“Oh,” and the other man, who had been addressed as Murker, seemed to swallow the rest of his words.
“Come on,” said Professor Skeel, and without a further look at the four chums he turned away, followed by the two men with evil faces.
“Whew! This is going some!” gasped Jack, when the trio was out of sight. “Who’d think of meeting Skeel and those two worthies up here in the wilderness?”
“Well, we practically knew Skeel was here,” said Bert, “though we aren’t any nearer than we were in guessing at what his object is. But it is a surprise to see Whalen and that other man, whoever he is. They must be trailing in with Skeel. What’s the game, Tom?”
Tom Fairfield did not answer for a moment. He was busy looking at some tracks in the snow.
“Yes, they are just the same,” he murmured, slowly.
“What is it? A bear?” asked George, eagerly.
“No, but look,” and Tom pointed to some footprints. In the middle of the sole of each one was a star made in hob nails.
“Why—why, that’s the same mark that was near our cabin,” cried Jack.
“Exactly,” Tom agreed coolly. “I thought it would prove so.”