“If he shouldn’t be back—” Judy began. “Then what?”
“I don’t know what we can do except to notify the authorities,” Miss Meadows said, deeply troubled. “Meanwhile, you girls are to return to camp. I’ll feed Pete and see if I can coax him to the cottage.”
“I don’t feel like going back to camp just now,” Judy said soberly. “Until I know that Bart is safe, I couldn’t enjoy any of the Scout activities.”
“Neither could I,” chimed in Kathleen. “It’s been such an exciting day already. I feel sort of jittery inside.”
The three crawled out of the cave into the sunlight. Pete scrambled up alertly as they emerged, but could not be coaxed away from the entranceway.
“If only we dared go down into the cave, we could learn what became of Bart,” Kathleen remarked to her companions who stood silent and uncertain. “Then we could end this dreadful suspense.”
“We can’t go down into the cave without a guide,” Miss Meadows repeated firmly. “I know of no one—”
“Captain Hager!” Judy cried. “He could help us, if he will!”
“Of course! Why didn’t I think of him? At the very least, he should be able to advise us. Where does he live, Judy?”
“I’m not sure. I think, in a cabin somewhere along the river.”