CHAPTER VIII
THE WIRELESS IN THE WILDERNESS
The sun had hardly touched with gold the tops of the mountains beforeBob felt a light touch on his arm. He opened his eyes to see Mr.Waterman with his hands to his lips in token of silence. He arosequietly and with a surge of pride and joy in his heart, for he felt thathe was to be permitted to go on the expedition in search of the thief.
"Bring along your sleeping bag," said Mr. Waterman, when Bob got out ofthe tent.
"Are we leaving right away?" asked Bob.
"Yes, just as soon as Jack can rustle a cup of coffee and something toeat for us. He'll be ready as soon as we can get our things in shape."
Bob hustled back to the tent and very quietly got his sleeping bag readyfor travel. He made a neat pack of it and hurried over to the grub tent.Jack and Pierre were serving Mr. Waterman already so that Bob got ahasty breakfast. He enjoyed it, for there was an atmosphere ofsuppressed excitement that was altogether new to him. Ten minutes laterthey were getting into two canoes. When Bob reappeared with his pack andhis gun, Mr. Waterman asked,
"What are you going to do with that gun?"
"I don't know," said Bob. "I saw that you all had guns and so I totedmine along."
"Now I know you're excited," said Mr. Waterman. "When a Southernerbegins to talk about 'you all' and 'toting' things, he's just plainexcited."
Bob just laughed quietly, for he knew that Mr. Waterman was right.
They at last got away without waking up the two boys.
"I bet Pud and Bill will be mad as sin when they find me gone with you,"said Bob to Mr. Waterman.
"Yes, I suppose that they would like to come, but you know we may runinto trouble of some kind and in that case, it will be best not to havetoo many along," replied Mr. Waterman.
"I can't make this out," said Jack. "There is something amiss, for everyone knows that in this country, all one has to do is to ask and any grubthat one has will be shared."
"Bad man," said Pierre. "He no have to steal if he not be bad."
"You may be right," said Mr. Waterman.
By this time they were on the first portage. When they came to the placewhere Bob had noticed the tracks, Pierre and Jack stopped and examinedthem attentively.
"He no want to be seen," said Pierre.
"He's a corking good woodsman," said Jack.
"You're both right," replied Mr. Waterman. "Later on, we shall see howclever he is in concealing a trail."
When they came to the second lake, Mr. Waterman remarked to Bob that hewould paddle down the north end of the lake to see if either Jack orPierre would notice the trail. This they did and despite the sharp eyesof the two guides, they did not notice any trail starting from thewater's edge. Mr. Waterman led them back and taking a line on a very bigtamarack tree that he had noted before, they got out of their canoes.They had gone only a few rods to the left when they came to what wasevidently a new trail. They had gone only a short distance when Pierrestopped and remarked that he was sure that no canoe had been broughtover the trail. When Mr. Waterman heard this, he had the men retracetheir steps to the lake. They then began a systematic search for acanoe. In about twenty minutes, Jack's sharp eyes searched out thehiding place and the canoe was pulled out for inspection. They found itto be an ordinary Peterboro, such as were to be found all through thecountry.
"If he's left his canoe here," said Mr. Waterman, "he can't be very faroff."
"That's so," said Pierre.
"We had better go careful," said Jack.
All four then looked to their guns and took the trail, with Mr. Watermanleading. He went along very carefully. In an hour they were over thedivide and going down into what seemed like a deep gulch.
"This looks to me like the same gulch we visited the other day," saidMr. Waterman.
"I am sure of it," said Bob. "Then, I noticed that big rock over there."
"What's peculiar about that rock?" asked Jack.
"It looks like a big horse," said Bob. "I am sure that it's the sameone."
"It does look like a horse," said Mr. Waterman. "I know the far side ofthis gulch pretty well, but I did not think that there was any way outof it so easy as the one we have come."
They then proceeded very cautiously. Mr. Waterman gave way to Pierre,who went ahead without any noise. Bob tried to imitate his movements buthe felt angry at himself, for he made a great noise as he went along. Henow knew why Mr. Waterman had hesitated at bringing him. He did the verybest he could and followed along, feeling the excitement tugging at hisheart. Mr. Waterman and the two guides moved like shadows before him andonly by the sudden gleam in their eyes could he see that they were atall excited. At last Pierre came back a step or two and put his fingersto his lips in token of silence.
"A log cabin not far ahead," said he to Mr. Waterman very quietly.
Mr. Waterman and Jack went ahead very stealthily, and they came back ina moment.
"I guess we've treed our coon," said Mr. Waterman. "Now, how shall wecatch him?"
"I go," said Pierre. "I make believe that I'm just an Indian fishing andI come back 'bimby.'"
"That's a pretty good plan," said Mr. Waterman.
They watched Pierre disappear through the bushes and then settled downto wait. In only about twenty minutes Pierre returned. They were allsurprised to see him so soon.
"No one at cabin," said Pierre, as he came up.
"How long since has there been some one there?" asked Mr. Waterman.
"Only short time. He come back any time now."
