The boys visited the barn and other outbuildings, then they flashed the light to a distance. They thought they saw a figure hurrying across one of the fields, but it was very indistinct and they concluded a further investigation would be useless.
The girls had gathered on the piazza and asked numerous questions when the boys returned. Ruth was as concerned as the Rovers, for in the past she had had several unpleasant experiences with Slugger Brown.
“With such a rascal around there is no telling what may happen,” said Martha anxiously. “Why, he might even set the house on fire—or something like that!”
“Oh, don’t get so scared, Martha!” burst out her brother. “We’ll take care of Slugger Brown, if he shows himself again.”
“Maybe you girls were mistaken. It might have been nobody but some farmhand or a tramp who looked a little like Slugger,” suggested Fred.
“No, it was Slugger, I’m sure of it!” declared Martha, and on this point Mary firmly agreed.
The young folks discussed the subject a few minutes longer, and then, as there seemed nothing further to do concerning the mysterious appearance and disappearance of their enemy, the boys went back to the printing of the photographic films.
The picture taken by Martha was worthless and those taken by Mary and the boys little better. But when Ruth’s picture was printed it came out with especial clearness.
“Hurrah! Here we are!” exclaimed Andy, after a close inspection. “This shows Jack nearly a foot ahead!”