“Tramp? The one who threw the stone?” Jabowski’s expression became guarded. “No, I searched the island after Mr. Manheim complained to me. No one around. If anyone scared you, he’s gone now.”
“Let’s hope so, at least,” replied Brad evenly. “Well, so long, Mr. Jabowski. Sorry to have bothered you.”
The Cubs tramped off, and because they knew the caretaker was watching, did not look back until they were a long distance from the old hotel.
Once out of sight and hearing, the boys discussed the important discovery they had made.
“There’s no question that it was Jacques we saw at the window,” Brad declared. “But what’s he doing here? And was it Jabowski who pulled him away from the window, or someone else?”
“He’s a prisoner, for sure,” Midge insisted. “We know someone spirited him away from the Cave. He’s probably been held here ever since.”
“Come on, let’s find Mr. Hatfield,” Brad urged, starting along the trail again.
At the camp a few minutes later, the Cubs were surprised to find the site entirely deserted. Dan was nowhere around. Nor was Mr. Hatfield or Midge’s father to be found.
Belatedly, Brad recalled that the Cub leader and Mr. Holloway had expected to make a brief trip that morning to the mainland.
“That’s probably where they are,” he remarked, his gaze anxiously sweeping the river. “But where’s Dan?”