"He
just saw that we were worried about the boys and wanted them to be safe,
so he said they were safe. That's all there is to that."
"He's considerable of a child," Jack announced. "They all are."
During this time Rowdy had been circling the spot where the cabin had
stood, occasionally sending up a doleful howl.
"Watch Rowdy," Tom declared. "If he isn't an indication that something
happened here last night, I'll miss my guess."
"Well, I don't believe that what you mean did happen," Jack contended.
"If it was so, Doright would have acted differently. He was very
composed when we saw him and that bluff he put up about this being his
farm showed that he knew where the boys were all the time."
"Then what do you suppose happened to them?" Tom's voice broke.
"I don't know. They're around here somewhere. Of that I'm sure. They are
not far away," Jack stoutly contended.
"What do you think Frank?" was Tom's almost tearful query.
"I think we'd better not make up our minds until we get some better
evidence than a smell or a negro's word. Let's keep digging."
Accordingly the boys vigorously attacked the plan they had in mind of
stirring about through all the ashes in search of a clue to the
whereabouts of their chums. At last a shout from Tom proclaimed a
discovery. His friends rushed to his side.
"Right here by the chimney." Tom broke down. "There it is."
"Now, Tom," half scolded Jack. "Brace up, boy! Suppose it were reversed.
Would you want them to squall over you?"
"I can't help it," the boy answered.
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