The night was just perfect; the air soft and balmy and every star seemed to be out for business.
Arm in arm, Dick and Charley walked up and down the shore in front of the hut discussing the singular adventures which had befallen them, but it remained for Charley to bring the conversation back to Martin Mudd.
“You don’t say much about that wild talk he made, Dick,” Charley began. “Don’t take any stock in it, I suppose?”
“Why, of course not,” laughed Dick. “It’s mere bluff.”
“I don’t feel so sure about that,” said Charley, musingly. “I believe that there is something under it all.”
“Guess not,” replied Dick, carelessly. “The mean wretch! He wanted to make poor Clara feel bad, that’s all. To-morrow, just as soon as it is light, we must all start down the mountain and get around to the other side of the lake. Doctor Dan shall decide whether we go back to Node Ranch with our prisoner or not, but I think it’s the best thing we can do.”
“Suppose we build a big fire and let the Doctor know we are here?” suggested Charley.
“Yes, and let that scoundrel Tony know, too, and perhaps half a dozen others. No, thank you. I don’t care about that. We’ll let well enough alone.”
For a few moments the boys continued to pace the shore in silence and then Charley broke out again.
“I can’t get away from it, Dick,” he said. “I think you ought to listen to what Mudd has to tell.”