainly do,” replied Judy. “From the little -Bart said to me, I’m sure he hopes to solve the mystery -of what became of his father. To do that, he’d -have to brave the siphon.”</p> - -<p>“Gracious! I never heard of anything so reckless!” -Miss Meadows gasped. “Why, the authorities -shouldn’t allow it!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t imagine Bart told anyone of his plan,” -Judy answered. “He’s thoroughly familiar with the -cave, and it would be safe enough for him to explore, -providing he didn’t try to go through the -siphon.”</p> - -<p>“Just what is a siphon?” Kathleen inquired.</p> - -<p>“As I understand it, a siphon is a tunnel through -the cave, with a submerged ceiling. If one were a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span> -good swimmer, as Bart apparently is, one might -dive and swim through it to open air on the other -side.”</p> - -<p>“That’s assuming that the tunnel wasn’t very -long,” Miss Meadows commented.</p> - -<p>“True,” Judy nodded. “It would be a terrifying -experience. Only a very courageous and foolhardy -explorer would attempt it.”</p> - -<p>“Bart’s just the type to risk it!” Kathleen asserted. -“I wonder when he plans to tackle the siphon?”</p> - -<p>“From what the new milkman told me, he may be -in the cave even now!” Miss Meadows said with a -shudder. “The mere thought of it frightens me.”</p> - -<p>“Bart knows how to take care of himself,” Judy -declared to relieve her aunt’s mind somewhat. “I’m -sure he does.”</p> - -<p>Breakfast over, Miss Meadows hastily cleared -away the few dishes which had been used. She refused -to let the girls wash them, insisting that she -would stack them in the sink for a good soaking.</p> - -<p>“Let’s explore the road to the cave now,” she -urged. “I’ll feel much better if I satisfy myself that -everything is all right.”</p> - -<p>“We could call the Forest Service or one of the -state highway patrolmen, if you’d rather,” Kathleen -proposed.</p> - -<p>“If the truck shouldn’t be there, or if it had a right -to be, I’d never live down the mistake I’d made,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> -Miss Meadows said. “No, I’d prefer to do a bit of -checking for myself first.”</p> - -<p>She put on her heavy jacket as protection against -the morning chill, and locked all the doors. The -three then crossed the main highway and turned -down the narrow rutty dirt road.</p> - -<p>The sun was showing itself through the tall trees, -as the explorers made their way down the steep -slope. Almost at once, Miss Meadows triumphantly -pointed to heavy tire tracks on the roadbed.</p> - -<p>“See, I was right!” she exclaimed. “Those tire -marks show that a big truck went down this road -last night.”</p> - -<p>“Apparently only in one direction too,” Judy -agreed. “This road dead-ends, so either the truck -had to turn around and come back, or it’s still down -there somewhere.”</p> - -<p>Quickening their pace, but becoming very quiet, -the three moved on.</p> - -<p>Presently they came to the end of the road.</p> - -<p>“No truck here!” Kathleen exclaimed, halting.</p> - -<p>“Here’s where it made a turn,” Judy said, pointing -to deep tire marks in the road and grass.</p> - -<p>Then she saw the truck itself. It had been driven -entirely off the road and parked in a thick clump of -bushes behind a shield of trees. Even so, the massive -vehicle was only partially hidden from view.</p> - -<p>While Kathleen and Miss Meadows waited -tensely, Judy cautiously crept through the bushes -to obtain a closer glimpse of the big truck.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span> -The cab was deserted. Had the truck run out of -gas perhaps, or was it being hidden there to escape -detection?</p> - -<p>Judy was quite certain she knew the answer, but -to confirm her suspicions, she circled the transport. -At the rear, she tried the big double doors which -gave access to the cargo. They were locked.</p> - -<p>Unable to learn more, she returned to report to -her aunt and Kathleen.</p> - -<p>“I’m convinced this is the truck that the highway -patrolmen want to stop,” she informed them. “After -the road blocks have been removed, the hi-jackers -may be able to slip out of here and get safely -away!”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, they won’t!” announced Miss Meadows -with grim determination. “We’ll tip off the state -highway headquarters! I’ll telephone.”</p> - -<p>“Someone should stay here to keep watch,” Judy -said. “The driver may return at any minute and try -to pull out.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so,” Miss Meadows agreed. “I—I guess -I’d better stay, while you girls telephone.”</p> - -<p>“No, you go to Calico Cottage,” Judy urged. -“Kathleen and I will wait here.”</p> - -<p>“You’re not afraid?”</p> - -<p>“No, you’ll have help here in just a few minutes.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll hurry as fast as I can,” Miss Meadows promised, -starting away. “Get into the bushes, and keep -out of sight until I’m back here with the law!”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xix" id="xix"></a><i>Chapter 19</i><br /> -<span>THE HIDE-OUT</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">LEFT alone, Judy and Kathleen crept into the -thicket at the left hand side of the road. The air -was damp and chilly and leaves dripped moisture. -In a very few minutes, the girls began to weary of -crouching in such uncomfortable positions.</p> - -<p>“That truck driver must have skipped out,” Kathleen -muttered. “It’s sort of silly to hide here.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so,” Judy replied, keeping her voice -low.</p> - -<p>“I wish we knew where the driver went.” Disregarding -caution, Kathleen straightened up from her -crouched position and carefully looked about.</p> - -<p>She could see a portion of the trail which led toward -Calico Cave. As she stood thus, a little dog -came into view, trotting from the direction of the -cavern.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s Pete!” Kathleen exclaimed, speaking -much louder than she had intended. “Do you suppose -Bart is somewhere near, or in the cave?”</p> - -<p>“He must be,” Judy agreed. She added in warning: -“But do quiet down. If we keep sounding off, -we’ll give our hiding place away to anyone who -comes along.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> -“Pete is onto it now!” Kathleen agreed in dismay.</p> - -<p>The little dog had halted alertly on the trail. -After sniffing the air, he left the path and came directly -over to the bushes where the two girls had -taken shelter.</p> - -<p>To their consternation, he began to bark and to -jerk his head, as if inviting them to follow him to -the cave.</p> - -<p>Judy seized the little dog, and tightly held his -jaws so that he could not bark.</p> - -<p>“This is a fine howdy-do!” she muttered. “Pete -will give us away if anyone is within a mile of here!”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose Bart could be close?” Kathleen -speculated. “Pete plainly is trying to get us to follow -him to the cave.”</p> - -<p>“If we let him go, he’ll set up a fearful clatter. I -can’t hold his jaws together forever either!”</p> - -<p>“Bart would be a big help to us if we could find -him.”</p> - -<p>“We could see if he’s at the cave entrance,” Judy -said reluctantly. “I don’t think we’ll find him -though, and we’d be leaving a good hiding place.”</p> - -<p>“We can be careful,” Kathleen returned. “Help -from the Forest Service or highway headquarters -should be coming quite soon.”</p> - -<p>Allowing herself to be persuaded, Judy followed -Kathleen from the leafy shelter. She kept tight hold -of Pete however, not allowing him to bark or scramble -out of her arms.</p> - -<p>The rocky path wound through the trees and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> -around big boulders. Presently, the girls were within -view of the dark entranceway to the cave.</p> - -<p>Judy halted, thinking that she saw a tiny wisp -of smoke emerging from the cavern. In that moment -of inattention, Pete made a convulsive movement -and before she could regain her grip, leaped -to the ground.</p> - -<p>Yipping excitedly, he ran toward the cave entrance.</p> - -<p>With a gasp of dismay, Judy thrust Kathleen -back into a thicket, and herself crouched behind a -rock.</p> - -<p>It was well that the girls took refuge, for Pete’s -loud barking had not gone unheard.</p> - -<p>A dark figure appeared silhouetted in the opening -of the cave. Judy could not see the face of the -heavy-set man, but she knew instantly from his -build that he was not Bart Ranieau.</p> - -<p>“There’s that confounded mutt again!” the girls -heard the man exclaim. “He’ll give us away!”</p> - -<p>“Slug him with a rock!” came advice from inside -the cave.</p> - -<p>The man in the entranceway, heaved a stone -which missed its mark by mere inches. Pete barked -the louder.</p> - -<p>“Put a bullet through him,” was the next gruff -advice.</p> - -<p>“Don’t dare,” the girls heard the reply. “A shot -would be heard too far.”</p> - -<p>“If we don’t get out of this hole pretty soon, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> -dog will have the whole town down on us,” the other -growled. “Quiet him somehow.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t pay any attention to him and he’ll shut -up,” the first man said. “If we can coax him in here, -I’ll wring his neck!”</p> - -<p>Pete did stop barking after a few more excited -yips, but canine caution kept him from going closer -to the cave. In vain the two men tried to coax him -into the cavern. Pete lay flat on his belly on the -path and whined.</p> - -<p>Finally, they abandoned the effort to get him inside, -and themselves moved back out of view in the -darkness.</p> - -<p>For a long while, Judy and Kathleen remained -motionless, afraid to stir lest they disclose their -presence. Both were convinced that the two men in -the cave were the hi-jackers, and that they merely -were waiting there until they safely could move -out their truck and stolen cargo.