Russ and Paul had no choice, after that, but to take the girls back to Oak Farm.
The rain was over, but the trees still dripped with moisture and the raincoats and umbrellas were very useful. Paul walked with Alice, while Russ kept pace at the side of Ruth. And as the four walked together they talked of the recent happenings, speculating as to the meaning of them all.
Back in the comfortable farmhouse, clothed in dry garments, Ruth and Alice were inclined to laugh at their scare, which, at the time, had seemed very real.
"I think that man was real kind," said Mrs. Apgar, as she heard the story. "To leave his cabin that way."
"He was, unless he had some object in view," said Sandy. "I'd like to know what his game is. He's got some object hangin' around here, and I'm goin' to find out what it is."
"Was that his cabin?" asked Ruth.
"No, that's an old shack that really belongs on this place," explained Mr. Apgar, "but there's a dispute as to the title, so no one really knows who owns it. 'Tain't much 'count, anyhow. But you say he was livin' in it?"
"He had it partly furnished, at any rate," said Alice. "It could be fixed up and made into a lovely little bungalow."
"Well, you folks kin do that if you like," offered Sandy. "I kin have it fixed so that fellow won't stay there. He's got no rights: only a squatter."
"I think we'd feel safer here," returned Ruth, with a smile. "That man might come back unexpectedly."