"The place is delightful," replied the Englishman. "This has been an enjoyable week — but for our worries over Bruce Duncan — and I am glad to be here. Tomorrow I shall climb Rocky Summit. Will you accompany me?"
"I had better stay here," replied Harry. "There's another reason why I am sorry you went to the village. One of us should be here all along, on account of the wireless."
"I believe you are right. I should not have gone to the village. In fact, it was after dark when I started back. A man gave me a lift."
"Who was he — a native?"
"I don't believe so. I couldn't see his face in the dark. He talked as though he came from the city. He brought me along Mountain Pike as far as our road."
"You didn't tell him where you were staying?" Vincent's voice seemed anxious.
"No, indeed. I merely mentioned that I was stopping at a house near by."
Harry Vincent became suddenly alert. He drew a flashlight from his pocket and turned a glare of light on the ground in front of the porch.
"What is it?" asked Weston.
"Thought I heard something out there," replied Harry. "I must have been mistaken. It sounded like a crackling twig."