e of them might pass by. Then,
trying to control his own feelings, he faced the scowling owner of the
mysterious retreat in the wilderness.

CHAPTER XVII

THE WARNING

"So this is the way you keep your word, is it, boy?" demanded Mr.
Dennison, as he glared at Frank, who, however, managed to keep cool
and collected, because he could easily understand how the old
gentleman might deem their presence there very suspicious.

"But what I promised you, sir," said Frank, "was that we would not
trespass on your enclosed property again, and we have done nothing of
the sort, sir."

"Then why do I find you here, alongside this fence that was
constructed to keep such curious people as you from intruding on my
privacy? I believe even now it was your intention to enter again by
that loose board, which, however, I had nailed fast in order to keep
lawless prowlers out."

"You wrong us, Mr. Dennison," declared Frank; while Bluff could be
heard muttering his indignation. "Just how we happen to be here is
easily explained."

"Of course. And you expect me to believe any kind of silly story you
may make up, I suppose?" snarled the angry owner of the property.

"After we left you the other day, sir, my chum and I walked many miles
into the woods, to see the country, and find some views, for you
remember he is a photographer. We were caught unawares by that storm,
and had to spend the night under a rocky shelf. Our comrades were
naturally curious to see the queer place that had been of such great
use to us, and so to-day we took a trip up there."

"Here is a picture of the rock ledge, Mr. Dennison, so you can see we
are telling you the truth," and Will eagerly held up one of his proofs
as he spoke, which he had hastily taken from his pocket in order to
convince the obstinate old gentleman.

"But that does not explain your presence here," objected the other,
though he had deigned to glance at the really excellent sun print, for
Will of course had remembered hearing him say that he, too, took a
great interest in photography.

"Having set our faces toward home," explained Frank, "it was only
natural, sir, that we should make for a trail we had been over before.
That brought us out close to your place, and we are at this very
minute making for the corner below, where I remember we can find what
we are looking for, the trail to Cabin Point."

Mr. Dennison looked doubtfully at Frank. Few people could resist
believing anythin