o some splendid times."

"Oh, so am I, Dave, and I am sure the others hope to have good times,
too."

It was about ten o'clock when Mr. and Mrs. Basswood came back to the
hotel, having spent a very pleasant evening with their friends, who had
wanted them to remain over night.

"I've got some news that I want to telegraph to Crumville," announced
Ben's father, as he came in. "News that may interest Mr. Poole."

"What is that, Dad?" questioned his son, curiously.

"Why, Mr. Dobson spoke about a strange sort of man who called on him
yesterday. He thought the man was out of his mind. He said the fellow
asked for work first, but then said he didn't care whether he got a job
or not, because he had to take the night express for Sumatra."

"A strange man who wanted to take the night express for Sumatra!"
exclaimed Dave. "It must have been 'The King of Sumatra'--Wilbur Poole!"

"Just exactly what I think, Dave," answered Mr. Basswood.

CHAPTER X

CAUGHT IN A STORM

"Did you ever know this Wilbur Poole, Dad?" questioned Ben.

"Yes, I met him years ago at Aaron Poole's home. But of course he was in
his right mind then. Poor chap! I pity him very much."

"I think we all pity him," answered Dave. "Nobody can be responsible
after his mind breaks down."

"I feel sorry for Nat Poole and his folks," said Laura. "This will give
them a great deal of trouble, not to mention the expense."

"If Wilbur Poole was anywhere around Rayville it might pay to start a
hunt for him," suggested Roger.

"I don't think you'll find him anywhere around here," answered Mr.
Basswood. "But it won't hurt to take a look around, if you boys care to
take a walk."

Ben's father went off to send his telegram to Aaron Poole, and all the
boys set off on a hunt for the wild man. They covered the streets of the
village and some of the roads on the outskirts, but without success.
They met three people who had talked to the strange individual, and from
what had passed Dave and his chums were sure that the man must have been
Wilbur Poole.

"I guess we'll have to give it up," said Phil, when it was getting late.
"I'm tired out. And remember, fellows, we have a hard ride before us
to-morrow if we expect to reach Carpen Falls in time to hit the trail
for Bear Camp before it gets dark."

When the boys reached the hotel the girls were anxious to hear what they
might have to tell.

"It's too bad," said Jessie, soberly. "I am glad it is not one of