</p> - -<p>“We can’t stay here,” Judy finally whispered to -her chum. “Let’s make a break for it. If we’re seen, -we’ll have to run for our lives.”</p> - -<p>Moving stealthily, the girls slipped from their -hiding place.</p> - -<p>Pete saw them go and cocked his head attentively. -But to their intense relief, he did not bark -or try to follow them.</p> - -<p>Safely, the girls retraced their way to the private -road.</p> - -<p>Once there, Judy anxiously looked up the slope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span> -for a glimpse of her aunt or the assistance which -she hoped would come.</p> - -<p>“I guess we’ll have to hide in the bushes again,” -Kathleen proposed. “Pete may ferret us out too.”</p> - -<p>As the girls debated what action to take, Judy -saw that a green coupe had turned down the private -road.</p> - -<p>“A Forest Service car!” she exclaimed, over-joyed. -“Good Aunt Mattie! She must have put through -a fast telephone call to the ranger station. Our -troubles are over!”</p> - -<p>“I thought your aunt intended to call the highway -patrol headquarters,” Kathleen commented, -watching the approaching car with troubled eyes.</p> - -<p>“Maybe she called ’em both. At any rate, a forest -ranger is just what the doctor ordered!”</p> - -<p>Judy rushed out to meet the approaching automobile, -waving her arms to attract attention.</p> - -<p>The car drew up with a slight squeak of brakes. -Judy saw then that the driver was Lowell Diethelm, -and he seemed as surprised to see her and Kathleen -as they were to encounter him on the lonely road.</p> - -<p>“Did Aunt Mattie reach you?” Judy demanded.</p> - -<p>The ranger’s startled expression disclosed that he -did not know what she was talking about.</p> - -<p>“I guess Aunt Mattie hasn’t had time to get word -through,” Judy went on. “Anyway, you’re here in -time to nab those hi-jackers!”</p> - -<p>She and Kathleen then breathlessly told of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -suspicions, and pointed out the big truck which -had been hidden in the thicket.</p> - -<p>In their anxiety to tell the story clearly and fast, -neither girl noticed that Diethelm was watching -them in an odd sort of way, but not asking many -questions.</p> - -<p>When Judy finally ran out of breath, the ranger -motioned for the two girls to get into the coupe.</p> - -<p>“But aren’t you going to do anything about it?” -Judy demanded. “Don’t you intend to find out if -those men hiding in the cave are hi-jackers?”</p> - -<p>“Sure, I intend to do something about it,” Diethelm -drawled, “but I’m not foolhardy. We’re up -against a tough gang. There may be shooting. I -need reenforcements.”</p> - -<p>“I guess that’s right,” Judy agreed. Her gaze fell -upon the radio equipment in the ranger’s car. -“Couldn’t you call the ranger station?”</p> - -<p>“Sure,” Diethelm said again. “Sure. Come on, get -in, and I’ll take care of it.”</p> - -<p>Judy and Kathleen obeyed, sliding in beside the -ranger. He turned the car around in the narrow -roadway, heading it toward the main highway.</p> - -<p>“I’ll drive you up the hill,” he said. “It’s safer -that way. Then if there should be shooting, you’ll -be all right.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t we get word to the ranger station right -away?” Judy urged again. “Those men may decide -to try to pull out of here any minute.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> -“Take it easy,” Diethelm advised. “Let me handle -this, will you?”</p> - -<p>“Sorry,” Judy mumbled. “I didn’t mean to suggest—only—”</p> - -<p>“Only what?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing,” Judy replied shortly.</p> - -<p>Diethelm reached across, snapping a lock on the -door of the coupe. The gesture seemed careless -enough. Yet, why should he have reason to lock the -automobile? Judy, suddenly uneasy, glanced at -Kathleen and saw that her chum looked frightened.</p> - -<p>“So your aunt is telephoning the state highway -patrol station?” the ranger remarked easily. “How -long ago was that?”</p> - -<p>“Five—maybe ten minutes ago,” Judy answered. -She was trying hard to smother the suspicion which -had formed in her mind.</p> - -<p>“Your aunt went to the cottage to phone?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Judy hesitated and then said earnestly: -“Won’t you please call ranger headquarters now on -your radio telephone? It’s important to get help -fast. Aunt Mattie may have failed to get her call -through.”</p> - -<p>Diethelm smiled and flipped a switch on the -radio. He fumbled with it as he drove efficiently -with one hand.</p> - -<p>“Car 23 to Headquarters. Car 23 to Headquarters,” -he called.</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, Diethelm,” came the order from headquarters.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> -“Nothing to report, sir. No fires sighted.”</p> - -<p>“Any sign of the hi-jackers? They’re reported to -have headed into your patrol area.”</p> - -<p>Diethelm spoke clearly and in a detached manner. -“No sign of ’em anywhere,” he replied. “Inform -the highway patrol, they may as well lift the road -block. That’s right, sir. I’ve checked the area thoroughly. -No sign of ’em.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xx" id="xx"></a><i>Chapter 20</i><br /> -<span>TREACHERY</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">JUDY and Kathleen scarcely could believe that -they had heard the ranger’s radio message correctly.</p> - -<p>For a stunned moment, they sat in dead silence, -unable to comprehend what had transpired.</p> - -<p>Diethelm wore the inconspicuous pine tree badge -of the forest rangers, but he had never seemed -friendly or helpful as had the other Forest Service -men.</p> - -<p>Judy had sensed the man’s antagonism almost -from the first moment of their meeting. Until this -night, however, she had never actually distrusted -him.</p> - -<p>Now, as the meaning of his message to headquarters -penetrated her brain, she realized that he -deliberately had given false information to his superior -officers. Information which would aid the hi-jackers, -who awaited the lifting of the road block -to rush their stolen cargo across the state line!</p> - -<p>As the car climbed the steep incline, Kathleen -suddenly reached for the door handle.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t do that!” Diethelm ordered sharply. -“Stay in this car!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span> -“You’re making us prisoners?” Kathleen gasped, -shaken by the ranger’s treachery.</p> - -<p>“You asked for this,” Diethelm retorted. “If you’d -kept to your own affairs, no one would have bothered -you. Now you’ve poked your pretty little noses -in, you’ll have to take the consequences!”</p> - -<p>“Which are—?” interposed Judy. She was no -longer frightened, but smoldered with a deep, burning -anger.</p> - -<p>“I’ll drive you some distance from here and dump -you in the woods,” Diethelm informed her. “By -the time you find your way out, we’ll be over the -state line. This is our last haul.”</p> - -<p>“So you’re one of the hi-jackers!” Kathleen accused -shrilly. “A disgrace to the ranger uniform!”</p> - -<p>“I’ve not been in the service long,” Diethelm said. -“It means nothing to me. I adopted the uniform -only to serve my own purpose. For six months it’s -been a cinch to run cargo through, but lately the -state highway patrol has bottled up most of the -roads. We’ll move on to another state.”</p> - -<p>The car had reached the main highway. Judy -could see Calico Cottage through the morning mist, -but there was no sign of her aunt, or of any help.</p> - -<p>Everything was painfully clear now! The trucker -she and Kathleen had seen the previous night at the -restaurant, had indeed been Joe Pompilli. Either he, -or his runners now were at the cave, awaiting a -chance to slip their cargo over the state line. And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> -with the road block soon to be lifted, that chance -might come very soon!</p> - -<p>The coupe turned onto the main highway, and -started up the winding mountain road. Judy saw -Diethelm glance anxiously at the gasoline gauge.</p> - -<p>Her pulse leaped with hope, for she saw that the -pointer already stood on the empty mark, and was -giving only an occasional convulsive jerk.</p> - -<p>“We’re about out of gas,” Diethelm muttered.</p> - -<p>“No filling stations on this road for three miles,” -Judy said in satisfaction.</p> - -<p>“We rangers have supply caches,” Diethelm -dashed her hopes again. “My own private one is -just ahead.”</p> - -<p>A few hundred yards farther up the road, he -pulled off onto the right-of-way. Back among the -trees, Judy and Kathleen saw the gasoline supply -tank, marked with the Forest Service name.</p> - -<p>Diethelm reached for a can on the floor behind -the seat. As he got out of the car, he tapped the -revolver in his holster.</p> - -<p>“Now don’t you move or try to get out of this -car!” he ordered. “I’ll have my eye on you. I’m -warning that if you try to escape, I’ll shoot.”</p> - -<p>Diethelm then strode to the gasoline storage tank, -hurriedly starting to fill his can.</p> - -<p>“Lean forward—block off the window, so he -can’t see me,” Judy instructed Kathleen tersely.</p> - -<p>“He’s watching us. If we try to get out, I’m afraid -he’ll carry out his threat to shoot.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span> -“We can’t hope to get away,” Judy admitted. -“But there’s one outside chance we can get through -to ranger headquarters on the radio phone. I’m -going to risk it.”</p> - -<p>Now that she knew her friend’s scheme, Kathleen -obediently shifted her position, so that her back -temporarily shielded Judy from view.</p> - -<p>In an instant, Judy had snapped the radio phone -on.</p> - -<p>“Car 23 to Headquarters!” she called excitedly -into the transmitter. “Emergency call! Emergency -call!”