Without quoting all the conversation, let me make clear its substance. The three were so mystified by the incidents already told that they determined not to cease their efforts until the puzzle was solved. They were the only Boy Scouts who knew the particulars, and it was natural that their friends should give their chief interest to fishing, rambling in the forest, studying trees, picking up what they could of natural history, and laying in unnecessary stores of health and strength.
One thing was certain: Uncle Elk knew the secret and he wouldn’t tell. More than that, Chester Haynes startled his chums by the declaration:
“So does Mr. Hall,—at least I am pretty sure he does.”
“What reason have you for thinking that?” asked the astonished Alvin.
“I have seen them more than once whispering in a way that showed they were keenly interested.”
“Did you hear anything that either said?”
“Not a word.”
“How do you know then to what they were referring?”
“I don’t; I’m only guessing.”
“I belave ye’re right,” added Mike; “I obsarved the same thing and had the same ’spicion, and would have spoke of it if Chest hadn’t got ahead of me. But I’m thinking that if Mr. Hall knows it all, why the mischief doesn’t he tell us afore we bust?”