They found their camps undisturbed, the lighted lanterns seemingly serving them well in their absence. But, as on the going trip, there was no sign of the missing canoe. Nor did a casual search the boys made the next day bring it to light.
They reported their loss to the local authorities, and one of the constables said he would do what he could to find the craft.
“Though it isn’t very hopeful,” he told them. “It’s so easy to paint a canoe over, and they all look alike.”
The officer seemed more interested in hearing about the location of the Gypsy wagons and tents at Bear Pond, and made a trip to the girls’ camp to learn about them. He was given the directions to find it, and said he would make an investigation at once.
“And, if you can,” urged Mabel, “see if you can get back my mother’s ring.”
“I will,” he promised, but the girls well knew that there was but a small chance of success.
“Maybe we should have told him about the haunted mill,” suggested Natalie.
“No!” declared Mrs. Bonnell. “That was only some foolish fancy of that hermit. The mill isn’t haunted.”
“Of course not,” Natalie agreed, “but I’m sure I saw a face at the window that day.”
But nothing was said to the constable about it.