The table had been placed in the middle of the cabin living-room. Over it hung a drop lamp with a crimson shade and, as there was a log burning on the hearth, the room presented a most festive appearance. It was with sincere regret that the six young people seated themselves, leaving two chairs vacant. All during the meal, at intervals, they paused to listen, hoping that they would hear the halloos of the returning boys. Dan was becoming thoroughly alarmed and, at last, after a consultation with Meg, he turned to the others and said: "We have decided to tell you the mission on which the boys started out so hurriedly." Of course Jane and Merry had surmised that they had gone in quest of the hidden box, but they knew nothing of the finding of the pick, shovel and carved name, and they were much interested. At eight o'clock Jean Willoughby rose. "I had better be going," he said. "I have a long hike ahead of me." But Dan protested. "Indeed you shall not go tonight. Mr. Packard will not be worried if you remain with us, will he? I may need your help to locate the boys if they do not soon return." That settled the matter, for Jean had not wished to leave. Another hour passed, and Dan, who had really become very anxious, arose, but before he could get his coat and cap, the halloos for which they had long listened were heard. Leaping to the door, Dan threw it open and a welcoming light streamed out into the darkness. Bob and Gerry, looking almost exhausted, staggered into the room (although Dan well knew that it was for effect) and sank down on the vacant chairs. "Say, talk about a climb! We certainly had a steep one!" Bob gasped. The young people at once noted that neither boy was carrying a box and so they decided that it had not been found. "It isn't such a terrible steep climb to Crazy Creek Camp," Dan commented. "Half of the way is down grade." The two younger boys exchanged glances that were hard for the watchers to interpret. Then Bob sprang up, exclaiming: "Come on, kid. Let's wash and have some of the good grub." "You must be nearly starved," Jane said, also rising and going toward the kitchen. "We are keeping your share of the party warm." When they were gone, Dan said softly: "I'm inclined to believe that the boys have something of a surprising nature to tell us, but after Gerry's usual fashion he wants to keep us guessing for a time." The two mountain climbers were indeed hungry and they ate heartily, talking aggravatingly of everything but the matter which they knew was uppermost in the minds of their companions. When they declared that another bite could not be taken, the table was cleared, magazines and books again spread upon it, and then Dan, feeling it unfair to Meg to keep her longer in suspense, exclaimed, "Now, boys, tell us your adventures." CHAPTER XXXVI. MYSTERIES HALF SOLVED