“Who are you in danger from?” asked the professor, wondering what sort of story the hermit could tell.
“All kinds of bad men,” was the answer. “They had me in their power once, but I got away. I came here because it was a place well hidden from general observation. I have lived here several years, and you are the first persons beside poor Kate, that I have been friendly with in that time.”
“Then why do you keep ready to repel an enemy if none has molested you in that period?” asked Mr. Snodgrass.
“Because there is no telling when the men will attack me,” replied the old man. “There are several who would like to get control of me, but I think I can prevent it. I will never let them get me into their power again, as long as I have a shot in the gun.”
Supper was ready by this time, and the travelers, not very much reassured by the talk of the strange old hermit sat down to the rude table. The food, contrary to their expectation, proved very good.
When the meal was over the hermit began to question the travelers about their journey and asked why they came to the lake, which, he said, was seldom if ever visited. They told him how they had unexpectedly found the sheet of water.
“That generally is the way in this world,” said the old man. “If you look for a thing you never find it, but if you do not, sometimes it comes to you in the most unexpected manner. I have sought something for many years, but I have not found it, and my heart will break if I do not succeed soon.”
“What is it you are looking for?” asked Ned, softly, as he saw the hermit was affected.
“I can not tell you now,” was the answer. “Later I may, and perhaps you can help me in the quest.”
“We would be glad to,” said the professor. “But I think we must be going now. It is getting late and we must get back to the automobile. Besides, I am afraid we will have trouble finding our way through the woods.”