The Superintendent was plainly disturbed and irritated; irritated because surprised and puzzled.

Where he had expected to find a big Indian powwow he found only a quiet sunny glade in the midst of a silent forest.

Sergeant Ferry waited behind him in respectful silence, too wise to offer any observation upon the situation.

Hence in the Superintendent grew a deeper irritation.
"Well, I'll be--!" He paused abruptly.

The Superintendent rarely used profanity.