"I'm going fishing," declared Bart, as he dug some worms and put them in a can. "Any one else coming?"
"I'd like to take a trip in the canoe," said Fenn.
"That would suit me," put in Ned. "It will only carry two, though. What are you going to do, Frank?"
"I think I'll just lie around to-day. I'm a bit tired, and I need a rest. I didn't get much last night."
"I'm right," thought Ned. "He was away all night. I wonder when this mystery will end?"
Bart started off up stream, while Fenn and Ned, in the canoe, began to paddle down the creek. As for Frank, he stretched out on his cot, and, almost before the boys were out of sight, he was asleep. He did not awaken until dinner time, and then he got the meal. His chums were not yet back, but they came in a little while, with appetites that made Frank glad he had provided a bountiful repast. Bart had caught a number of fine fish, and Ned and Fenn were so enthusiastic over their canoe trip that they wanted to take another in the afternoon.
"Give me a show at it," said Bart. "I haven't been in it except the night we put it into the water. I want some fun. Frank and I will take it this afternoon."
"I don't believe I care to," Frank replied. "The truth is," he went on, "I was going to ask you fellows to loan the boat to me all day to-morrow. I want to go off by myself. Not that I don't desire your company," he hastened to add, as he saw his chums looked a little surprised, "but I have something to do and I've got to do it alone. Please don't ask me what it is. It's that same thing I'm mixed up in, and I think, if things turn out right to-morrow, I may be able to tell you something. Besides, I may need you to help me."
"We'll be only too glad to!" exclaimed Ned. "For we don't like to see you so worried, Frank."
"It's very good of you, I'm sure, to bother with me," Frank went on. "I hope you can help me, for I'll need it."