It was a most awkward situation for Dick.
Poor Clara was terribly overcome by the charge brought against her father, and it took all Dick’s tact and shrewdness to put her at her ease again.
Charley took it all in and said but little, reserving his comments until they had reached the hut and disposed of their prisoner.
The sun was now sinking behind the hills and night coming on.
Dick scanned the opposite shore of the lake through his glass, but could see nothing of Doctor Dan.
Things at the hut were exactly as they had left them, and as there was no possibility of leaving it before morning, Dick proceeded to make his arrangements accordingly.
Mudd was put in the loft and his feet tied as well as his hands.
The wily schemer made a vigorous protest against it all, but Dick would not listen to him, and he closed the trapdoor, which communicated with the loft, and left him to himself.
As Clara was very much fatigued, Dick suggested that she take possession of one of the bunks in the lower room and lie down, which she did shortly after dark.
As for the boys themselves, they had no other idea than to stand guard until morning.