. Basswood's
silverware.

"I guess they thought those things too valuable to leave here," was
Dave's comment. "I am convinced of one thing," he added.

"What is that?" questioned Ben.

"I believe Link Merwell is at the bottom of this. No ordinary burglar
would bother his head about that kitchen stuff. Merwell did it, just to
cause us trouble. Maybe he thought we'd have to give up camping here for
the time being."

"By Jove, Dave, I think you have solved it!" declared Roger.

"All of which doesn't give my mother her silverware nor Laura her
rings," returned Ben.

A sapling with some stout branches attached was cut down, and on to this
the boys rolled the bear and tied him fast. Thus they managed, after a
good deal of hard labor, to haul the carcass down to the bungalows.

"Oh, here they come, and they've got a bear!" shrieked Belle, who saw
them first, and all the inmates of the bungalows hurried to the scene,
even Mr. Lawrence hobbling up with the aid of a cane.

"Yes, we got a bear, and we got more than that!" cried Ben, excitedly.
"We've found all the kitchen stuff!" and he and the other youths gave
the particulars.

A little later some of the boys returned to the hollow and transferred
the stolen stuff back to the bungalows. A good deal of the canned
provisions was still in perfect condition. The other things, including
the meat the bear had scented, were thrown away.

"Oh, Dave!" cried Jessie, as soon as she could motion our hero to one
side, "I've got something I want to tell you! I think maybe it will be
of assistance in proving your identity," and the girl's eyes glowed with
anticipation.

"What is it, Jessie?" he asked, quickly. "Have you heard something from
home?"

"No, but I've heard something from Mr. Lawrence, Phil's uncle. Isn't it
the strangest thing ever! I was talking to him after you left, and told
him what trouble you were having, and mentioned Ward Porton and that man
the Fords told you about, Obadiah Jones. And, would you believe it!
years ago Mr. Lawrence had some business dealings with a man named
Obadiah Jones, and he is quite sure that man had a nephew who was named
Ward!"

"Jessie! can this be true?" exclaimed Dave, with pardonable excitement.

"That's what Mr. Lawrence told me. I think you had better speak to him,
and without delay."

"I certainly will!" declared our hero, and going up to the crowd that
was still around the bear, he touched Phil's uncle on the arm.

"What