of being pursued
by the ghost, and of hearing awful groans and cries, and this had
alarmed Mrs. Caslette very much and also Mrs. Dodge, and both
ladies had requested the old hunter to visit the lake and make
sure the young hunters were in no trouble.

"This lake is gittin' an awful repertation," said Jed Sanborn.
"If it keeps on, afore long nobody will come here no more."

"We'd like to settle this ghost business," said Snap. "We feel sure
it can be explained in some way or another."

"Well, maybe, but---" Jed Sanborn drew a deep breath. "Don't
you go for to run no unnecessary risks, that's all."

"Oh, we'll certainly try to keep out of danger," answered the
doctor's son.

"Your mother wants you to be partickerly careful," said Jed to
Giant. "She says she wouldn't know what to do if something happened
ye."

"Tell her I shall take good care of myself," answered the small
member of the club.

Jed Sanborn told them that everything was going on at Fairview as
usual. He had some letters for the lads, which they read with
interest. He said he would remain with them until the next morning,
and promised to take back such letters as they might write.

"If you stay over you might as well go on a hunt with us," said
Snap, and then he related how their meat had been stolen.

"Wildcats did that," announced Jed Sanborn, after a close examination.
"Two on 'em---most likely mates. It will be a ticklish job trying
to track 'em."

"Oh, we've shot wildcats before," said Whopper.

"Not the kind that's around here, my boy. These are the wildest and
strongest kind. Howsomever, we can go after 'em if you say so.
When do you want to start?"

"Have you had breakfast?" asked Snap.

"Two hours ago."

"Then let us start at once." And so it was decided.

CHAPTER XXVI

A HUNT AFTER WILDCATS

As my old readers know, Jed Sanborn knew all about wild animals and
just how to trail them, and the young hunters followed his directions
readily.

"Be sure your guns are in prime condition and loaded," said Jed. "And
as we may be out until nightfall, better take a lunch with you."

"We have it, in our gamebags," answered the doctor's son.

"Good enough."

They were soon on the way, along a small trail leading directly away
from Lake Narsac. It was uphill, but the old hunter knew just how
to turn to make climbing easy, so, although they covered a mile or
more, they were not greatly fatigued.

"I know we came for