</p> - -<p>“Headquarters to Car 23,” came the reply. “Who -the deuce is this? Diethelm—”</p> - -<p>“I’m a Girl Scout—held a prisoner in Diethelm’s -car,” Judy broke in. Aware that Diethelm himself -had dropped the gasoline can and was striding toward -the coupe, her words tumbled over each other -in her haste to get them out. “The hi-jackers are at -the cave! Their truck—”</p> - -<p>The car door was jerked open at that point, and -the radio phone ripped from Judy’s hand. Diethelm -clicked the switch off, pulling the girl bodily -from the coupe.</p> - -<p>“Now you’ve done it!” he snarled, shoving her -so hard that she fell to the ground. “Little fool!”</p> - -<p>Despite his previous threat, Diethelm did not -touch his revolver. His face contorted by worry, -he seemed uncertain what to do for a moment.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> -Tersely then, he ordered Kathleen out of the -car also.</p> - -<p>“Turn your backs and start walking into the -woods,” he ordered the two girls. “Keep walking. -Don’t look back or I’ll shoot.”</p> - -<p>Kathleen pulled Judy to her feet, and they slowly -moved off into the woods.</p> - -<p>“Walk faster!” Diethelm shouted.</p> - -<p>The girls obediently increased their speed, stumbling -as they climbed over fallen logs and other -forest debris.</p> - -<p>Moments passed, and Judy dared to look over -her shoulder. No longer could she see the car or -the roadway.</p> - -<p>But as she paused, she heard the roar of the -coupe’s engine.</p> - -<p>“He’s filled the gas tank and he’s pulling out!” -she declared. “Now to get help, if we can.”</p> - -<p>Hurrying back the way they had come, the girls -reached the roadside in time to see the coupe disappearing -around a curve in the direction from -which it had come.</p> - -<p>“He’s going back to the cave to warn the hi-jackers!” -Judy guessed shrewdly. “He must know I -got through to the ranger headquarters!”</p> - -<p>“Then that means that the hi-jackers probably -will try to move their truck out now!” Kathleen -exclaimed. “They may make it too, because it isn’t -far to the state line and the road block probably has -been lifted.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span> -“We must stop them somehow! Let’s get back -to Calico Cottage as fast as we can!”</p> - -<p>They pounded down the road, hoping as they -ran that a car would come along. None did. In -Diethelm’s coupe, the distance they had traveled -from the junction with the private road had seemed -very short. Now, the reverse was true.</p> - -<p>Though the distance could not be more than a -third of a mile, it seemed endless to the two Scouts. -Alternately running and dog-trotting, they finally -reached Calico Cottage, winded and perspiring.</p> - -<p>As they crossed the yard, Miss Meadows came -to meet them.</p> - -<p>“I’ve had such a time,” she began. “At first, I -couldn’t get my call through. Why, what’s happened?”</p> - -<p>Judy explained only briefly. She cut her story -short by demanding: “Aunt Mattie, how soon do -you think help will get here?”</p> - -<p>“Ten minutes or longer. My call just went through. -Before that the line was busy, and I couldn’t get -the operator to understand that this was an emergency!”</p> - -<p>“Ten minutes!” Judy groaned. “That will give -Diethelm all the time he needs to warn those men!”</p> - -<p>“I saw a ranger car turn down the private road -quite awhile ago,” Miss Meadows contributed.</p> - -<p>“That was Diethelm,” Judy said desperately. -“We’ve notified the ranger headquarters, but I -doubt they can get men here quickly enough either!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span> -“If only we could block the private road somehow, -so those hi-jackers can’t get their truck out!” -Kathleen exclaimed. “What could we use?”</p> - -<p>Frantically, the three looked about the premises, -but not an object was available which would offer -an impediment to a powerful truck.</p> - -<p>“The clothesline,” Miss Meadows suggested -doubtfully. “We could tie it to trees, across the -road.”</p> - -<p>“It would snap in an instant,” Judy said. “I doubt -even a wire would delay them.”</p> - -<p>“Then there’s nothing we can do,” Miss Meadows -said desperately. “Absolutely nothing.”</p> - -<p>“Nails?” proposed Kathleen. “We could throw -them on the road and hope they’d spear the tires.”</p> - -<p>“There’s a can of nails on the porch,” Miss Meadows -supplied eagerly. “The carpenter who must -have built this cottage, apparently left them.”</p> - -<p>“It’s an idea,” Judy said slowly, “but it won’t -work. Those big truck tires would roll right over -the nails without a puncture. Not even glass would -cut them.”</p> - -<p>“I guess that’s right,” Miss Meadows admitted, -crestfallen. “Oh, it’s hopeless.”</p> - -<p>Judy, however, had a different idea. She was gazing -speculatively at the “Welcome” mat on the -doorstep.</p> - -<p>“I think I know of a way to stop that truck if it -tries to come through!” she cried. “My scheme is -fantastic, but I’m sure it will work!”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxi" id="xxi"></a><i>Chapter 21</i><br /> -<span>TRUCKER’S WELCOME</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">“HOW can we stop the truck if it tries to come -through?” Kathleen demanded eagerly. “What is -your idea, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“You gave it to me yourself, when you mentioned -dropping nails on the road,” Judy answered. “That -wouldn’t do the trick, I’m sure, but I know what -will! This rubber door mat!”</p> - -<p>She stooped to pick up the dusty “Welcome” -mat. As Kathleen and her aunt gazed at the object -in bewilderment, she hastened to reveal what she -had in mind.</p> - -<p>“We can spear the nails through the mat so they’ll -stand upright! When the tires pass over them, they -can’t miss.”</p> - -<p>“That should do it!” Miss Meadows approved.</p> - -<p>“Judy, you’re a gem!” laughed Kathleen. “What -a brain!”</p> - -<p>“No brain, just a memory,” Judy corrected. “I -recall hearing a filling station serviceman relate -how vandals once damaged big truck tires that way. -I’m sure it will work if we can do it!”</p> - -<p>“I’ll get the nails,” Miss Meadows said, starting -away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> -In a moment she returned with an assortment in -a tin can. As fast as they could, the three punctured -the rubber mat, forcing the nails through so that -their sharp points were upright.</p> - -<p>“Listen!” cried Judy suddenly.</p> - -<p>She had heard the roar of a powerful motor -starting far down the private road.</p> - -<p>“It’s the truck!” Kathleen exclaimed. “It’s coming, -and we don’t have half enough nails in this -mat!”</p> - -<p>“There will be enough if the tires hit it,” Judy -declared. “The important thing is to get it placed, -and fast! Come on!”</p> - -<p>Without waiting for Kathleen or her aunt, she -raced for the entrance to the private road.</p> - -<p>She could not see the big truck which was hidden -by the curves of the rutty thoroughfare, but she -could tell from the roar of the engine, that it was -coming as fast as it could climb the steep slope. -Evidently, Diethelm had warned the hi-jackers, -and knowing that delay would be fatal, they were -making a run for it!</p> - -<p>Judy had no time to deliberate where she would -lay the mat. She dropped it on the right hand side -of the road, directly across an old truck track.</p> - -<p>If the driver saw the mat, he could swerve to -miss it. She was depending though upon the sharp -curve, figuring that the truck would come around -it fast, and that the big transport would roll over -the nails before they could be seen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> -Kathleen and Miss Meadows already had screened -themselves behind the bushes lining the private -road. Judy scarcely had time to slide in beside them, -when the massive transport careened around the -curve.</p> - -<p>The front wheel struck a deep rut and the truck -veered from the middle of the road.</p> - -<p>“They’re going to miss it!” Kathleen moaned, -gripping Judy’s arm so hard that it hurt.</p> - -<p>But the next moment, the driver brought the -truck back onto its course. Apparently, he had -failed to see the studded mat lying directly in the -path. Both front and rear tires rolled over the long, -sharp nails.</p> - -<p>Breathlessly, the three watchers waited. Nothing -seemed to happen.</p> - -<p>When the huge truck reached the entrance to -the private road, there was a loud hissing of air. -The transport began to wobble crazily. First the -front tire went down and then the one at the right -rear.</p> - -<p>“We’ve done it!” Judy laughed jubilantly. “We’ve -stopped them!”</p> - -<p>“But for how long?” Miss Meadows speculated. -“Don’t move, girls! Keep hidden! Those men are -in an ugly mood.”</p> - -<p>The two hi-jackers had leaped from the cab of -the crippled truck. As they beheld the disaster -which had befallen them, a car came up the hill, -pulling alongside. It was the Forest Service automobile,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> -driven by Lowell Diethelm. By mere inches, -the tires missed the nail-studded rubber mat.</p> - -<p>“Now what?” the ranger demanded furiously. -“Can’t you keep going and get out of here?”</p> - -<p>“Keep going?” one of the truckers snarled. “On -rims? We’ll have to abandon the cargo.” Diethelm -swung open the door of the coupe. “Get in!” he directed. -“We’ll try to get over the state line.”</p> - -<p>The possibility of the two hi-jackers transferring -to the ranger’s car had not occurred to Judy. Now, -convinced that her scheme had failed, she involuntarily -started to leave her hiding place.</p> - -<p>Miss Meadows held her back. “No, Judy!” she -warned. “We’ve done all we can! Those men are -dangerous. Let them go.”</p> - -<p>“Let them go,” Judy half moaned. “Oh, this is -awful! After stopping that big truck, to fail so miserably!”</p> - -<p>“We saved the cargo at any rate,” Kathleen reminded -her. “Furthermore, Diethelm hasn’t driven -off yet! I don’t think he will either!”</p> - -<p>The latter excited comment was made as she -saw two Forest Service cars sweep down the main -highway.</p> - -<p>Before Lowell Diethelm could pull away, the other -two automobiles had blocked the main highway.