I bought them with a special eye to Indians;
they are all remarkably fast; and whether we run away or pursue,
can be relied on. And now, boys, come up to the house, and I will
open the mysterious box."
The box of which Mr. Hardy spoke was a long case, which had never
been opened since their arrival. No entreaties of his children
could induce Mr. Hardy to say what were its contents, and the young
ones had often wondered and puzzled over what they could be. It had
come, therefore, to be known in the family as the mysterious box.
With greatly excited curiosity the boys now walked toward the
house; but there was a slight delay, for as they approached Maud
and Ethel came running to meet them.
"Is anything the matter with the dam, papa? We have been watching
you having such a long talk with the boys. What is it all about?"
Mr. Hardy now told them as much as he thought proper of the state
of things, and gave them their instructions. The girls, who had no
idea there was any real danger, and who had besides an unlimited
confidence in their father and brothers, were disposed to look upon
It as fun, and Mr. Hardy had to speak quite seriously to be sure
that his orders would be strictly attended to. The boys then
informed them that the mysterious box was to be opened, and the
whole party went up to the house.
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