violently, it seemed, as to suggest a physical combat. But
they were not sufficiently skilled in the arts and subtleties of the
aborigines to work out the "code" of footprints and twists, tears, and
breaks in the grass, twigs and foliage. So the result of the inspection
of an apparently recent battle ground was nil.

"I believe we've exhausted every possibility of a clew to the mystery in
this spot," declared Cub at the end of half an hour's search. "Let's not
waste any more time here."

"What'll we do next, then?" asked Bud.

"Go fishin'" Cub replied.

"I think that's a good suggestion," said Mr. Perry. "We've concentrated
our minds and efforts on this problem all day thus far, and a little
relaxation probably will do us good."

"Where's the best place to fish?" Hal inquired.

"I think I know," Bud replied. "I found a place where we can climb down
the bank to a dandy little beach while I was looking over my section of
the island. A little spur of land runs out at that point, so as to form a
small bay, and the water there is quiet and looks deep."

They returned to the camp and got their fishing tackle and soon were
casting baited hooks into the bay. Bud's prediction as to the hopeful
appearance of this place, from an angler's point of view, proved well
founded. In less than an hour they caught more fish than they could eat
at supper and breakfast.

After supper they formed a campfire circle in front of the tent--without
a fire, however, for the normal heat of the atmosphere was all that
comfort could demand--and held a further discussion of the situation and
the problem with which they were confronted.

"I don't know, boys, but we ought to make a trip somewhere in the
Catwhisker and get police help to solve this problem," Mr. Perry remarked
with a reflection of years and judgment in his countenance. "Hal's cousin
may be in serious trouble, for all we know, and it's our duty to enlist
every agency at our command to aid him."

"But while we're gone something might develop here that would throw light
on the mystery," said Bud. "Excuse me, Mr. Perry, for insisting on
calling it a mystery. I can't think of it as anything else."

"Oh, goodness me!" returned the one thus addressed. "I'm afraid you boys
failed to get what I was driving at. I didn't mean there was no such
thing as mystery. That depends on your point of view. It is only people
who are easily startled or confused by unusual things who are easily
myst