"Cow, I guess," said Bart.
"It's Frank!" cried Ned, jumping to his feet, and, the next instant Frank was in the midst of his chums. He looked worn and tired, and his clothes were covered with mud and water.
"Where in the world have you been? What has happened to you?" cried Bart.
"I got in the swamp trying to take a short cut," Frank explained. "I'm clean beat out. Have you got any coffee?"
"Make you some in a jiffy," said Fenn, throwing some light wood on the smouldering fire.
"I suppose you're surprised to see me?" asked Frank to his companions.
"There's no use saying we aren't," spoke Ned.
"And I guess you were surprised to find me gone?"
"Right again. But we guessed where you were."
"How?"