The slab cabin was a roomy one, made to accommodate at least half a dozen men, for there were that many bunks. There were rude chairs, a couple of tables, and some cooking utensils and dishes. Evidently the crew that had been bringing the raft down stream had counted on being aboard for some time.
"They must have gone off in a hurry," commented Mr. Ringold, for some of the chairs were overturned, and there were the remains of a meal, partially consumed, on the table. Articles of clothing were scattered about, and the bed coverings were tossed back on some of the bunks, as though the sleepers had hurried out, without waiting to stop and gather up their belongings.
"There must have been some sort of accident to the raft," observed Mr. Piper. "Probably it was suddenly caught in the rising flood, and maybe it collided with a boat, or another raft. Part of it was carried away, that's evident from the jagged end that hit us. And I reckon the men fairly jumped overboard, leaving everything here just as we see it."
"That's probably the explanation," agreed the manager. "Well, let's get our things in out of the rain, and see what we can do."
It was showering heavily now, and the boys were more glad than ever that they had taken
