When a report reaches the Town Crier office that a leopard is loose in the woods around Vanishing Lake, skepticism is the natural reaction. Is the animal really a leopard? If so, how did it get there? If not, what kind of wild animal is it? Or is the whole thing a hoax with a mysterious purpose behind it? Ted Wilford, working as usual for the bi-weekly newspaper during his summer vacation from college, and Nelson Morgan, the wizard with a camera, are sent to track down the truth behind this strange report. If it proves to be faked, they have the prospect of a few carefree days at the lake as the guests of the paper. If not, there could be lots of excitement and real danger as they attempt to solve the mystery. This is #9 in the Ted Wilford series.