"I feel myself drifting into deep thought, in spite of everything," replied the stout boy, solemnly. "You may be right, Hackett. It does look that way—just a hoax."
"An' what's your opinion, cap'n?"
"That you'd better do as this paper says."
"Then I'll take yer advice. It can't do no harm."
As no amount of discussion could solve the mystery, the subject was finally changed.
"Then we'll see you in the morning, eh?" asked Bob Somers, as they trooped out.
"Yer sartingly will—good-night!"
The young hunters lost no time in reaching camp, and, tired from their long tramp, immediately turned in.
Early next morning, John Yardsley skated across Lake Wolverine, and half an hour later the boys saw him returning, in company with Piper and his friends.
"Humph!" muttered Hackett, "here comes that nice crowd again."