"Why should they do such a thing as that?" returned Kirk Talbot. "I don't believe it. What do you think, Nat?"
"I never was so completely mystified in my life," returned the leader of the Nimrods, who accepted the situation with a coolness that greatly surprised his followers. "It looks as though our grand expedition has come to an end."
"What is going to be done?" asked John Hackett.
"We had better start out for Kingswood in the morning," said Nat, in tones of decided conviction.
"And make no effort to recover the boats?" exclaimed Bob, in surprise.
Nat shrugged his shoulders. "We are out in the wilderness. I don't see any police around, do you?"
"And what about Dave Brandon?"
"We couldn't do him any good by staying here. Ten to one he has simply rushed off to tell the authorities at Kingswood."
But Nat Wingate's ideas did not meet with approval. The thoroughly disgusted and anxious boys walked up and down, excitedly discussing the matter, advancing many possible solutions of the mystery, and entirely forgetful of their fatigue and hunger.
The unaccountable disappearance of Dave Brandon alarmed them not a little. Some of the boys now proceeded to skirmish around in the immediate vicinity, swinging their lanterns in many a dark nook and corner, others shouted at the top of their voices, but, of course, all these efforts were without avail.