"Well, hardly, because these ashes have been here a long time, perhaps several years, for all we know," remarked Paul.
"Go back a little further, Paul, and say the mound builders left 'em," chuckled the doubting Bobolink, who always had to be shown.
"Look for yourselves. You know what fresh ashes are like. These have settled down a long time. If it was outdoors now, the rains would have washed them away; but sheltered in this cave they've just blown about by the current of air. And see here why I know no boy sat beside this fire," and while speaking Paul walked over to pick up several things his quick eye had discovered.
"An old shoe, and a big one at that!" said Jack, nodding his head, as if agreeing with his chum's version.
"And a tomato can with the top cut away," broke in Bobolink, as he looked, "and a stick in the hole of the cover. Say, Paul, I guess you're right, because I've seen tramps heating coffee in that style. It wasn't Ted and his crowd after all; and I guess the old mound builders didn't have tomato cans to use."
"Or coffee to put in them," laughed Paul, turning the can upside down, and allowing some dark grains to fall on his palm; at which Bobolink sniffed, and then threw up both hands as though giving in.
"Shall we go on further?" asked Paul. "I'm ready to leave it to the rest."
"Sure," declared Jack, without hesitation.
"Count me in on that, Paul," came from Joe, stoutly.