Rowdy had been ranging about the clearing while the conversation had been going on.  He did not seem to take a dislike to Doright, but rather ignored him.  This fact was commented on by the boys.

“Jack,” Tom spoke at length, “do you know what I think?”

“No, Tom, I do not,” replied Jack.  “You think so many things it’s hard to keep track of them all.  I wish I might.  What is it?”

“I don’t believe the boys ever were in that cabin at all.”

“Oh, yes, dey was, Boss!” protested Doright.  “Ah seen ’em.”

“Then they got out!” stoutly maintained Tom.

“Where are they now?” asked Frank.  “And how do you explain that odor of burning flesh?  There’s a mystery here somewhere.”

“There always is a mystery when the Beaver Patrol goes out on a hike,” declared Tom.  Look at the dense, dark mystery that surrounded us while we were in the Copper Country.  Look at the mystery about our visit to Niagara Falls.  We simply blunder into mystery every time we stir a foot!  Mystery is our regular schedule!”

“Yes,” agreed Jack, “but we always solve the mystery.  This is going to be no exception to the rule!  We must solve it!”

“Maybe Doright can explain something about this thing,” suggested Frank.  “Doright!” he called.  “Can you tell me what makes such a smell of burning meat around here?  What is it?”

“‘Deed, Boss, Ah cain’t tell youall what it is.  Ah don’ know!”

“Not much use quizzing him!” declared Jack.  “We can’t search the ruins now.  The embers are too hot.  If the boys were in there when it fell, we can investigate and find their remains tomorrow.  For the present, I move that we go back to the Fortuna!”

“Second the motion!” agreed Frank.  “What do you say, Tom?”

“Might as well, I guess,” Tom stated.  “It’s no use sticking around here!  We can’t do anything until daylight, and the embers of the fire cool off.  I move we get Doright here to show us the way back to the boats, and then we’ll row back to town.”

“Agreed!” cried Jack at once.  “Doright, do you remember the big oak that leans out over the water maybe two miles from here?”

“‘Deed Ah does, Boss!” declared the darky.  “Mighty good fishin’ right by dat oak!  Sure knows dat place mighty well!”

“Well, if you’ll take us there and then row us down to the town where our vessel is lying, we’ll pay you well for the trouble and give you a good supper and breakfast.  Will you do it?”

“Sure Ah will,” replied Doright.  “Ah’d be right smart proud to he’p youall.  Is you ready to go right now?” he added.

Having satisfied themselves that there was nothing to be gained by lingering near the spot, the boys decided to start for the Fortuna at once.

They all hesitated a moment when leaving the clearing, looking back with lingering gaze at the spot where the cabin had stood.  A lump was in each throat as they trudged wearily along in the wake of Doright the giant negro as he led them through the forest.