Have you any great enemies?"

"I have enemies, but none so bad as to wish to take my life," returned
Ralph, and he thought he told the truth.

"Humph! Well, it's strange. I suppose you would like to be set ashore as
soon as possible?"

"Yes, sir."

"You say you came from Glen Arbor? I have only a rowboat at hand----"

"You can land me anywhere," interrupted Ralph. "I can easily tramp it or
catch a ride back to where I belong."

"Very well; follow me."

The boy followed the sportsman down the hill to the shore. Here lay a
trim-looking boat with a pair of oars on the seats. Both at once sprang in.
Ralph was about to take up the blades, but the man stopped him.

"You are too broke up to row," he said. "Sit down and take it easy."

"You are very kind, sir."

"Don't mention it. I only trust you are able to catch those rascals and
bring them to justice."

The main shore was soon gained, at a point about six miles above Glen
Arbor, and Ralph sprang out. He thanked Carter Franklin again for his
kindness, and then started off for home, thinking soon to be able to tell
his mother and his friends his strange tale and start out a party to search
for his assailants. He did not know that he was destined to have many
strange adventures ere he should reach Westville again.

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE MEETING IN THE WOODS.

Ralph was so sore and stiff from his fall that he walked very slowly toward
Westville. It seemed to him that he ached in every joint, and it was not
long before he sought a soft grassy bank upon which to rest.

"If only somebody would come along with a wagon," he thought, as he gazed
up and down the rather rough woodland road. "I would willingly pay a
half-dollar for a lift, as much as I need my money."

The boy was much exercised over his mother. He knew that she would be
greatly worried over his prolonged absence. Never before had he remained
away from home over night.

No wagon or any other vehicle appeared, and Ralph was forced to resume his
journey on foot, dragging his tired and bruised body along as best he
could.

Presently he came to a tiny stream that flowed into Big Silver Lake. Here
he stopped again, not only to rest, but also to bathe his temples and
obtain a drink, for the water was both pure and cold.

He could not help but think of the strange manner in which he had been
attacked. What had been the purpose of Martin and Toglet?

"If I did not know better, I would be almost fo