“He must have gone off in the woods and forgotten to come back,” suggested Bart. “Maybe he went hunting on his own account.”
“If he had, he’d have taken his gun,” replied Frank, pointing to where the weapon stood in a corner of the tent.
“Then he’s out for a walk,” declared Bart.
“He’s staying rather late,” commented Frank. “I hope—”
Frank did not finish his sentence. Suddenly, he darted forward and picked up something off the ground.
“What is it?” asked Bart.
For answer Frank held it out on the palm of his hand. It was a small object and the two boys had to bend close to see what it was. They saw one of the peculiar brass buttons that serve to hold the loops with which a Chinese blouse is fastened.
“A Chinese button!” exclaimed Bart, in a whisper.
“The Chinamen have been here!” added Ned.
“It looks as if the smugglers had Fenn,” said Frank solemnly. “They must have sneaked in here and carried him off!”