In a few minutes they were all in the house with the exception ofPierre, who stayed outside to keep an eye on things. As soon as theyentered Mr. Waterman and Bob at once noticed that this was no Indian'shut nor that of the ordinary woodsman. The room was as neat as a pin.This was rather out of the ordinary for a cabin in the woods. But whatattracted the attention of both of them was the sight of severalchemical and wireless instruments that both recognized at once.
"What's this?" said Mr. Waterman. "I'm not much on wireless, but I knowthat this is part of a wireless plant."
"You're right," said Bob. "I have one of them on my aerial for mywireless at home. This is merely for receiving."
"Now, what do you think any one would want with a wireless outfit awayback here in the woods?" asked Mr. Waterman, more to himself than toBob.
"Do you think it has anything to do with the great European war that israging at this time?" said Bob.
"That's the natural explanation, of course," said Mr. Waterman.
"But what's the use of a wireless up here?" asked Bob in his turn.
"You think that this is only a receiving station. Perhaps this is run bysome German spy to discover just when the troop ships are leaving Quebecfor England."
"If that's so," said Jack, who had not said a word so far, but who hadfollowed the conversation very closely, "we are likely to run intotrouble, for any one that would do a thing of this kind would nothesitate to go to the limit."
"That's very true," said Mr. Waterman reflectively. "At the same time, Ihardly see why we should run into danger, as we are Americans."
"I think that we have to get a look at this fellow and let him know thatafter a certain date we shall be obliged to let the Canadian Governmentknow what is going on. Otherwise, if the Canadian Police run down thisfellow, they may find out that we have been here and then arrest us asaccomplices," said Bob.
"The boy's right," said Jack. "And it would be a hanging job for us ifthey proved that we knew what was going on here and did not notify theconstable."
Further conversation was cut short by a shot outside, followed almostimmediately by another. Hurried footsteps were heard and a big fellowrushed in and closed the door.
"Hands up!" cried Mr. Waterman, as he leveled his gun at the stranger.The latter made a quick movement, but a spurt of flame from Jack's riflewas followed by the clatter of the stranger's rifle as it fell to thefloor. Coming in from the outside, the newcomer seemed to be unab
le tosee clearly.
"Disarm him," said Mr. Waterman to Jack, who moved over and removed arevolver from the hip of the owner of the hut.
"Well, what is it?" asked the man defiantly. "It took you a long time tofind out this little place, didn't it?"
"We're Americans," said Mr. Waterman. "It is quite plain to any one ofintelligence what you are here for. At the same time, I'm very muchmistaken if you're not an American yourself, or at least passed for suchuntil this war broke out. You know too much about the woods to be anative born German."
"You're right," said the man, as he lowered his arms. "I'm from theWest, and I'm an American, but in the pay of Germany--and haveestablished my post here."
"You, of course, know that you must get out of here at once," continuedMr. Waterman. "I don't think that it is our duty to take you in, thoughPierre, who is just coming, is a Canadian. There is the other door.Here's your gun. We'll hold Pierre for a few minutes and then let him dowhat he thinks best."
"You're all right, men. I thought that the Canadian police had me, asthey probably have my companions."
In a second he was out of the door and away down the trail. The membersof the party waited for Pierre. He came in very shortly and lookedaround with great surprise.
"Where is he?" asked he, as he looked around in astonishment. "I trailhim here. You let him go?"
"Yes, we let him go," said Mr. Waterman.
"Why for dat?" asked the Indian. "He bad man. He shoot at me twice butno hit me."
"He was here trying to get news for the Germans," said Mr. Waterman.
"How he get news here? No news here. What news?"
"I could not make you understand," said Mr. Waterman.
"Why not understand?" asked Pierre.
"Have you ever heard that it is possible to speak miles and milesthrough the air?"
"Yes, Great Spirit speaks to all his children all over," said Pierredevoutly.
"I don't mean the Great Spirit, but men, just like you and I."
"Oh, no, no, that impossible," said Pierre.
"It is done, and this man was here listening, so that he would knowthings and then tell the enemies of Canada."
"I no understand. What enemies?" asked Pierre.
"Have you not heard that England and Canada are at war with theGermans?" asked Mr. Waterman.
"Oh, yes, but that is far across the Big Water," said Pierre.
"Quite true, but the Germans are over here too. In some places, tryingto do harm to Canada," said Mr. Waterman.
"This bad man, a German?" asked Pierre, as his eyes lighted up.
"Yes," replied Bob.
"Where he go?" asked Pierre.
"We, Americans, have no war with Germans. He goes that way," said Mr.Waterman, pointing up the trail. In another moment Pierre was lost toview.
"What do you think of that?" said Jack. "I think I'll tag along behindfor fear he gets hurt."
"Things certainly have come with a rush," said Mr. Waterman. "Supposeyou follow Pierre, so that if the German gets him that you will be thereto lend aid."
"I'll be there," said Jack, as he looked significantly at his rifle."That skunk fired twice at Pierre already. He may get him the thirdtime. If he does, I'll take only one shot."
