"It must be here," cried Joe.

"Perhaps it was buried under a tree."

"That may be true. Anyway, I am certain it is somewhere around this
cabin."

After that the hunt was continued for another hour, and they visited
several spots in that locality where Joe thought the blue box might have
been placed. But it was all to no purpose, the box failed to come to
light.

At last the two boys sat down on a bench in front of the cabin. Both
were tired out, Ned especially so. Joe was much downcast and his friend
did what he could to cheer him up.

"The box is bound to come to light some day," said Ned. "That is, unless
some of those men carried it off."

"What men, Ned?"

"The fellows who helped to mend the cabin just before the funeral."

"Oh, I don't think they would steal the box. Bart Andrews and Jack
Thompson are as honest as the day is long."

"Well, it's mighty queer you can't find some trace of the blue box."

The boys talked the matter over for some time, and then Ned announced
that he must go home.