warm[41] reception, followed Mr. Henderson, and were soon sitting down to a substantial meal, enlivened by much talk. [41] “Tell us all you can about the old mill, and that crazy man, please,” asked Tom, during a lull in the conversation. “Oh, I do hope you don’t run across him!” exclaimed Mrs. Henderson. “He’s really dangerous,” and she proceeded to give a few more details of the story of the secret of the mill, already substantially known to my readers. Tom and his chums asked innumerable questions, as to how to reach the mill, and where the best spot to camp would be. “I can see what those boys are pointing for,” said Mr. Henderson when the four had gone to bed. “What?” asked his wife. “The old mill. You couldn’t keep ’em away with ropes. They’ll go poking about it, looking for that treasure, which I don’t believe exists, and they’ll have a row with old Wallace as sure as chickens.” “Oh, Amos! What had we better do?” “Can’t do anything, as I can see. Those boys will do as they please, anyhow. But I guess they can look out for themselves.” Early the next morning Tom went to see about getting the boat and other stuff carted to the camp in the woods. On the advice of Mr.[42] Henderson they had picked out the east shore of the lake, that being the nearest to Wilden. [42] “And that side is the most direct road to the old mill, by way of the river,” said Mr. Henderson, “but,” he added, with a twinkle in his eyes, “I don’t ’spose you boys will go there.” “Oh, won’t we though!” exclaimed Tom, laughing. Provisions were bought, the camping stuff, together with the boat, was loaded upon a heavy wagon, and with good-byes to the Hendersons, the boys started for the depths of the woods. The boat had been hard to get on the wagon, and they knew they would have difficult work launching it, but the wagon-driver and his helper promised to assist. During the drive through the woods Tom and the others kept a lookout on every side for a possible glimpse of the old man who had searched so long for the mill-treasure, but they did not see him. The scenery became
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