Jessup was pointing out to the boys a trail that led from his place to the cabin of the hermit.
"But I wouldn't advise you to follow that trail after dark, unless you know it pretty well," he said.
"Why not?" asked Bob, always looking for reasons.
"Because that bog, that I told you about, is on both sides of the trail at certain places, and it's dangerous. I often wonder why old Mr. Addison built his cabin so near the bog. It's true there are some good springs of water near it, but I'd rather be on higher ground, and carry my water a way. So don't travel that trail except in daylight, boys."
They promised to be careful, and walked on, looking curiously back toward the dangerous bog.
Suddenly Frank, who was in the lead, raised a hand to order a halt and silence.
"What's up?" asked Sammy.
"Listen!" said Frank.
All heard a deep groan.
"Someone's there!" exclaimed Bob, pointing to a clump of bushes just ahead, and to one side of the trail.
"Maybe it's a—bear!" faltered Sammy.
"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mr. Jessup. "That's a human voice. Hello, there!" he cried. "Who are you? What do you want? Has anything happened? Answer!"
"Maybe it's the counterfeiters," whispered Sammy.
The dog was barking excitedly.
"Come here!" commanded Mr. Jessup, and then, as the groan sounded again, he went forward. Parting the bushes he looked ahead and cried out:
"Boys, it's Mr. Addison—the hermit, and he seems to have fallen and hurt himself! Come here and we'll help him!"
The three rushed forward. There on the ground, under the bushes, where there was no snow, lay the old man. He seemed
