k so at
the time. It seemed as if we were only crawling along."

CHAPTER XII

SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS

Under the skill of the physicians at the lake sanitarium Mr. Duncan's
wound was quickly attended to and the bleeding, which Tom had partly
checked, was completely stopped. Some medicines having been
administered, the hunter regained a little of his strength, and, about
an hour after he had been brought to the resort, he was able to see
Tom, who, at his request, was admitted to his room. The young inventor
found Mr. Duncan propped up in bed, with his injured arm bandaged.

"Is the injury a bad one?" asked Tom, entering softly.

"Not as bad as I feared," replied the hunter, while a trained nurse
placed a chair for the lad at the bedside. "If it had not been for
you, though, I'm afraid to think of what might have happened."

"I am glad I chanced to be going past when you called," replied the lad.

"Well, you can imagine how thankful I am," resumed Mr. Duncan. "I'll
thank you more properly at another time. I hope I didn't delay you on
your trip."

"It's not of much consequence," responded the youth. "I was only going
to see that everything was all right at our house," and he explained
about his father being at the hotel and mentioned his worriment. "I
will go on now unless I can do something more for you," resumed Tom.
"I will probably stay at our house all night to-night instead of trying
to get back to Sandport."

"I'd like to send word to my wife about what has happened," said the
hunter. "If it would not be too much out of your way, I'd appreciate
it if you could stop at my home in Waterford and tell her, so she will
not be alarmed at my absence."

"I'll do it," replied our hero. "There is no special need of my
hurrying. I have brought your gun and compass up from the boat. They
are down in the office."

"Will you do me a favor?" asked Mr. Duncan quickly.

"Of course."

"Then please accept that gun and compass with my compliments. They are
both of excellent make, and I don't think I shall use that gun this
season. My wife would be superstitious about it. As for the compass,
you'll need one in this fog, and I can recommend mine as being
accurate."

"Oh, I couldn't think of taking them," expostulated Tom, but his eyes
sparkled in anticipation, for he had been wishing for a gun such as Mr.
Duncan owned. He also needed a compass.

"If you don't take them I shall feel very much of