The four chums had gathered up the severed ropes, and, folding the bandages up in them, hid them all under a big stone. Then they started for home.
Oak Swamp was several miles from the town of Darewell, but there was a fairly good road between the places, since the swamp was but slightly off to one side of the main thoroughfare. As the four started off, with Fenn in the lead, they chuckled to think of the blank looks of the initiating team, when the members should return for the candidates, to find them missing.
“I almost wish we could stay, and hide, and hear what they’ll say,” observed Ned, laughing at the prospect.
“I don’t. I want to get home,” came from Frank. “Ugh! This is a gloomy place after dark.”
Suddenly Fenn, who was some distance in the lead, jumped to one side.
“What’s the matter; see a snake?” called Bart.
“A snake, this time of year? Not much, but it’s a whopping big mud turtle,” cried the fleshy lad. “I’m going to catch it, fellows. Maybe it’s the one that got away from Professor Long’s collection. That’s the only way I can account for a turtle being out of doors at this season of the year.”
“And while you’re at it look and see if it hasn’t got a diamond bracelet on its neck, and a wedding ring on its toes, Stumpy,” advised Bart, mockingly. “If it has, it’ll be all to the mustard, and we’ll be cleared of suspicion. Look and see if it has its teeth filled with gold, while you’re about it, but, above all, don’t forget the diamond bracelet.”
“Aw, let up, can’t you?” begged Stumpy. “What’s the use of poking fun at a fellow all the while, just because I made one break. Besides a turtle might get its neck through the bracelet.”