"Yes, he's gone, but I'll get him the next time."
"He gave us a good ride, anyhow, didn't he, Russ?" asked Laddie. "I guess he rode us 'most a mile."
"Half a mile, anyhow," answered Russ. "And oh, look, Laddie! We can see Green Pond!"
They were up on top of a hill, and, looking through the trees, they could see, sparkling in the sun, the waters of Green Pond, about two miles away.
"That's where Mr. Barker lives," said Laddie.
"And maybe the red-haired lumberman is there with daddy's papers," said Russ. "Oh, Laddie! I know what let's do!"
"What?"
"Let's go down to Mr. Barker's place and ask the lumberman if he's a tramp, and if he is the one that took the old coat. Let's do that!"
"All right," agreed Laddie. "It isn't far and Zip will ride us there and home again, so we won't get tired. If we get the papers won't daddy be glad?"
"Terrible glad! Come on, we'll go!"