"Nobody's liable to tell him," went on George. "He seems to have
disappeared. That's another queer part of it. The station agent, who
knows Mr. Stockton quite well, doesn't remember his going away, and
he'd have to go from here to New York, if he sailed for Europe, which
is the story Muchmore tells in the village."

"Boys," said Bert suddenly, "I believe there is something mysterious
about that house. I thought so when I saw how queer Muchmore acted.
Now, with what George tells me, I am more than ever inclined to that
belief."

"What can we do about it?" asked Vincent.

"Maybe we can investigate," went on Herbert, "I'd like to find out
more about the place."

"We might make an excuse for going there tomorrow, by asking if the
fire did much damage," suggested Cole.

"And be put out for our pains," objected Vincent. "No, I'm going to
stay away from there."

"I guess that will be best, for a time," decided Bert.




CHAPTER XII

SAGGER'S FIRE LOSS