And who are you?"
"Tom Rover. I am looking for my brother Dick, who was fishing
here a while ago. Are you one of that party of college students we
have heard about?"
"Yes, I'm a college student from Yale. May I ask where you come
from?"
In a brief manner Tom told Dick Chester. "We can't imagine what
has become of my brother Dick," he went on.
"Perhaps a lion ate him up," answered the Yale student. "No, you
needn't smile. We saw a lion only yesterday. It nearly scared Mr.
Crabtree into a fit."
"Mr. Crabtree!" burst Torn. "Josiah Crabtree?"
"The same. Do you know him?"
"Indeed I do -- to my sorrow. He used to be a teacher at the
academy I and my brothers attend. But he was discharged. He's a
regular rascal."
"You are sure of that?" queried Dick Chester. "I have thought so
all along, but the others, would hardly believe it."
"I am telling the truth, and can prove all I say. But just now I
am anxious about my brother. You say you saw a lion?"
"Yes. He was across the lake; but Mr. Crabtree was scared to
death and ran away. Frank Rand and I took shots at the beast, but
I can't say if we hit him."
"It would be too bad if Dick dunh fell into dat lion's clutches,"
put in Aleck. "I reckon de lion would chaw him up in no time."
"Go back and call Cujo," said Tom. "He may be able to track my
brother's footsteps."
At once Aleck loped off. While he was gone Tom told Dick Chester
much concerning himself, and the college student related several
facts in connection with the party to which he belonged.
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