talking about?" exclaimed John in surprise.

"Did you see an old man with white hair and a long beard?"

"Of course I did. That's what I said, didn't I?"

"Well, there he is," and once more Fred became convulsed with merriment.

His three companions looked in the direction he had indicated. At the
brow of the hill, alongside a large rock, and gazing curiously down at
them stood an old billy goat. His white beard gave him a most odd
appearance.

"Is that the old man you saw?" demanded Grant, turning toward John. One
glance at his companion, however, was enough to give him his answer. A
foolish expression spread itself over John's face and he became very red
and embarrassed. He mumbled something under his breath, but no one could
make out what it was that he said.

"Well, String," cried George, "you certainly put your foot in it that
time. I guess you'll never hear the end of it either. You surely won't
if I have anything to say about it. An old man with a white beard. Baa!"
and George imitated a goat and he too gave vent to uncontrollable
laughter.

"There was a goat at each end of the opening, wasn't there, Pop?"
inquired Grant mischievously.

"There sure was," George agreed. "The big one was at the bottom."

Fred, Grant, and George laughed and then laughed some more. They slapped
John on the back and twitted him repeatedly about the false alarm he had
given. They enjoyed themselves immensely at their friend's expense. He,
however, was very much ashamed and very unhappy.

"I admit I was the goat," he said sadly. "I don't know what got into me,
but it was such a shock to see that funny looking face staring in at the
other end of that opening. It scared the life out of me."

"I should say it did," chuckled George. "You scared us, too."

"Well, I'm sorry," John apologized. "I'll do anything I can to make up."

"What shall we have him do?" exclaimed Fred eagerly. "It ought to be
something pretty bad."

"Make him open that chest," Grant suggested.

"That's a good scheme," said George. "Here's a big rock for you, String.
Hit it a few cracks and see if you are better at this than at exploring
caves."

John approached the chest, rock in hand. The lock had already been bent
considerably by the other boys' efforts, but it still held fast. John
attacked it fiercely and after breaking several stones succeeded in
demolishing the lock.

"Yea, String!" cried George, excitedly. "You're a wonder. Open it up!
Quick!"