"
"Oh, no, I must stay too. Perhaps in the morning we can take him
away," insisted Cora.
Bess and Belle clung together. They had a fear of "the wild man"
and it had not yet been dispelled. Hazel tried to induce Laurel to
go back to camp and allow her and Cora to care for the father, but
of course such an appeal was useless. Laurel would not think of
leaving the sick man. It was finally arranged that Cora and Jack
should remain, and then reluctantly the others started off with the
promise of returning very early the next morning.
"I have some things to eat," Laurel told them. "I thought poor
father would like a change, and I got them when I was at the Point."
"Oh, you save them," Jack said. "We had a good supper, and will
make out all right until morning. But now tell me where I can get
you fresh water."
Cora knew, and she took the extra lantern and started off with her
brother. They talked of many things as they stumbled on through the
woods.
"There's the spring. Look out! Don't fall in. My isn't that water
clear even in the lantern light!" exclaimed Cora suddenly.
Jack filled the pail easily and then they turned back.
"But Jack," Cora began again, "you know there is some mystery about
Mr. Starr. That must be his name, for Laurel signed hers so in the
note she left."
"Whatever the mystery is, I feet certain it is nothing disgraceful,"
Jack assured her.
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