</p> - -<p>“Our fish are netted now!” Kathleen shouted gleefully. -“Who says your idea failed, Judy? It was a -grand one!”</p> - -<p>No longer fearful, the three came out of hiding.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> -Six rangers, two of whom the Scouts knew by -sight, had surrounded Lowell Diethelm’s car. They -had their revolvers trained on the two hi-jackers, -but Diethelm was trying to put up a convincing -story.</p> - -<p>“I captured these birds red-handed,” he said -glibly. “I was trying to get ’em to headquarters, -when they over-powered me. I’m sure glad you fellows -came along.”</p> - -<p>“Yeah?” dryly inquired Ranger Wentz. “Sounds -pretty phoney, Diethelm. You’ll have to think up -a better one than that to tell the chief.”</p> - -<p>By this time, Judy, Kathleen and Miss Meadows -had reached the ranger cars. As rapidly as they -could talk, they told the Forest Service men exactly -what had occurred.</p> - -<p>“You’re the girl who called over the radio phone, -aren’t you?” one of the rangers asked Judy.</p> - -<p>“That’s right.”</p> - -<p>“She stopped the truck too, by putting nails on -the road,” Kathleen added, very proud of her friend. -“What a ‘welcome’ that mat proved to be for the -hi-jackers!”</p> - -<p>Within five minutes, the rangers were reenforced -by state highway patrolmen, who had responded to -an alert. If there had been any previous doubt as -to the identity of the two hi-jackers, it then was -dispelled. State highwaymen definitely identified -Joe Pompilli, and recognized his companion as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span> -Porky Burns, a hi-jacker, who had operated in three -states.</p> - -<p>“Five or six drivers work this area,” a ranger told -Judy. “Joe’s the head of the outfit though. We may -never catch the others, but now that we have him, -the gang will fall apart.”</p> - -<p>“Joe was pretty reckless to keep working this -territory after he knew he was wanted,” Judy remarked. -“Especially after that truck accident, when -Kathy and I patched him up.”</p> - -<p>“Joe operates that way,” the ranger answered. -“He was dead sure of himself. First, he could depend -upon our double-crossing friend, Diethelm, -to tip him off as to road blocks.”</p> - -<p>“This private road to the cave must have been -used in emergencies too,” Judy added. “My aunt -saw the truck headlights on one of the nights that -the state highway patrol had put up its road block.”</p> - -<p>“Sure,” the ranger agreed, “it’s plain enough that -Diethelm tipped ’em off regularly. That’s probably -why they chanced making one last haul before -they moved to another locality. Pompilli had taken -pains to make himself known as a regular trucker -on the road, especially at Silverton and Grove City -where he was a good spender. He figured only the -state highway patrol could cause him any trouble, -and he took that chance.”</p> - -<p>The state patrolmen requested Kathleen and -Judy to accompany them to headquarters to make -sworn statements as to their knowledge of what had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> -happened. Eager to pin evidence on the two men, -they went willingly. They were questioned at -length, and in turn learned considerably more -about how Joe Pompilli and his gang had operated.</p> - -<p>“Without Diethelm’s help, we’d have cleaned -them out weeks ago,” a patrolman told the Scouts. -“He’s made a clean breast of his part in the mess to -the Chief forester.”</p> - -<p>“Diethelm has confessed?” Kathleen asked in disbelief.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he knew we had him dead to rights anyway. -Matter of fact, he’s rather remorseful, the boys -tell me. Diethelm’s a queer duck. It seems he made -a brilliant record in college and had a fine career -ahead of him as a forest ranger. But on his first -assignment, something went wrong. He ran into -personal trouble with his superior, and was reprimanded. -He couldn’t take it. So he brooded and -figured on a way to get even.”</p> - -<p>“Then the help he gave the hi-jackers was to -even an old score with another ranger?” Judy inquired.</p> - -<p>“Not entirely. It made him susceptible to suggestion, -shall we say. Diethelm was a weak character. -He wanted easy money. Joe Pompilli offered -it to him, and so he sold himself cheap.”</p> - -<p>“Diethelm even accused the girls in our Scout -Camp of being careless with fire,” Kathleen remarked -indignantly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, that matter came up,” the highway patrolman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> -said, reminded of it by her remark. “Diethelm -admitted to the chief ranger that on two occasions -he started small fires as a diversion. He wanted to -keep rangers and patrolmen occupied to give the -hi-jackers a better chance to slide their stolen cargo -through.”</p> - -<p>“Then the Scouts can’t be blamed for that fire?”</p> - -<p>“No, they’ve been cleared.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s a relief!” Kathleen laughed.</p> - -<p>“There’s one thing that puzzles me,” Judy said -thoughtfully. “When my aunt first moved into Calico -Cottage, someone telephoned—”</p> - -<p>“I can tell you about that too,” the patrolman -broke in. “Krumm’s cottage stood idle for quite a -spell. Now and then, Diethelm or members of Joe’s -gang would use the telephone. The cottage gave a -clear view of the entrance to the private road. A -couple of times, we think Joe and his truckers spent -a night at the cottage. Naturally, after your aunt -moved in, they had to abandon using it.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe that explains the ghost!” Kathleen exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Judy, however, shook her head. “I’m afraid not,” -she said. “At least I haven’t heard that Joe Pompilli -played a flute. Our ghost is an entirely different -matter.”</p> - -<p>By the time the two girls returned to Calico Cottage, -it was well after eleven o’clock. Miss Meadows -anxiously awaited their return. She listened attentively<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -to their long account of what had happened -in town.</p> - -<p>“I’m glad that’s over and we won’t be bothered -by weird lights on the road any more,” she declared -fervently. “If I weren’t so worried about Bart, I -could begin to enjoy my vacation here.”</p> - -<p>“Bart?” Judy repeated, startled. The excitement -of the morning had washed all thought of the young -milkman from her mind.</p> - -<p>“I took it upon myself to telephone his landlady,” -Miss Meadows went on. “Bart left his room early -yesterday morning, and he’s not been seen since!”</p> - -<p>“That might not mean anything serious, Aunt -Mattie.”</p> - -<p>“I talked with the other milkman this morning -while you were in town,” Miss Meadows continued. -“He thinks as I do, that Bart went into the cave.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe he went down into the cavern before -those hi-jackers parked themselves in the entranceway,” -Kathleen speculated. “Perhaps he didn’t dare -come out until they left. He may be waiting somewhere -in the dark passageway even now.”</p> - -<p>“That is a possibility,” agreed Miss Meadows, -instantly becoming more cheerful. She reached for -her hat and jacket. “I’ll go down there now, and let -him know that it’s safe to come out.”</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxii" id="xxii"></a><i>Chapter 22</i><br /> -<span>DESCENT INTO THE CAVE</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">JUDY and Kathleen would not allow Miss Meadows -to go alone to Calico Cave.</p> - -<p>Insisting upon accompanying her, they made -cheerful talk as they tramped down the now familiar -forest road.</p> - -<p>Moving along the narrow path far above the silvery -White River, Judy was the first to see Pete lying -at the mouth of the dark cave.</p> - -<p>“Why, he’s still there!” she exclaimed. “Poor doggie, -do you suppose he’s had anything to eat or -drink?”</p> - -<p>Pete lay upon his stomach, head between his -paws. A picture of utter dejection, he whined and -whimpered as the girls stooped to pet him.</p> - -<p>“Bart must be down in the cave,” Judy declared. -“Otherwise, why would Pete lie here and act as if -he’d lost his last friend?”</p> - -<p>The three stepped into the dim interior of the -cave. Judy cupped her hands and shouted Bart’s -name repeatedly.</p> - -<p>Her voice echoed weirdly through the cave, but -there was no answering call. If Bart had descended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> -into the cavern, it was evident that he was at a level -so far below that he could not hear the cry.</p> - -<p>“No, Judy,” Miss Meadows said firmly, as her -niece would have started down into the cave. “We -don’t dare explore alone. It’s unsafe.”</p> - -<p>“What should we do?” Kathleen asked, pulling -her jacket more tightly about her, for the air was -cool.</p> - -<p>“Bart may be safe enough,” Judy added anxiously. -“Then again, if he braved the siphon, there’s -no telling what may have happened.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll get in touch with Bart’s landlady again,” -Miss Meadows finally decided. “There’s a chance -he may have gone out of town, and returned to his -room by this time.”</p> - -<p>“If he shouldn’t be back—” Judy began. “Then -what?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know what we can do except to notify the -authorities,” Miss Meadows said, deeply troubled. -“Meanwhile, you girls are to return to camp. I’ll -feed Pete and see if I can coax him to the cottage.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t feel like going back to camp just now,” -Judy said soberly. “Until I know that Bart is safe, -I couldn’t enjoy any of the Scout activities.”</p> - -<p>“Neither could I,” chimed in Kathleen. “It’s been -such an exciting day already. I feel sort of jittery -inside.”</p> - -<p>The three crawled out of the cave into the sunlight. -Pete scrambled up alertly as they emerged,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> -but could not be coaxed away from the entranceway.