“It does seem rather strange,” he agreed.
They rested a few minutes longer and then started off again. They had little trouble in following the back trail as they had made no effort at concealment and signs of their passing were plenty.
Dawn was just breaking in the east as they reached the camp. Helen gave a loud call as they emerged from the woods and almost instantly her mother was flying down the path to meet her.
“My darling child,” she sobbed as she gathered the girl in her arms.
Helen quickly told the story and Mrs. Sleeper was most generous in her praise of the two boys.
“Where’s dad?” Helen asked as they reached the porch.
“He hasn’t come back yet.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” Helen declared. “He must be worried half to death out there in the woods.”
“I suppose so,” her mother sighed. “But he’s got Jacques with him and they’ll probably be back before long. But I’ve had enough of ghosts at last,” she declared turning to Bob. “I never thought I could be so frightened.”
“What was it?” he asked eagerly.