The Mystery at Bob-White Cave

collected.”
    “Where do you expect to head for first?” Mrs. Moore asked Slim.
    “I been thinkin’ Bascomb’s Cave would be the likeliest place. Then maybe that old cave over near Turkey Knob.”
    “Are they caves that have already been explored?” Trixie asked.
    “Sure they have. I’ve been through them dozens of times. Ain’t nothin’ there could hurt you.”
    “Are there underground streams in either one of them?”
    “Never saw none.”
    “Then we won’t go!” Trixie banged her fork down on her plate. It seemed to amuse Uncle Andrew. “Don’t you know anyplace where we could find a cave that hasn’t been explored?”
    “Maybe about a couple dozen of ’em,” Slim answered and took a deep swallow of coffee. “Trouble is, they might be too rough goin’ for a tenderfoot. Wouldn’t want to get too dirty. There’s spider webs and bats and maybe a lot of slush and sharp stones in them.”
    I guess we’d better have a little better understanding,” Uncle Andrew said, aware of the Bob-Whites’ growing impatience with Slim. “These young People may come from a different part of the country,b ut they can probably outswim you, outhike you, and, you don’t watch your way of talking, outfight you.
    They can go anyplace you go and do anything you do.
    I just want you to guide them and obey rules that are just good common sense. I’ve already gone over them with you to refresh your mind. Do you think we understand one another now, Slim? I’m willing to pay you well to guide the Bob-Whites. They respect: you and your skill as a woodsman. Give them the same respect for their talents. I think you may be in for a surprise.”
    Slim, who had reddened and bristled at the beginning of Uncle Andrew’s conversation, changed his expression when reminded of good pay. He forced a  grin. “All right. I’ll call it quits if they will. I know my way around here, and I’m willin’ to guide ’em. Never had no trouble before with guidin’.”
    “I think I know a good place for them to go,” Linnie said timidly.
    “Where?” Trixie asked eagerly.
    “You’ll have to take the boat. It’s across the inlet I after you pass the cove at the bottom of the path,” m she explained to Slim. “I was over there one day, and right under the cliffside, exactly kitty-corner from this lodge, there’s the entrance to a real big cave. I don’t think it’s ever been explored. It’s beautiful inside, just like a palace!” Linnie’s eyes glowed. “I’ve only been just inside the entrance. There’s a stream runs through it, too, Trixie. You might find a ghost fish there.”
    “What would you want with one of them skinny f little things?” Slim asked.
    “Then you’ve seen ghost fish in caves?” Trixie asked quickly.
    “Once or twice,” Slim said. “Gosh, what would you do with ’em? Now, if it’s fish you’re after, I know a place for bass.”
    “It isn’t bass we’re after,” Trixie said, then added, “just now. I guess maybe Easterners are peculiar, don’t you think, Honey?”
    Honey nodded. She knew Trixie was trying to confuse Slim.
    “Do you think we’ll find any ghost fish in the cave across the inlet?” Trixie asked, trying to disguise the eagerness in her voice.
    “As likely there as anyplace. But what in tarnation you want with ’em, I’ll never know.”
    “That’s as it should be,” Trixie answered. “Let’s go, Bob-Whites!”
    She went into the living room, gathered up her bucket and dip net, put on her hard hat with the carbide lamp, and called a cheerful good-bye to Mrs. Moore, Uncle Andrew, and Linnie.
    Then the Bob-Whites followed Slim single file down the winding path to the lake. He was as agile as an Ozark coonhound, but, slipping and sliding, they did manage to keep up. At the lake’s edge, they threw their nylon ropes and other paraphernalia into the boat and climbed aboard. Slim and Jim took the oars. Mart pushed off from shore, then jumped into the aft seat.
    Here we go!” Trixie exclaimed.
    Small waves rocked the boat, for a brisk breeze had come up. They sang as they went,
     
“Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily...
     
    “Heavens, what on earth is that? Someone’s in trouble.” Trixie pointed. “Look, Jim—Brian!”
    Jim dropped his oar quickly and went over the side. Mart and Brian, then Trixie, followed. They knew they could never get their boat to the rescue in time.
    A gray-haired man was struggling in the