</p> - -<p>“If only we dared go down into the cave, we -could learn what became of Bart,” Kathleen remarked -to her companions who stood silent and -uncertain. “Then we could end this dreadful suspense.”</p> - -<p>“We can’t go down into the cave without a -guide,” Miss Meadows repeated firmly. “I know of -no one—”</p> - -<p>“Captain Hager!” Judy cried. “He could help us, -if he will!”</p> - -<p>“Of course! Why didn’t I think of him? At the -very least, he should be able to advise us. Where -does he live, Judy?”</p> - -<p>“I’m not sure. I think, in a cabin somewhere -along the river.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose you girls could find him?” Miss -Meadows urged. “I’ll wait here.”</p> - -<p>“We can try,” Judy promised.</p> - -<p>She and Kathleen set off at once, making their -way to the river level. Captain Hager was not at the -dock where they first had met him, nor was his -boat anywhere visible on the river.</p> - -<p>Judy surveyed the water front, noticing a two-room -shack several hundred yards down the beach.</p> - -<p>“That might be his place,” she said. “We can try -there anyway.”</p> - -<p>A brisk walk brought them to the modest little -cabin. Though small, the building was trim and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> -neat, and had recently been whitewashed. There -was a little garden at the rear, carefully watered -and fertilized. An anchor, encrusted with rust, hung -above the door.</p> - -<p>“This must be Captain Hager’s place,” Judy decided.</p> - -<p>She knocked. After a time, the door opened. Captain -Hager stood there in his shirt sleeves, looking -older and less spry than the girls had remembered -him.</p> - -<p>But upon recognizing the Scouts, his face creased -into a welcoming smile.</p> - -<p>“Come in, come in!” he boomed.</p> - -<p>The room into which he led the girls was extremely -severe and quite bare of furniture. There was a -bunk bed, a stove, an ice box and two wooden -chairs. Above the bed hung the picture of a middle-aged -woman in a heavy gilt frame.</p> - -<p>“My wife,” said Captain Hager, noticing Judy’s -eyes upon the picture. “That was all I kept from the -old place. Sold all my furniture at auction. An old -salt like me can’t be bothered with fancy trappings.”</p> - -<p>He limped as he walked across the cabin floor -to pull out chairs for the girls.</p> - -<p>“Your leg is bothering you?” Judy asked, taking -the seat he offered.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s the old rheumatiz come back to fret me,” -Captain Hager sighed. “For the last couple o’ days -I’ve been hobbling around like a cripple.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> -Judy gazed at Kathleen despairingly, feeling that -it would be useless even to broach the subject of -the call. In seeking Captain Hager as a guide, she -had forgotten that his lively talk and manner belied -his age and infirmities.</p> - -<p>“Now what brings you here?” the captain inquired. -“If it’s fishing, I’ll have to say no, because -I’m in dry dock for a couple of days until I get to -feeling better again.”</p> - -<p>“We didn’t know about your rheumatism,” Judy -said. “I guess it’s quite out of the question.”</p> - -<p>“What is?” the old man demanded. “It wasn’t -fishing that brought you .”</p> - -<p>Judy shook her head. “It’s Bart,” she told him. -“We think he’s gone into the cave again. He’s been -missing more than a day, and we’re afraid he’s -trapped down there. Either that, or he’s attempted -the siphon.”</p> - -<p>Captain Hager did not speak for a long while. -Then he muttered: “The siphon! I told that boy -to wash it out of his mind, but I always knew he’d -try it someday. The thought of it always was a challenge -and a plague to him.”</p> - -<p>“What do you think we should do?” Judy asked -desperately. “Notify the authorities?”</p> - -<p>“If he’s gone through the siphon, he’s beyond -help,” the old man answered. “There’s no man living -in this community, who would risk his life to -try to force that tunnel of water. Either he’ll get -back on his own, or like his father before him, he’ll -be heard of no more.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span> -“But supposing he didn’t attempt the siphon,” -Kathleen interposed. “Maybe he’s trapped somewhere -below the surface by a fall of rock. Would -the rangers check, do you think?”</p> - -<p>“They might make up a search party,” the old -man conceded. “But who would lead it? That cave -is as simple as A-B-C for a skipper that knows the -layout. The rangers have their maps, but what do -they know of Hager’s Hole? Now if I were ten years -younger—”</p> - -<p>“It wouldn’t be fair to ask you,” Judy said. -“You’re not feeling well and your rheumatism—”</p> - -<p>“Who says I’m not feeling well?” Captain Hager -growled. “Next to good salt air, there’s nothing better -for the ache o’ old bones than cool cave air.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll take us down there?” Judy asked eagerly. -“You’re sure it wouldn’t be too hard on you?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go as far as the siphon, or until we find Bart,” -the old captain promised.</p> - -<p>“How soon can we get started?” Judy urged.</p> - -<p>“As soon as I gather some rope, a good light and -a few things we may need. But time’s no matter in -a cave. Night or day, it’s all the same, once you’re -underground.”</p> - -<p>“Will we need heavy clothes?” Kathleen asked.</p> - -<p>“Those you’re wearing will be all right,” the captain -assured her. “The temperature is the same -everywhere in the cave. Heavy clothing is cumbersome -and burdens one in climbing. You’ll need flashlights -and plenty of extra batteries.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span> -“We’ll get them and meet you at the cave entrance,” -Judy said, starting for the door. She paused, -and then impulsively flung her arms about Captain -Hager’s bulky shoulders.</p> - -<p>“None o’ that!” he chuckled, enjoying the embrace. -“Save your pep for the cave. Going down is -easy enough, but it’s a tough climb back.”</p> - -<p>The sun was high by the time Captain Hager -rejoined the two girls and Judy’s aunt at the cave -entrance. Meanwhile, Miss Meadows had confirmed -by a telephone call, that Bart had not returned to -his rooming house.</p> - -<p>After considerable discussion, it was decided that -only Captain Hager and the two girls should make -the descent into the cave. Though reluctant to see -the three go without her, Miss Meadows shuddered -at the thought of exploring the unknown. Captain -Hager relieved her mind by assuring her that with -him the girls would not be in the slightest danger.</p> - -<p>“You’ll be more help to us here, Ma’am,” he told -Miss Meadows. “If everything goes well, we should -be back within four hours, unless we’re lucky -enough to run into Bart before that. Who knows? -The young scamp may be day dreaming down -there in a sacred grotto. Sometimes, the beauty of -the formations is so overpowering, it makes a lubber -forget time and space and the cares o’ the -world.”</p> - -<p>“Well, don’t forget to come back as quickly as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> -you can,” Miss Meadows warned. “I’ll be dreadfully -worried until you’re back here with Bart.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll do our best to find him,” Captain Hager -said soberly. “I love that boy like my own son.”</p> - -<p>“I know you do, and that you’re exerting yourself -to go down into the cave,” Miss Meadows replied. -“If you’re not back in four hours, I’ll notify the -ranger station.”</p> - -<p>“Make it five hours,” Captain Hager corrected. -“I’m a mite slower than I was in my younger days. -But if my ticker holds out, I’ll be back here in fine -shape. Ready, maties?”</p> - -<p>Judy and Kathleen nodded eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Then follow me,” directed the captain. “Walk -close behind and be careful about dislodging rocks.”</p> - -<p>Single file, the three entered the cave, its ragged -shadows enveloping them.</p> - -<p>As they paused an instant, the beams of their -flashlights picked up the lovely emerald green tint -of roof moss. Then silently, they began the descent -into the cavern and loneliness closed in.</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxiii" id="xxiii"></a><i>Chapter 23</i><br /> -<span>THE SIPHON</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">THE descent to the chamber of the White Witch -was quickly made. There, the party of three paused -briefly to catch breath and to view again the weird -figure which captured the imagination.</p> - -<p>A tunnel, at times narrow and low, wound deeper -and deeper into the earth. Judy and Kathleen kept -close to their guide. In the stillness of the cavern -they could hear his somewhat labored breathing, -for even the slightest sound was magnified.</p> - -<p>They came presently to another small chamber -where they paused, speechless. Stalactites sparkled -like jewels, standing out in the most fantastic -shapes.</p> - -<p>Judy could imagine animal figures, all in a variety -of color, milky white, red, green and black. The -colors, Captain Hager explained, came from mineral -infiltration.</p> - -<p>“No wonder Bart couldn’t resist this cave,” Judy -remarked in awe, entranced. “It’s like a fairyland! -How I wish all the Scouts could see it!”</p> - -<p>In close formation, the three went on into the -cavern depths. A cooler wind met them, but from -where it arose they gained no clue.</p> - -<p>The going had become harder now, and after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> -edging through a narrow space, the three stopped -for a moment beside a translucent column which -rose from the floor to the roof.</p> - -<p>As they stood thus, there came a deafening crash -behind them.</p> - -<p>Judy and Kathleen froze in their tracks, too terrified -to utter a sound.</p> - -<p>“A cave-in behind us?” Kathleen finally asked in -a choked whisper.