“We’ll find out anyway pretty quick who it is.”
In a brief time the boys arrived at the rear of the little house, which was not much more than a shanty in its appearance. They found that their surmise that smoke was rising from the chimney was correct. There could be no doubt that some one was within the building.
Once more the boys turned and looked anxiously toward the lake, eager to discover if any trace of their missing friends could be seen. The waters already were becoming smoother and the rays of the sun were almost blinding as they were reflected by the shining waters.
“What shall we do?” said Fred in a low voice. “Shall we rap?”
“Of course we’ll rap,” retorted John. “You talk as if you didn’t know what the customs of civilized countries are.”
“Is knocking one of them?” inquired Fred demurely.
“It certainly is.”
“Well, then, I guess I don’t live in the place you are talking about, for nobody has rapped at our door at home for the last ten years. Not since we have put in electric bells.”
“It’s hard work to keep up with you,” said John, not strongly impressed by the attempt of his friend to be facetious. “But we’ll knock here anyway.”
Advancing to the kitchen door, John rapped loudly to proclaim the presence of visitors.