“Nothing definite and I don’t want to talk any more than I can help. I’m too near the cottage.”
“Righto, I understand and you needn’t say another word. I got here all right and Kernertok and Sicum are coming back with me as soon as we get a bite. I’ve told Kernertok all about things and, although you’ll hardly believe it, he’s really excited about it. Says that if Sicum can’t trail a ghost he’s no good. Sicum seems in fine fettle and wants to be remembered to you. I’ll call you again when we get to the dam and let you know how soon to expect us. Be careful you don’t get pinched. Good bye.”
Bob made no reply but took the receiver from his ear and carefully replaced the case in his pocket.
“So far so good,” he smiled as he took another peep.
No one was in sight and it was nearly another hour before the Sleepers came out of the cabin and went slowly toward the dining cabin. Evidently they were going to dinner and the thought reminded the boy that he was hungry, but knowing that he would have to wait several hours before he could satisfy his hunger, he proceeded to forget about it, a task at which he was very expert.
Half an hour later the Sleepers returned to their cabin and, after remaining inside for only a few minutes, Mr. Sleeper and Helen came out and the former carried in his hand an object which at once made the boy sit up and take intense notice.
“Now what the dickins,” he muttered.
The object was a paper balloon about two feet tall and bright red in color. They went toward the wharf and a moment later disappeared behind the dining cabin.
“They’re going to send it up from the end of the wharf or I’m a Dutchman,” he thought.
The big dining-cabin hid the wharf from his view but in about ten minutes he spied the balloon floating lazily up over the lake.