</p> - -<p>“It’s nothing,” the captain reassured her. -“Sounded like a blast of dynamite far away. Like -enough the rangers are blasting a tree stump somewhere -in the park area.”</p> - -<p>“But it sounded as if the cave roof had fallen!” -Judy said, still shaken.</p> - -<p>“All sounds underground are magnified,” Captain -Hager explained. “Even the dripping of water -can be very loud. Off to the right there is a Talking -Grotto. But we will not explore that passage, for -Bart would not waste time there.”</p> - -<p>To proceed, it was necessary to creep across a -slippery formation which resembled a frozen waterfall. -They passed through a room which was cluttered -with grotesque toadstool types of stalagmites, -and then came to formations so delicate that they -appeared as a lacy cobweb.</p> - -<p>As they sat down to rest their legs for a moment, -Captain Hager told the girls that the beautiful pillars -they had seen farther back were made by the -joining of stalactites and stalagmites.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> -The growth of formations, he added, was much -faster than generally believed. Varying rainfall, the -thickness of the rock penetrated by water, and the -rate of drip, all affected the deposits, he explained.</p> - -<p>“All water that goes into a cave, must come out -somewhere,” the captain continued. “During a hard -rain storm, this cave could be dangerous at the -lower levels.”</p> - -<p>“You mean we’d get the rain down here?” Kathleen -questioned in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Belatedly, yes. Shortly now, you’ll see the underground -river. During the dry months it shrivels, but -in the rainy season, it thunders through the chasms -like a mad demon.”</p> - -<p>“I hope it doesn’t storm today,” Kathleen said -nervously.</p> - -<p>“The day was clear,” Captain Hager reassured -her. “And there has been no recent rain to flood the -underground stream.”</p> - -<p>Farther on, the girls came to a series of small -pools in which there were blind fish. They did not -tarry long, but continued through another long, narrow -passage.</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose Bart came this way?” Judy finally -asked. “Couldn’t he have taken any number of -branch-offs?”</p> - -<p>“The branch-offs are dead-end streets, so to -speak,” replied the captain. “If I know that lad, -we’ll find him at the siphon, or we’ll not find him -this voyage. Tired?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> -“My legs feel sort of cramped,” Judy confessed, -ashamed of her weariness. “But I’m all right.”</p> - -<p>“We’re nearing the end,” the captain encouraged -the girls. “The last few yards are the hardest. Then -we’ll bring up at the siphon.”</p> - -<p>“And if Bart isn’t there?” asked Judy.</p> - -<p>The old captain did not answer. He gazed -thoughtfully at his sturdy boots, tested his light -briefly on the limestone wall, and then signaled that -he was ready to resume the descent.</p> - -<p>Not far beyond the point where they had rested, -the three explorers came to a chamber so large that -it seemed to have no surrounding walls.</p> - -<p>At its entrance, Captain Hager hesitated, seemingly -reluctant to go on.</p> - -<p>“If we continue to the siphon, we must cross -this chamber, with no wall to guide us,” he explained. -“Beyond, in the darkness, there is a single -narrow passageway leading on. If we hit the target, -we’ll soon be at the end of the cave. If we miss, we -may spend hours, trying to grope our way. We’ll be -like a ship wallowing without chart or compass. Unless -you have plenty of nerve—”</p> - -<p>“We have,” Judy said resolutely. “We’ve come so -far now, we can’t turn back without learning whether -or not Bart is in the cave.”</p> - -<p>“Aye, I figured you’d say that,” Captain Hager -replied.</p> - -<p>He then uncoiled a length of nylon rope, tying it -first about his own waist, then around Kathleen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -and finally about Judy, who would bring up the -rear.</p> - -<p>“We must keep close together,” he warned. “If -we do, there is no danger. Even if we miss the passageway -on the first try, we will find it. Full steam -ahead, my hearties!”</p> - -<p>For a few feet the girls followed along a rough, -jagged wall before moving slowly out into the vast -room. The silence and immensity of the cavern -were momentarily terrifying, for Captain Hager’s -light revealed only a dark void ahead.</p> - -<p>By supreme effort Judy and Kathleen held their -nerves in rigid check. Each step seemed to be taking -them deeper and deeper into oblivion. A dozen -doubts assailed them. Would Captain Hager ever -find the narrow passage leading out of the chamber? -And if they should be successful in reaching -the siphon, would not the return be even more -difficult?</p> - -<p>The darkness seemed endless, but finally Captain -Hager’s light revealed a rough wall ahead. A -wave of relief washed over Judy and Kathleen. But -it was short lived.</p> - -<p>Their guide had paused to move the flash beam -slowly along the solid wall, first to the right, then -to the left. He muttered something, but his words -were indistinguishable.</p> - -<p>“Are—are we lost?” Kathleen asked.</p> - -<p>The captain deliberately did not answer. After a -moment, he started on again, groping along the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> -wall. Kathleen did not repeat her question.</p> - -<p>For awhile Captain Hager kept on, the girls directly -behind, following blindly. Then suddenly the -old man seemed to relax, and they heard him give -a throaty chuckle.</p> - -<p>“Hear that?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>Judy and Kathleen already had distinguished the -distant sound of running water. The underground -stream!</p> - -<p>At the same instant that they heard the splash of -water, Captain Hager’s flash beam focused upon -the narrow opening in the cavern wall—the passageway -for which he had searched.</p> - -<p>“We near the end,” he said simply.</p> - -<p>They moved quickly through the narrow corridor. -The thunder of a distant waterfall they never were -to see, was louder now in their ears.</p> - -<p>The floor of the passageway sloped sharply downward. -Kathleen slipped but did not fall, for Judy -caught her arm to give her support.</p> - -<p>Abruptly, the corridor turned, and the girls saw -water ahead. The underground stream, quiet and -dark, emerged from a wall of rock to flow tranquilly -beneath the slightly arched cave-roof above.</p> - -<p>Captain Hager halted. “We’ve come to the end,” -he announced.</p> - -<p>Judy and Kathleen were stunned. “The end,” -Judy repeated, scarcely comprehending. “But I -thought—”</p> - -<p>“We can proceed no further without wading<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> -along the river bed,” the captain explained. “The -water gradually deepens until it rises to the ceiling. -At that point, one must dive through and swim -underwater, or turn back.”</p> - -<p>He focused his light to the right, and the girls -saw the meeting place of wall and water.</p> - -<p>“The siphon?” Judy asked.</p> - -<p>“Aye, how far it goes, no man knows. It may extend -for only a few feet or yards. Then again, it -may run on indefinitely, with nary a pocket of air.”</p> - -<p>“Bart—?” Judy hesitated to ask the question that -was foremost in her mind.</p> - -<p>“Surely he wouldn’t be crazy enough to try to -swim through the siphon!” Kathleen exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“The lad is a true spelunker, like his father. He -has the courage of a lion, and the muscles of a -young bear. Since he was a mere boy, he’s studied -and dreamed about this cave.”</p> - -<p>“But we’ve seen no evidence that he’s anywhere -in the cavern,” Judy said hopefully.</p> - -<p>“No evidence?” Captain Hager’s voice was -muted, as his light came to focus upon a rock shelf -a few feet above the river bed.</p> - -<p>For a moment, neither Judy nor Kathleen understood.</p> - -<p>Then, they fully comprehended. There on the -rock ledge, set heel to heel, was an empty pair of -shoes. Beside them, in a neat roll, was Bart’s shirt -and jacket.</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxiv" id="xxiv"></a><i>Chapter 24</i><br /> -<span>HELP FROM CAPTAIN HAGER</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">THREE hours now had elapsed since Captain -Hager, Judy and Kathleen had ascertained that -Bart Ranieau was somewhere deep in the cave, beyond -the siphon.</p> - -<p>Unable to penetrate farther, the three had made -the arduous climb back to the cavern entrance -where Miss Meadows anxiously awaited them.</p> - -<p>Their report had been a discouraging one. Without -question, Bart was somewhere in Calico Cave, -but whether or not alive, no one could say.</p> - -<p>“The lad may have reached an air pocket, or a -chamber,” Captain Hager said. “That’s what he -gambled on.”</p> - -<p>“He’s been missing a day and a half now,” Miss -Meadows reminded the seaman. “While you were -down in the cave, I checked on that point. Surely, -if he’s ever coming back, he’d have made it by -now.”</p> - -<p>“Aye,” the captain soberly agreed.</p> - -<p>“Can’t something be done?” Miss Meadows -urged.</p> - -<p>“Not a man in these parts would risk that siphon, -ma’am.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> -“I realize that,” Miss Meadows answered. “But -is there no other way to reach him, if he’s still alive? -Couldn’t the rangers blast the rock perhaps?”</p> - -<p>“It would be impractical and dangerous, Ma’am.”</p> - -<p>“But the cave must have an exit somewhere close—if -only it could be traced down! If one could approach -the siphon from the other direction—”</p> - -<p>“Aye, Ma’am,” Captain Hager replied, “I’ve been -pondering on it—pondering hard.”</p> - -<p>“Then you do have an idea!” Judy cried. “Does it -have anything to do with Calico Cottage?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve been meditatin’ along that line,” the old -man admitted.