Three hours passed, and Mr. Damon prepared to get supper.
"I wonder why Ned doesn't come back with the fish?" he said. "It's time, if we're going to cook them to-night."
"That's right, he ought to be here," agreed Torn. "Koku take a walk over to the trout brook, and tell Mr. Ned to come here, whether he has any fish or not."
"Sure, me go, Mr. Tom!"
Koku was gone perhaps five minutes, and when he came back he was much excited.
"Mr. Ned he no there!" the giant cried. "But fish pole all broken, and ground all full of holes. Look like fight."
Tom started for the place where he knew Ned usually went to fish. Koku and Mr. Damon followed. On reaching it our hero saw indeed that the ground was "full of holes," as the giant described the indentations made by the heels of boots and shoes.
"There's been a fight here!" cried Tom.
"Yes, and Ned is missing," added Mr. Damon.
