mind was made up to that fact and could not be easily changed.

"Well, even if we agree on that," said Bluff, "how're we going to
learn who the intruder was? To tell you the truth, it gets me why a
sneak thief would steal just that gold loving cup of Gilbert's, and
then come all the way down here to hide it under the floor."

"Frank, you're keeping something back; I can see it in your face!"
cried Will. "Tell us, do you think old Aaron put that cup here
himself?"

"Whew! that would be the limit, I should say!" gasped Jerry.

All of them waited to hear what Frank would have to say. The leader
of the Outdoor Chums did not reply hastily, for Frank did not wish to
commit himself in so grave a matter without due consideration. Still,
he must have had his mind made up fairly well, for presently he
started to answer.

"Let's see, fellows, how the case stands," he told them. "We know that
long ago Aaron Dennison once lived in this cabin. We also know that he
probably kept what little money he owned in those days down under that
loose plank. The finding of that old mouldy half dollar points toward
that. So you see he knew about the cavity under the board."

"So far as that goes, Frank," observed Bluff, "you could see by the
way he had the constable raise the plank that he knew. But I was
watching his face at the time, and let me tell you he looked as
astonished to see the cup lying there as any one of us did, and that
means a lot."

"That's what bothers me," admitted Frank; "one minute I seem to think
Mr. Dennison put the cup there; and then again I'm just as certain
that he believes us guilty of stealing it. We'll have to keep trying
to find the answer; but just now, Jerry, you and Bluff had better get
busy cleaning those fine bass you hooked, if we mean to have them for
dinner to-day."

CHAPTER XXI

AN UNEXPECTED APPEAL

The fish were what Bluff called "gilt-edged." Perhaps he was a little
prejudiced in the matter, because he had had a share in capturing the
gamy fighters. But there was not a dissenting voice when Jerry moved
that they pronounce the finny denizens of the big lake unequalled for
their many fine qualities.

That evening, as they sat around taking things easy, for it was rather
warm and the fire not needed, the conversation ranged over a wide
field. Many events of the past were recalled, one thing seeming to
lead to another.

Will was fairly bubbling over with joy on account of his recent