"You'll get your clothing covered with water and mud."

"I don't intend to follow," answered Ned. "Just the same, I should like
to know more about those fellows."

"I wish I had seen their faces."

"Yes, it's a pity we didn't get a better look at them. But I'd know
their voices."

By the time they gave up the hunt the sun was shining brightly. Both
walked to where the boat had been left, and Joe turned the craft over
so that the water might run out. Then he mopped off the seats as best he
could.

Ned wanted to go directly home, and he and Joe rowed the craft in the
direction of Riverside. As they passed along the lake shore the hermit's
boy noted that several trees had been struck by lightning.

"I'm glad the lightning didn't strike the lodge while we were there,"
said he.

"It was certainly a severe storm while it lasted, Joe. By the way, shall
I say anything about those two men?"

"Perhaps it won't do any harm to tell your father, Ned."

"Very well, I'll do it."

Soon Riverside was reached, and having paid for the fish and the outing,