Their welcome was a warm one, for Mr. Mabie had been more or less
worried concerning them, owing to the forest fire and the fierce
cloudburst.
"We hoped you were safe, and tried to believe it, boys; but at the same
time, even a veteran hunter in these parts might have been caught
napping, and I tell you we're mighty glad to see you back safe and
sound. Now, tell us how it happened," was Mr. Mabie's greeting as he
squeezed a hand of each.
"If you mean the fire, sir, we know nothing about it. We have not struck
a match since leaving here, and only Bluff shot once. The fire came from
an entirely different quarter, I assure you," said Frank.
"I never doubted that, my lad. I've seen enough of you boys to know that
after all I've said none of you would be careless enough to endanger
things. But perhaps, after all, the fire was more of a blessing than
otherwise, for it probably helped to hurry that rainstorm along, and
that has saved our pastures."
Of course, the boys were for getting into dry clothes at once. The fire
was heaped high with fresh fuel, so that a delightful warmth would be
diffused around the immediate vicinity, after which there was a general
change of garments.
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