“I remembered the troubles you had had at the camp and I went to see this Dr. Hemple. He told me of the skeleton and about groaning in the bushes and of setting the woods on fire. Oh, I know that you are wondering about the Black Rider part of it, too! He heard that Ted was going to tell the story and that gave him an idea. He muffled the feet of his horse and led him out on a rock—that one over there?—and then put some illuminating powder on the top of the rock, which he touched off. He hoped you’d think he was a dread spirit of the place, but you refused to be scared away. But what is his story of another ghost? He says he masked one night to try and scare you away as a ghost, but he claims that there was another ghost around.” The lawyer looked puzzled as the boys broke into peals of hearty laughter, and Ted told him the story.

The lawyer enjoyed it thoroughly. “Well, you certainly have had a wonderful summer of fun and adventure,” he remarked, and later he spoke privately to Ted and Buck. “You boys have done a fine piece of work here. All of these boys look in the pink of good health, and as for that little Clayton lad, his mother and father won’t know him. He has developed physically and he bears himself like a little man, in contrast to his former timid way. I am proud of the way you have handled these boys and the other trustees are going to be, too.”

“Thank you,” acknowledged Ted and Buck, pleased with Mr. Calvert’s praise.

On Labor Day they enjoyed their last few hours of camp life and as soon as the big truck arrived they pulled the supply truck up to the road and the boys took their places in the big vehicle. This time Drummer was in charge of the boys and Buck rode in the front seat with Ted. With a final cheer for the camp of the Black Riders the trucks started down the road and back toward the city.

“Well, I’m mighty sorry to leave the camp,” remarked Buck, as they rolled slowly along. “I’ve seldom had a better or more exciting time in my life.”

“Nor I,” agreed his chum, with enthusiasm. “Black Riders’ Camp will always have a soft place in my heart.”

The boys in the truck seemed to feel the same way. The country road rang with their cheer for the recent camping trip.

THE END

Transcriber’s Notes