The boys did not have as good luck that afternoon as they did in the morning, for they were on the ground too early to get the evening fishing. Still, they added a few fine bass to their string; but, about the time the fish began to show a disposition to take the bait promptly, they were obliged to pull up the anchor and start for the cabin.
They found Dick sitting on the bench, picking the bones of a squirrel he had broiled over the coals on a forked stick. He had eighteen others to carry home with him.
Having a long walk before them, he and Bob decided to start for the village at once. They wanted to get through the woods before dark.
“We’ll leave our surplus provisions here, so that it will not be necessary for us to bring a new supply when we come again,” said Dick, as he proceeded to pack his squirrels and some of the fish away in his basket. “Has Bob told you that you are to be janitor at the academy? All right; but remember that you are to be easy on the boys. If we are out after ten o’clock, you are to be at the gate to let us in; and you are not to report us, no matter what we do. We’ll see you on Monday, I suppose, and you must tell us what the sheriff wanted of you.”
George took his friends across the lake in his boat, put them on the road leading to the village, and returned to the cabin, feeling lonely, indeed, but at the same time very much elated and encouraged.
Monday morning came at last, and with it came the deputy sheriff, accompanied by two constables. They were all mounted, and one of the constables led an extra horse, which George soon learned was intended for his own use.
“This is my idea of a hunter’s home,” said Mr. Newton, who seemed to enjoy the view that was spread out before him. “I shouldn’t mind living this way myself, if I could make a support by it.”
“You would find it a dog’s life,” said George. “At least, I have found it so. I didn’t come here from choice, and I am heartily glad that this is my last day here. How is everything in the village?”
“Oh, the excitement is intense, and the fathers of those young rogues are very indignant! I have been called everything but a decent man by them and their friends; but I was justified in arresting them, for Benson and Forbes have made a full confession. Wallace is as defiant as ever, and neither denies nor acknowledges anything. Now, George, do you know where Dungan Brook is?”
George said that he did.