"Don't run into trouble, Jack," said Mr. Waterman. "This is not ourfight. But follow Pierre and help him if he gets into trouble. Bob and Iwill get down to Escoumains and report the matter."
The two men shook hands and Jack disappeared after Pierre just asquickly and as silently as the latter had done.
"That will be some chase," said Mr. Waterman. "That German is a realwoodsman and he'll lead them a merry chase."
"It's a pity that Jack did not go with Pierre. How is he going to findhim?"
"Leave that to him," said Mr. Waterman. "There are few Indians moreclever than Jack in following a trail. He'll be up with Pierre bynightfall."
They then looked around and were surprised at the completeness of theoutfit. Evidently four or five men had been needed to get all thesethings into the woods.
"How they ever got all this stuff here without arousing the suspicion ofthe Canadian Government passes my comprehension," said Mr. Waterman.
Going outside, they noticed a path, and following it, if soon led themto the top of a mountain that was opposite to the one they had climbedbut a few short days before. Sure enough, there was the wireless, hiddenmost cleverly by the trees and branches so that from the opposite hill;nothing out of the ordinary could be seen even with a glass.
"This is rather an old instrument," said Bob. "It is dated 1912."
"That may explain the whole matter," said Mr. Waterman. "It is wellknown that the Germans have a wonderful spy system. It is possible thatall this may have been brought in here four or five years ago for thisvery purpose."
"I guess that that's the answer," replied Bob, "for it would beabsolutely impossible for any party of men to get this stuff in herenow."
On returning to the hut they took a good look around and foundeverything in the best of order. There were supplies of all kinds thereexcept food.
"I guess that the Canadian Government got his mates all right, and thatleft him stranded here as far as grub was concerned. He had his nervewith him all right, for he was liable to be shot down at any time," saidMr. Waterman.
They were soon on their way back. When they came to the lake they foundthat the German's canoe was gone. Pierre was evidently right on histrail, for one of the two canoes they had brought along was alsomissing.
"I wonder if Jack has caught up with Pierre so soon," mused Mr.Waterman.
"It looks that way," replied Bob, "for otherwise he would probably havetaken our canoe, knowing that we could get back to camp even without acanoe."
"You're right," said Mr. Waterman.
They hurried on and in due time they arrived in camp. By this time itwas getting late, so they determined to go into Escoumains the nextmorning and inform the authorities of their discovery. They found Billand Pud and Jean quite excited. In a short time they had the story infull.
"You did not see any one around here to-day, did you?" asked Mr.Waterman, addressing the young Indian Jean.
"No," was the reply.
"I am pretty sure that the German is making for the St. Lawrence to tryand get out of the country. Let's go over to the old trail, just to seeif any one has passed that way to-day," said Mr. Waterman.
All of them went, for the trail was only a few minutes' paddle down thelake around a point of land that almost cut the lake in two. On arrivalthere it was plain even to the unpracticed eyes of the boys that morethan one person had passed that way recently. Mr. Waterman and Jeanlanded first. Jean had been on land not more than a minute before hepointed to some tracks and said,
"Pierre here, Jack there, other man there."
They boys came over, but though they could see some tracks in the softtrail, they did not see how Jean had identified his father and Jack atonce.
"You're right," said Mr. Waterman. "Three men have passed this wayto-day. It looks as if Pierre and jack are hot on his trail."
They then returned to camp. Bob was compelled to tell his mates allabout the trip, and they were greatly excited when they were told of thescene in the hut when it was necessary to hold up the German inself-defense at the point of a rifle.
When Bob and Mr. Waterman arrived in Escouniaias early the nextmorning-they found things in a great state of excitement. It seems thatPierre and Jack had gotten in about nine o'clock the night before, hoton the trail of the spy. To the chagrin of Sandy MacPherson, an oldfriend of his named Field, had come into the store and without showingany signs of haste had made arrangements for a launch to take him downthe river. This had been done and a half hour later Pierre had arrived.He had tried to explain the situation, but it was not until Jack hadgiven his version of the matter that it dawned on the irate Sandy thatthe innocent-looking and very friendly Field was the German spy. WhenMr. Waterman had told all that he knew about the matter
Sandy wasangrier than ever.
"That son-of-a-gun has played me for an easy mark for years," saidSandy. "About three years ago he got me to take into the woods a lot ofelectrical stuff on the pretense that he wanted it in trying out someores that he thought were valuable. Then to put me farther off thescent, two years ago he came back with a story that his whole outfit hadbeen burned down and totally destroyed."
"Have the Government agents been here?" asked Mr. Waterman.
"No," was the reply, "but they were up at Tadousac about six weeks ago,and they arrested three men there, though they held them only onsuspicion. When I come to think of it, one of them was a Mr. Samson thatused to come into the woods with Field. I think that Samson is stillheld and he'll get his share anyway."
The party, having told their end of the story, returned to the woods.Some three weeks later, on returning to Escoumains, they found out thatField had apparently made good his escape. He had landed near Riviere deLoup, and no doubt had gotten over into the United States from there.