</p> - -<p>“Is there any chance the cave connects in some -way with the foundation of the cottage?” Judy demanded -excitedly. “Remember, all those strange -sounds which seemed to come from the basement! -They might have been cave noises! And we noticed -a gust of cool air coming through a crack in the -mortar.”</p> - -<p>“Aye,” the captain nodded. “Bart and I discussed -it many a time. Those strange sounds that have -scared the living daylights out of cottage tenants -come from the cave right enough.”</p> - -<p>“Then there must be a passageway close to the -foundation wall!” Judy cried.</p> - -<p>“I tried to convince Krumm he should build on -a new foundation, but he wouldn’t take advice.”</p> - -<p>“If that old foundation could be torn down, maybe -an opening down into the cave could be found!”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> -Judy went on. “What do you think, Captain -Hager?”</p> - -<p>“It’s our only chance to ever learn what became -of Bart.”</p> - -<p>“Then why are we waiting?” Miss Meadows demanded. -“We must put men to work at once!”</p> - -<p>“Krumm will have to give his permission,” Captain -Hager said, deeply troubled. “It will mean -wrecking the foundation of the cottage.”</p> - -<p>“But a young man’s life is at stake!”</p> - -<p>“Aye,” the captain agreed, “Krumm should consent, -if there’s a mite o’ humanity in him. We’ll go -now and put it up to him.”</p> - -<p>Word had spread through the village of Bart -Ranieau’s plight and everyone, it seemed, was discussing -the young man’s fate. Even before the little -party arrived at Mr. Krumm’s real estate office, -groups of curious began to congregate at the cave -entranceway.</p> - -<p>Forest rangers and state highwaymen roped off -the private road leading to the cavern, and set up -guards to prevent persons from trying to explore. -Miss Ward, bringing her girls to Calico Cottage, -learned belatedly of the disaster and what was being -done to try to find Bart.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Captain Hager was using all his powers -of persuasion upon Mr. Krumm. The real estate -man, reluctant to have his property damaged, argued -that it would be a useless expenditure to -tear down the old foundation wall.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -“Like as not we wouldn’t find the cave exit,” he -protested. “Even if we did, there’s not much chance -of finding that foolhardy young man alive and you -know it! He went the way his father did before him, -drowned in the siphon!”</p> - -<p>“We don’t know it,” Captain Hager retorted. -“There’s air somewhere close by to that siphon.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know?”</p> - -<p>“Because time and again Bart found tadpoles.”</p> - -<p>“What have they got to do with it?” Mr. Krumm -demanded.</p> - -<p>“Tadpoles are a sure sign of open air being near. -They’re creatures that never venture far into underground -waters.”</p> - -<p>“So?”</p> - -<p>“I figure there must be a brook somewhere close -where the underground river empties.”</p> - -<p>“There’s no brook around the cottage, and no water -under it either.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not concerned where the river empties,” -Captain Hager said. “I do think the cottage wall -connects in some way with a passage down into the -cave. Where it would lead, if we get into it, no man -knows.”</p> - -<p>“You want me to tear down the foundation on a -wild chance like that?”</p> - -<p>“You’ve got to do it,” Captain Hager said grimly. -He moved in close. “Either you do it like a gentleman -and get credit for being a hero, or I’ll have the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span> -law on you! You can’t abandon that boy to save a -dollar!”</p> - -<p>Mr. Krumm’s eyes snapped angrily. Judy and -Kathleen were certain he would order them all out -of the real estate office.</p> - -<p>But suddenly, his opposition dissolved.</p> - -<p>“Okay, tear down the foundation!” he consented. -“Get on with it!”</p> - -<p>Once Mr. Krumm had waived his objection, men -from the village, directed by forest rangers, immediately -went to work.</p> - -<p>Judy, Kathleen and the other Scouts milled about -the cottage, watching as a small section of the foundation -was torn apart. As the throng increased, only -Miss Meadows, Miss Ward and the Scouts were -permitted in the building.</p> - -<p>Dust from the bricks and mortar kept the girls -out of the cellar much of the time. But as the day -wore on, a shout from below, brought them scrambling -down the stairway.</p> - -<p>By this time, one section of wall had been torn -away, though the main supports of the cottage remained. -The musty odor which had annoyed occupants -of Calico Cottage now was very strong and -definitely came from the jagged opening. A group -of workmen clustered about the hole, blocking -Judy’s view.</p> - -<p>“Have you found the cave opening?” she cried. -“Have you?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> -“Aye,” Captain Hager informed her jovially. “But -where the passage leads, we don’t know.”</p> - -<p>“What causes the odor?” Kathleen asked, sniffing.</p> - -<p>“Imprisoned air. It’s gradually clearing out. Like -as not it comes from decaying vegetation—”</p> - -<p>“Listen!” cried Judy tensely.</p> - -<p>“The boy with the flute!” exclaimed Kathleen in -awe.</p> - -<p>Those in the room had frozen to attention. From -the great gaping hole there issued forth a musical -note, for all the world like the music of a flute.</p> - -<p>Then there came a series of taps as if someone -might be thumping a stick on hard rock.</p> - -<p>“That’s a man-made sound!” cried Captain -Hager. “Bart’s down there! He’s trying to signal -us!”</p> - -<p>“We’ll get him out!” shouted a forest ranger. “Any -volunteers to go down into the hole?”</p> - -<p>Arthur Wentz stepped forward. Rope was tied -about his waist, and carefully he was lowered until -his feet touched solid flooring.</p> - -<p>For awhile those above could see the descending -light, then it vanished. They paid out more and -more rope until the coil was nearly exhausted.</p> - -<p>Finally, a signal came—two short tugs. Gently, -the men began to pull on the rope.</p> - -<p>“Wentz is coming up!” one of the workmen -shouted. “It’s hard pulling!”</p> - -<p>“Then he must have found Bart!” Judy cried, -hugging Kathleen in her excitement.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span> -Minutes passed as the men kept at the rope. Then -from the hole staggered Wentz and the young man -he supported.</p> - -<p>Bart was barefoot and his bare back had been -covered by the ranger’s shirt. His lips were blue -with cold, but he grinned with the spirit of a conqueror.</p> - -<p>“Captain Hager!” he mumbled, embracing the -old man. “I did it!”</p> - -<p>“You sure did, son,” the captain answered, tears -streaming down his grimy cheeks. “You almost did -for yourself too.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you’d get me out,” Bart said. “I never -gave up, never for a minute.”</p> - -<p>“You can thank these Scouts,” Captain Hager -said, smiling at Judy and Kathleen. “They pestered -me to go down into the cave with ’em. If they -hadn’t, we’d never have learned that you went -through the siphon.”</p> - -<p>“It was a wonderful but terrifying experience,” -Bart mumbled. “My father—”</p> - -<p>“That can wait,” Captain Hager said gruffly. -“You can tell us all about it later. Get yourself to a -warm bed now, before you die of pneumonia. Get -along with ye!”</p> - -<p>Nearly exhausted, and shaking with cold, Bart -was lifted bodily and carried to a waiting ambulance.</p> - - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxv" id="xxv"></a><i>Chapter 25</i><br /> -<span>COURT OF HONOR</span></h2> - -<p class="noi">TWO days had elapsed since Bart Ranieau had -been brought out of Calico Cave suffering from -shock, but otherwise unharmed by his thrilling explorations.</p> - -<p>Long hours of sleep and plenty of food had restored -him to his former peak of health. But as his -strength returned, he became restless and pestered -hospital officials until at last they dismissed him.</p> - -<p>Almost immediately, Bart sought Judy and Kathleen -at Pine Cone Camp to thank them for saving -his life.</p> - -<p>Word spread like wildfire that the young explorer -had arrived and soon the daring young man was -surrounded by Girl Scouts who teased him to tell -the story of his adventure.</p> - -<p>“Start at the very beginning,” Judy urged. “Don’t -leave out anything.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a large order, but I’ll try,” grinned Bart. -“Well, I’d made up my mind to try the siphon. I -didn’t tell anyone, because I knew if I did, the -authorities would try to stop me.”</p> - -<p>“I left my shoes and shirt on the ledge because I -couldn’t be burdened with them in swimming. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> -reasoned too, that if I got through, wet clothes -wouldn’t help keep me warm. So I stripped to my -trunks.”</p> - -<p>“How long was the siphon?” inquired Betty -Bache, who had joined the group of intent listeners.</p> - -<p>“Long enough,” Bart said grimly. “The first one -wasn’t so bad.”</p> - -<p>“Then there was more than one?” inquired Ardeth -Packett.</p> - -<p>“Two of them. I waded at first. The water finally -came up to my neck and then over my nose. When -I couldn’t walk, I dived.”</p> - -<p>“Weren’t you scared to death?” Virginia Cunningham -asked with a shiver.</p> - -<p>“I sure was,” Bart admitted. “I knew I might find -water to the ceiling for an indefinite distance ahead. -Anyway, I decided to chance it. I took a great deep -breath and plunged through.”</p> - -<p>“What happened?” questioned Beverly Chester -breathlessly.</p> - -<p>“The first barrier was astonishingly easy. I was -through it in less than a minute and was able to -wade again. My only light was a container of -matches carried in the top of my bathing cap. -Ahead I could see another siphon.”</p> - -<p>“You were reckless to go on,” Kathleen chided.</p> - -<p>“Maybe,” Bart acknowledged, “but it would have -been very nearly as hard to have gone back. I -hoped I’d find where the cave came out.”