"I wonder if we hadn't better make the coffee," suggested Bob, after a bit. "If he could take some of that he might feel much better."
"Good idea," said Sammy. "Let's start a fire. It's cold in here, anyhow."
There was a stove and an open fireplace, the latter in the other room of the cabin. Some logs were set aglow on the hearth, and a roaring blaze kindled in the stove. The kettle was put on, and soon a fragrant pot of coffee was ready.
The kettle was put on.
The boys were talking over whether they had better not try to get some of the hot beverage between the set lips of the aged man, when there came a sudden knock on the cabin door.
"Who's that?" whispered Frank, startled.
"It can't be Mr. Jessup, back already," remarked Bob.
"No, he'd walk right in," said Sammy.
The knock was repeated.