"We believe you did all you could and that you tried to
live up to your name and to do right. Don't grieve."
Rowdy had been ranging about the clearing while the conversation had
been going on. He did not seem to take a dislike to Doright, but rather
ignored him. This fact was commented on by the boys.
"Jack," Tom spoke at length, "do you know what I think?"
"No, Tom, I do not," replied Jack. "You think so many things it's hard
to keep track of them all. I wish I might. What is it?"
"I don't believe the boys ever were in that cabin at all."
"Oh, yes, dey was, Boss!" protested Doright. "Ah seen 'em."
"Then they got out!" stoutly maintained Tom.
"Where are they now?" asked Frank. "And how do you explain that odor of
burning flesh? There's a mystery here somewhere."
"There always is a mystery when the Beaver Patrol goes out on a hike,"
declared Tom. Look at the dense, dark mystery that surrounded us while
we were in the Copper Country. Look at the mystery about our visit to
Niagara Falls. We simply blunder into mystery every time we stir a foot!
Mystery is our regular schedule!"
"Yes," agreed Jack, "but we always solve the mystery. This is going to
be no exception to the rule! We must solve it!"
"Maybe Doright can explain something about this thing," suggested Frank.
"Doright!" he called. "Can you tell me what makes such a smell of
burning meat around here? What is it?"
"'Deed, Boss, Ah cain't tell youall what it is. Ah don' know!"
"Not much use quizzing him!" declared Jack.
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