CHAPTER II

CREATING A PANIC


When Hugh gave utterance to this really startling announcement, he
naturally lowered, his voice. The others came crowding up, and stared
at the tell-tale mark. As their scout education had long since passed
far beyond the novice range they had no difficulty in seeing that Hugh
had stated the truth.

"A whopping big foot made that mark," whispered Billy.

"And see there," added Alec, hastily, also in a low tone, "here's
a second one not so big. Two fellows crossed this hole in the wall,
and only a short time ago, because the mud is as fresh as it can be."

That caused the scouts to exchange significant looks.

"Anyhow," Billy was heard to whisper to himself, "whoever made those
footprints was a live human being, and no spook, that's sure."

The thought evidently did much to relieve his mind, Hugh realized. Alec
meanwhile was shaking his head as though not only puzzled but annoyed.

"What do you make of it, Hugh?" he asked, like most of the fellows
turning to the scout master when there was a difficult problem to be
solved.