</p> - -<p>“Tell us about the second siphon,” Judy urged.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span> -“It was a tricky one, I’m here to report. I don’t -know how long I was underwater, but it seemed a -minute and a half. My lungs were bursting when -finally I emerged. But it was worth it!”</p> - -<p>“What did you find?” demanded Beverly.</p> - -<p>“A hall filled with the most beautiful formations -I’ve ever seen.”</p> - -<p>“Better than the White Witch and those chambers -before one gets to the siphon?” Judy asked.</p> - -<p>“Oh, a thousand times better! I stood there -speechless and in awe, dazzled by the glitter of so -much crystal. For a little while, I lost all count of -time. It seemed unreal.”</p> - -<p>“Go on,” Kathleen urged, as Bart became lost in -his own memories.</p> - -<p>“Those stalactites and stalagmites were fantastic beyond -description,” Bart told the Scouts. “There -were animal shapes, and statue-like figures—one a -woman with a bridal veil. Why, if steps can be -built down from Calico Cottage, everyone can see -the chamber! Krumm will make more money opening -up the cave than he ever could do renting the -cottage.”</p> - -<p>“While you were down there, you didn’t solve -the mystery of Calico Cave’s ghost, did you?” Judy -asked. “You didn’t meet our little boy with the -flute?”</p> - -<p>“I certainly did,” Bart replied. “The explanation -for those flute noises is simplicity itself. One of the -roof formations takes the shape of a long hollow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> -tube. Each time water drops through the tube onto -the floor, it produces the musical note.”</p> - -<p>“Did you realize how close you were to the basement -of Calico Cottage?” Judy next asked the young -explorer.</p> - -<p>“I thought I might be somewhere near, but I -couldn’t be sure. One loses all sense of direction -under ground. I tried to climb, but the rocks were -straight up, and I couldn’t get a grip.”</p> - -<p>“When you first came out of the cave, you spoke -of your father,” Kathleen said, rather reluctant to -remind Bart of a painful subject.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know now what became of him,” he answered. -“My father didn’t drown as we thought. He -made both of the siphons just as I did.”</p> - -<p>“Then he was trapped in the chamber and unable -to signal anyone.”</p> - -<p>“I’m not sure if he tried or had the strength to -signal,” Bart responded. “I found the skeleton and -a note, only part of which I’ve been able to read. -My dad had a heart attack. He wasn’t too expert as -a swimmer, and the exertion together with the excitement -of his discovery, may have brought on a -sudden attack. It must have taken him fast.”</p> - -<p>“But there was no escape from the chamber?” -Virginia probed. “No way back?”</p> - -<p>“Of that I’m not sure either,” Bart returned. “It -would take a hardy swimmer to swim against the -current. I think I might have made it. I was turning -the thought over, trying to decide what to do. I’d<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> -about made up my mind that if no help came, I’d -attempt it before my strength left me.”</p> - -<p>“Does the cave have no exit except through the -cottage foundation?” Ardeth next interposed a question. -“What becomes of the underground river?”</p> - -<p>“It empties into the brook which flows into the -river,” Bart explained. “But no one can follow the -course of the underground stream farther than I -went. The way beyond is barred by solid rock.”</p> - -<p>The young explorer spent more than an hour at -camp, telling the Scouts many interesting facts -about caves in general.</p> - -<p>All the girls were envious of Judy and Kathleen -because they had viewed so many of the beautiful -formations.</p> - -<p>“The most breath-taking sights are in the chamber -directly under Calico Cave,” Bart said. “There’s -no reason why a ladder or steps can’t be built down -there, so everyone can view them. I am to talk to -Mr. Krumm today and see what can be done. It’s a -cinch he can’t rent his cottage without extensive repairs, -and it would pay him to open up the cave instead.”</p> - -<p>Since the tearing down of the cottage foundation -wall, Miss Meadows had not been able to stay in -the dwelling. She had taken a room at the hotel for -one night, and after that Mr. Krumm had transferred -her to another one of his cottages, directly -on Morning Glory Lake.</p> - -<p>Surprisingly, the real estate man had announced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> -that Miss Meadows might have the place rent free.</p> - -<p>“You’ve had a rugged time of it at the other cottage,” -he acknowledged. “You deserve a couple -of peaceful weeks.”</p> - -<p>The girls correctly surmised that Mr. Krumm’s -generosity was occasioned by a belated realization -that Calico Cave had great commercial possibilities.</p> - -<p>They were entirely right. In the week that followed, -the real estate man bolstered up the cottage -foundation again, converting the building into an -office where admission tickets could be sold.</p> - -<p>He then had carpenters construct a stairway -down to the fairyland chamber, one which would -serve temporarily until a more permanent installation -could be made.</p> - -<p>Sometime prior to the day on which the public -was to given its first view of the cave, Mr. Krumm -visited Pine Cone Camp to present a check to Judy.</p> - -<p>“Why, what is this?” she asked in astonishment. -“Is it a contribution for the Girl Scouts?”</p> - -<p>“You may consider it as such as you want to,” he -said. “It’s your bonus for solving the mystery of the -Calico Cottage ghost.”</p> - -<p>“That was easy because I had scientific helpers,” -Judy laughed. “I think Bart and Captain Hager deserve -the money even more than do the Scouts.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about that,” Mr. Krumm said a bit -grimly. “They’ll have a share of the profits from the -cave operation. Bart saw to that. He convinced me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span> -that I couldn’t manage the place without them -around to look after things.”</p> - -<p>“In that case, I’ll accept the check,” Judy decided. -“Not for myself though. I’ll give it to Pine -Cone Camp. Perhaps the money can be used to -bring some girl to camp who otherwise couldn’t -afford to come.”</p> - -<p>Before departing, Mr. Krumm invited all the -Scouts to a preview of the cave chamber.</p> - -<p>“Oh, wouldn’t it be fun if we could have our -Court of Awards ceremony there!” Judy exclaimed. -“Could we, Mr. Krumm?”</p> - -<p>“It’s all right with me,” he said. “The electric -lights will be in by the end of the week.”</p> - -<p>Judy spoke at once to the camp director about -her plan. At first, Miss Lubell was somewhat hesitant, -but after personally inspecting the cave room -and the facilities which had been provided for the -public, she became as enthusiastic as Judy over -the prospect of holding a ceremony in the fairyland -chamber.</p> - -<p>The night set for the affair finally arrived. The -Scouts enjoyed a picnic supper at the cottage -grounds, after hiking to the site. Afterwards, with -Bart and Captain Hager acting as guides, they descended -to the underground chamber.</p> - -<p>Electric lights, skillfully placed, gave the colorful -formations ethereal effects which were quite breathtaking. -The Scouts named many of the figures, giving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> -them such titles as the Indian Oven, Woman -with a Hood, the Cathedral, and Phantom Hands.</p> - -<p>The spell of enchantment was still upon the girls -as they took formation for the Court of Awards -ceremony.</p> - -<p>Miss Lubell personally presented special achievement -badges to all the Scouts who had earned them. -Judy, Kathleen, Ardeth, Virginia, and the other -members of Beaver Patrol won honors in many -fields, for dramatics, in swimming, health and for -safety achievements.</p> - -<p>Then Miss Lubell announced that for Judy and -Kathleen, there was to be a special award. An expectant -hush fell upon the group.</p> - -<p>Amazed and rather embarrassed to be singled out -for particular attention, the two Beaver Patrol girls -stepped forward to receive the badges.</p> - -<p>As Miss Lubell held them up, everyone burst into -laughter. As a joke, the Scouts of Lone Tree had -fashioned two huge medals of tin. On their face, in -large letters, they had painted: “Explorer.”</p> - -<p>“Just a little memento of your exciting summer, -Judy,” Ardeth assured her. “You know, wherever -you go, you seem to stir up fun and adventure.”</p> - -<p>“All of the Scouts do,” Judy corrected. “Kathleen -certainly did as much as I to earn her tin -medal!”</p> - -<p>“I just followed in your footsteps,” Kathleen -laughed. “Anyway, we shouldn’t get the credit for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span> -producing forest fires or hi-jackers. Caves are our -specialty.”</p> - -<p>“Here’s hoping you find more and better ones,” -Ardeth chuckled, fastening the huge tin medal to -Judy’s Scout uniform. “Or is that possible?”</p> - -<p>“We never could discover a more thrilling cave -than Calico,” Judy replied earnestly.</p> - -<p>“But you’ll try!” Ardeth teased.</p> - -<p>Judy shook her head. Her eyes twinkled as she -answered, “No, I promise you I’ve had enough of -stalagmites and stalactites for one summer. From -this hour forward, I’m spending all my idle hours -at Pine Cone Camp!”</p> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> -<div class="tn"> -<p class="center">Transcriber’s Note:</p> - -<p class="center">Perceived typographical errors have been corrected.</p> -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands, by -Mildred Augustine Wirt - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SINGING SANDS *** - -***** This file should be named 60977-h.htm or 60977-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/9/7/60977/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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