But it could not be done, for the boys found it impossible to get through the thick underbrush on that side of the old mansion. They might have managed it in broad daylight, but it was now getting dark, and they did not want to take any chances.
"The best thing we can do," said Sammy, "is to go to Mr. Jessup right away, and tell him about what happened. He'll know what's best to do."
To this Frank and Bob had no objection, and with a last look at the queer old house, the boys found the trail leading to Camp Mystery, and hurried along it.
On the way they talked over what they had seen and what had happened to them. Try as they might, they could not explain it Sammy was sure they had discovered a counterfeiters' den, but neither Frank nor Bob would admit that this was positively so, though they agreed that it all looked very strange.
Frank did not say so, but he kept thinking that so many queer things which Sammy had discovered had turned out to be only commonplace after all, that now he feared this one would, also. Still he had to admit that the finding of the secret room was rather strange.
"There's the cabin!" exclaimed Sammy, as they came in sight of it.
"Yes, and there's Maybe, the dog, but I don't see any signs of Mr. Jessup," spoke Bob.
"I guess he's inside, getting supper," suggested Frank. "I hope he is—I'm as hungry as one of the bears that used to live on Pine Island."
"So am I," admitted Bob. "I'd like some nice hot pancakes, the kind Mr. Jessup makes, and some of his baked potatoes."
"Don't talk about it—I'm so hungry!" laughed Frank.
