“All right,” agreed Jack. “I think, myself, that will be the best plan. I wonder what in the world can be in that shed?”
“And I wonder what’s happening to Will in there?” added Nat. “We must find out, if possible.”
“We’ll give our parole,” called Jack to Sandy, and the red-haired man approached the group of boys alone, having motioned to his companions, on hearing this, that they could resume their occupations.
“That’s good,” answered the red-haired man, apparently much relieved. “Now you can go over there and make yourselves at home. You say you have some grub of your own. Fetch it, and get busy. Nobody will disturb you.”
“And you’ll speak to Andy about us, as soon as you can; won’t you?” asked Nat.
“Sure thing. You’re only in the way here, if you’ll excuse my saying so, and the sooner you’re off, the sooner we can go on with our work.”
The boys went to where they had left the sled, got the packages of food, and, with their guns, which had first been taken from them, and then restored, as they gave their parole, they went to the cabin Sandy indicated.
The red-haired man seemed to pay no further attention to them, but entered another cabin, near the big shed, while none of the other men were now in sight. Jerry Chowden had also disappeared.
“They’ve left us to ourselves,” remarked Jack.
“Yes,” added Sam. “I wonder what their ‘work’ can be?”