“That’s right,” said the backwoodsman, nodding. “Mine’s the only key up here.”
“But the intruders couldn’t have used that.”
“Yes, they could, too! I didn’t take it with me when I went away from here.”
“Who would know where it was?”
“Anybody might have seen it that looked into my shack,” admitted the old man. “I ain’t in the habit of hidin’ things. We don’t have burglars up here, Mister. That key, and others, hung right on a nail beside my chimley-place. Yes, sir!”
“Then any person passing by could have found the key and entered the Lodge?” asked Mr. Howbridge.
“Only we don’t have many folks passin’ by,” returned Ike thoughtfully.
“I can’t understand it.”
“It is a puzzle,” admitted M’Graw. “Hi gorry! I ain’t been to my shack yet since comin’ back from Ebettsville. Mebbe the key ain’t thar no more.”
“To what door was it?” asked the lawyer.