The boys gathered close together, their heads bent over the mysterious message on the birch bark.
“Let’s call to him to explain,” suggested Ned.
“It’s too late,” said Jerry. “He’s too far out. Besides I don’t believe he’d come back. Anyhow I think I know what the message means.”
“What?” asked Ned and Bob in a chorus.
“Isn’t it plain enough?” asked Jerry with a smile. “If Andy Rush was here he’d have half a dozen explanations.”
“Let me read it once more?” came from Ned.
“‘Where the bluebird spreads her wings, there you’ll find the stolen things. Search her deep and search her through, you will find I’m speaking true.’”
“Why of course!” exclaimed Bob. “It must be the schooner Bluebird he’s referring to, and he means your father’s things will be found in her, Ned. It’s as plain as the nose on your face.”
“That’s so,” agreed Ned. “Is that what you make of it Jerry?”
“Sure. That part is easy enough. What does puzzle me though is that tramp. I can’t quite make him out. He’s a funny character, and his latest effort is stranger than any since his adventure on the hay barge. I wonder how he knew there was stolen stuff aboard the Bluebird?”