William jumped to Bluff’s defense. “Sure,” he cried, “he’s got the right idea. We ought to keep guard all night and watch out against any one creeping up on us while we’re asleep.”
At other times the boys would have laughed at the suggestion. But their thoughts were such that the idea appealed to them and seemed reasonable.
Paul objected. “Don’t be foolish,” he said. “Who’ll creep up on us? Who’ll want to harm us?”
William retorted hotly. “How should I know? But you were a witness to what happened tonight. You’ll admit that the stranger was eager to have us move camp. There must be a reason for it. And—”
“Yes,” interjected Wallace, “but does that imply that he wants to harm us or attack us? I think you’re permitting your imagination to run away with you—like that time with the ghost.”
That remark broke the ice and the boys laughed heartily, recalling the ghost incident. The boys then dismissed all thoughts of danger and decided to retire. It had been a big day for them and they were very tired. They slept soundly all through the night without awakening or being disturbed.
In the morning before breakfast, Jack took Paul aside and the two carried on a hurried, whispered conversation. They then called over Wallace and the three withdrew for a serious conference. After Wallace had told his story, Paul asked, “Well, what’s your opinion of the whole thing?”
Wallace said, “It’s my impression that there is some connection between the incidents, but what it is I don’t know.”
Jack nodded. “I’m somewhat of the same opinion,” he commented.
“Let’s not try to solve the puzzle now,” remarked Paul. “Are you two agreed that we ought to move camp?”