"From what I hear of this young man, 'Lias Hatfield, who is in jail
at Scarboro, he is a decent lad and has worked hard for his
stepmother. The half-brother he shot was about the age of this boy we
found down home. But _his_ body was recovered from the river
only the other day when they arrested 'Lias. I shall make it my
business to see the Hatfields personally and learn, if possible, how
a stranger like that boy who came here with you, Ruth, could have
obtained Mr. Hatfield's old wallet."

"He had some deep interest in the mystery of this shooting,"
declared Ruth, and she told the merchant of the newspaper clipping
that had dropped out of the old wallet when she had undertaken to dry
the boy's clothing at the Red Mill.

Meanwhile, the other young folks were highly delighted over the
possibilities for fun at Snow Camp. Tom and his friends did not pay
much attention to what was inside the great log house; but before
noon they knew all that was to be done outside and were unhappy only
because they did not know which to do first. In addition, Busy Izzy
had exhausted himself and every man about the place, asking
questions; and finally Tom and Bob gagged him with his own
handkerchief and threatened to tie him up and not give him any dinner
if he did not stop it.

"But _do_ let him ask for a second helping to pudding, boys,"
urged the kind-hearted Heavy. "It's going to be fine--I had a taste
of the dough. Mary says it's 'Whangdoodle Pudding, with Lallygag
Sauce'; but you needn't be afraid of the fancy name she gives it,"
added the plump girl, rolling her eyes. "It's just scrumptious!"