They kept on toward the cabin. Maybe rushed out to meet them, barking and wagging his tail, to show how glad he was to see them. But Mr. Jessup did not appear.
Somehow a sense of fear came over the boys. They did not know why, but the strange experience they had just gone through had made them nervous, and not seeing Mr. Jessup at once, added to their fears.
"I wonder where he can be?" asked Sammy, looking around the cabin. There was no sign of their friend.
"Maybe he's off hunting," suggested Frank.
"Why, he just came back from a trip," spoke Bob. "I guess you forgot that."
"I sure did," admitted Frank. "But so many things have happened in the last hour that it's no wonder. There's the game he shot," and he pointed to the rabbits and the birds.
"Yes, and there's a note on them!" cried Sammy. "Fellows, it's for us. Look it's addressed to the 'Fairview Boys.' I'll read it."
Which he did quickly enough. The note said:
"Dear Boys: I have been called over to the mainland to see my sister. She was taken suddenly ill. I will be back before long. Don't worry, and get the best supper you can. I know you can cook it.Peter Jessup."
For a moment the boys felt much disappointed, and not a little alarmed. Then their spirits rose.
"Well, it's too bad Mrs. Blake is sick," said Sammy, slowly, "but I guess we can manage without Mr. Jessup. We sure can get up a good meal. There's plenty of stuff."
"And we'll have roast pheasant and stewed rabbit!" cried Bob, who was fond of eating.
"No, we'd better leave them until Mr. Jessup gets back,"
