“No, we are going to turn it over to Doctor Clay,” said Roger.
“All right, have your own way,” growled Nat.
As in coming to the cabin, the money-lender’s son took the lead in the return to Oak Hall. Dave and Roger kept close behind and occasionally spoke of the happenings in guarded tones. When the school was reached all left their bicycles in the gymnasium.
“Going to Doctor Clay now?” demanded Nat. 209
“We might as well,” said Dave. “The sooner he knows of this, the better for everybody.”
“All right.”
Doctor Clay was somewhat surprised to see the three boys, dusty and tired-looking, enter his private office. He listened with close attention to their tale of visiting the cabin and encountering the wild man, and looked completely astonished on learning that the man was Nat’s uncle.
“I am sorry for you, Poole,” said he, kindly. “But such things will happen and you must make the best of it. It is not your fault.”
Then Dave and Roger told of the finding of the old magazine with the drawing and writing, and Doctor Clay shook his head sorrowfully.
“Too bad! Too bad!” he murmured.