“He’s sick! He’s crazy!” said Ben, excitedly.
“He’s going to commit suicide!” responded Jock, with equal excitement.
Moved as by a common impulse all four of the boys instantly darted into the camp; but the startled Tom, bestowing upon them one glance of terror and confusion, turned and ran swiftly into the woods.
CHAPTER V.
BEN TRIES THE CANOE.
Before any of the boys could start in pursuit of the fleeing Tom, one of them suddenly called out, “Isn’t that Ethan coming?”
They all turned at the words and perceived the fisherman already near the dock, and with one accord they ran swiftly to meet him. His boat was apparently filled with their trunks and belongings, and the two canoes which Jock had ordered to be sent were also on board.
As Ethan ran his craft alongside the dock, Jock, too excited to note carefully whether all his possessions had been obtained or not, called out, “Oh, Ethan, something’s the matter with Tom!”
“Hey? somethin’ the matter with him? How long since?”