“I can’t see any other explanation,” his father confessed. “But I can’t figure out any reason for it. Why should anyone want to frighten camping parties that way? And who is clever enough to make raps and groans and knocks and yet disappear before anyone can spot him? That lodge stands pretty well out of the trees, and no one could dodge behind some convenient tree trunk after every one of these meaningless pranks. As for the disappearance of Mr. Riley’s shirt and shoes, that isn’t so much of a mystery, after all. The window was open in his room, and anyone could have fished the clothing out. He is lucky that they didn’t steal anything more and put him in a bad position.”
“That is one thing that convinces me that the spook is a clever one,” Barry said. “An amateur or a plain fun maker would have stolen all of his things. This one took just enough to create an air of mystery.”
The kindly face of Mrs. Garrison appeared in the doorway. “Supper is ready,” she smiled. Barry and his father walked out of the room together.
“Dad,” said Barry, “that’s a real mystery. I’d like nothing better than to go up there with some of the boys and nose around a bit. Maybe we could find out something.”
His father smiled and slapped him on the back. “Aren’t you taking that title of ‘mystery hunter’ a little seriously, Barry?”
“Maybe I am, Dad, but you never can tell. I still think our bunch could find out something of value. Just try us and see.”
CHAPTER III
Planning an Expedition
Shortly after supper Barry Garrison left the house and crossed the grass in the direction of Kent’s home. But he was saved the trouble of a journey to his chum’s house by the appearance of Kent himself. He came dashing down the walk and joined Barry.
“Going for a walk?” he hailed.
“I’m going down to Sadler’s store and get my ice skates,” Barry replied. “I left them there to be sharpened. Thought you’d like to go along.”