“No, of course not. I was only joking. Really, I’d like to see you all make the trip, but you know it’s out of the question.”
Three hours were spent by the Scout company on the top of the mountain. They visited the shafts that had been sunk by the aged miner and heard him tell of how wealthy he might have become had it not been for people who schemed against him. They traveled over every foot of the wooded peak, making note of curious formations and conditions and gaining much information.
Then they set out on their return, making the descent a little to the west of their ascent. During all their stay on the mountain and their return to Lakefarm they kept a keen lookout for the panther, but saw nothing of it.
“When Mr. Miles gets well and his new airship is finished, maybe he’ll hunt the mountain lion like an eagle,” suggested Hal to several of the boys on the way down.
“My! wouldn’t it be great if we could go with him,” said Lee Huff with explosive enthusiasm.
“If they don’t chain me to the earth, I don’t see how I’ll keep from running off with the airship,” said Frank Bowler.
“Yes, you’d do wonders, you would,” Pickles sniffed.
“He’d likely turn acrobat and tumble into the cañon,” Hal suggested.
“Then he’d he stuck up on Flathead for another mummy,” chuckled Ferdinand.
“Aw! close your face or I’ll clip you one,” Frank snapped, a little provoked. He was forgetting his voluntary promise not to make any more such rash threats. If Dr. Byrd had heard this threat, doubtless Bad would have been reminded of his resolution.