"But what in the world——"
"Never mind that now. Go on to camp. You've no time to lose. I'll make explanations when I get there."
The necessity for hurrying back was plain enough, and so, without further delay, Jack and Charley started toward the camp at a brisk trot.
CHAPTER XX.
A CALCULATION OF PROFIT AND LOSS.
When they arrived at camp Jack and Charley found every thing as they had left it, except that their prisoner was gone. Examination showed that he had gnawed the rope with which he had been bound, and thus had set himself free.
At first the boys were disposed to regard this as a mishap, but a moment's reflection convinced them of their error.
"Now that we know that Ned is safe," said Charley, "we have no use for that rascal. We should have set him free in the morning at any rate."
"By the way," said Jack, "what do you make of Ned's performance?"