"No. But wait a moment. There is a postscript here that I haven't read," said Hippy. "Talk about your mysterious forces! Just listen to this postscript, written in another hand and evidently by an intelligent person." CHAPTER XII A MOUNTAIN MYSTERY "Perhaps the postscript is to tell us that it is all a mistake and that we do not have to leave," suggested Emma. "Listen!" commanded Hippy, then began to read: "'Do not follow the trail you are on, on your way to Thompson's. Strike due north for half a mile and you will come up with a wagon trail, broader and safer, because you can see a long way on either side through the thin forest. Keep the broad trail for fifteen miles, take third left and second right, which will take you to Thompson's. You're all right, but be vigilant. The above warning means what it says.'" "Is there a name signed to the postscript?" asked Miss Briggs. Hippy shook his head. "I know who wrote that postscript," spoke up Miss Dean. "It was our Mystery Man, Jeremiah Long." Grace asked for the letter, which she scrutinized critically. "No, this is not his writing," she decided. "How do you know? He hasn't been corresponding with you," objected Hippy. Grace explained that Mr. Long had left a note thanking the Overlanders for their hospitality. To make certain that she was right she went to her kit and fetched the note referred to, and also brought the note that had been tossed into their camp on the occasion of Hippy's disappearance. The three missives were examined by each of the Overland Riders. It was found that the message tossed into camp and the postscript of the letter found by Washington were in the same handwriting. Mr. Long's handwriting was different. "That disposes of the theory that either of these messages was written by Mr. Long," agreed Elfreda. "The question is, who is our mysterious friend?" "You do not think it is a trick to get us where we shall find ourselves in a tight place?" suggested Anne questioningly. "No. I do not feel that there is a shadow of doubt that these two notes are what they appear to be--the suggestions of a friend. Who or what he is we may or may not learn. I propose that we follow the advice he gives us. Are you all agreed on that?" asked Grace. The Overlanders said they were. "Then we will go on our way," directed Grace. They found the wagon trail after nearly an hour's hard riding over rocks, into and out of gullies with steep, precipitous sides, but the wagon trail when reached, while rutty, was so much better that they soon forgot the discomforts of riding "across lots," as Hippy put it. The noon halt was a brief one, after which they pressed on, having no difficulty in finding their way as directed by their mysterious adviser. It was nearly dark when they came in sight of a clearing of several acres covered with growing corn, which they surmised to be part of the Thompson farm. Grace asked Washington if it were.