"Because I believe him to be a man who knows something I should know," Frank replied, for, though he did not tell his chums, he recognized in Mr. Hardman's voice the tones of the stranger who had been at his uncle's house one night and who had warned the boy back when Frank had attempted to follow.
CHAPTER XI
NEWS FOR FRANK
"Do you suppose he turned back because he saw you?" asked Ned.
"He said he had forgotten some papers," observed Fenn.
"Yes, and he said he must have left them on the bank where we ate lunch," responded Bart. "But did either of you observe him have any papers in his hands? I guess not. He didn't look at a single paper from the time we started. That was only an excuse."
"It's a queer mystery," remarked Bart, looking at Frank. "Can we help solve it?"
"I'm afraid not," Frank replied with a smile. "But come on, it's getting late."
"Perhaps we ought to stay and see if Mr. Hardman will come back," suggested Fenn. "He may get lost in the woods."
"I guess not," was Bart's opinion. "I think he knows these woods as well as we do."
"Then what was his object in having us show him the road?"