“How?” Mabel wanted to know.
“Because every one who goes to Bear Pond the first time gets lost,” declared Blake. “Don’t they, fellows?”
“Sure,” came the chorus.
“Why did you go without telling us?” asked Jack. “We could have shown you the road, and—”
“Oh-o-o-o-o!” suddenly screamed Mabel. “Look!”
“What is it? A snake?” asked Jack, springing to her side.
“No, but I saw two green eyes— Oh! how they glittered! On the path right in front of us!”
“A skunk, maybe!” volunteered Blake.
“Oh, you horrid thing!” came in five different intonations of feminine voices.
“Well, maybe it was only a ’coon, or ’possum,” admitted Blake. “He was probably attracted by Mrs. Bonnell’s light.”