He maintained that he had remained as long as it was possible to hope for the boys' safety, and then had started off in search of Lopez or Wyckoff to give them the news.
His fear was so genuine and his grief over the fact that he had been unable to do anything to save their chums so intense that the boys could not find it in their hearts to chide him further.
"Never mind, Doright," Tom exclaimed laying a hand on the broad shoulder of the negro. "We believe you did all you could and that you tried to live up to your name and to do right. Don't grieve."
Rowdy had been ranging about the clearing while the conversation had been going on. He did not seem to take a dislike to Doright, but rather ignored him. This fact was commented on by the boys.
"Jack," Tom spoke at length, "do you know what I think?"
"No, Tom, I do not," replied Jack. "You think so many things it's hard to keep track of them all. I wish I might. What is it?"
"I don't believe the boys ever were in that cabin at all."
"Oh, yes, dey was, Boss!" protested Doright. "Ah seen 'em."
"Then they got out!" stoutly maintained Tom.
"Where are they now?" asked Frank. "And how do you explain that odor of burning flesh? There's a mystery here somewhere."