"There are six of us students," he said. "We were going to have a
professor from Yale with us, but he got sick at the last moment
and we hired Josiah Crabtree. I wish we hadn't done it now, for
he has proved more of a hindrance than a help, and his real
knowledge of fauna and flora could be put in a peanut shell, with
room to spare."
"He's a big brag," answered Tom. "Take my advice and never trust
him too far - or you may be sorry for it."
Presently Aleck came back, with Cujo following. The brawny
African began at once to examine the footprints along the lake
shore.
"Him been here," he said. "Him came up dis way. But him no walk
away."
"Didn't walk away!" ejaculated Tom.
"No. Udder footprints walk away, but not um Massah Dick."
"I don't understand, Cujo. Do you think he -- fell into the lake?"
"Perhaps, Massah Tom - or maybe he get into boat."
Tom shook his head. "I don't know of any boats around here -- do
you?" he asked of Dick Chester.
"No," returned the young man from Yale. "But the natives living
in the vicinity may have them."
"Perhaps a native dun carry him off," said Aleck. "He must be
sumwhar, dat am certain."
"Yes, he must be somewhere," repeated Tom sadly.
By this time Sam and Randolph Rover were coming up, and also one
of Dick Chester's friends. The college students were introduced
to the others by Tom, and then a general hunt began for Dick,
which lasted until the shades of night had fallen.
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