“I guess we’d better cut out the trip to the park,” said Jerry. “How about going straight home?”
“Suits me,” came from Ned and Bob.
Accordingly, after the side lamps and the search lantern had been lighted, the Dartaway was swung down the river.
Suddenly from the gloom in front of them, there sounded a loud crash. Then a bumping noise, followed by confused shouts.
“Trouble of some kind!” exclaimed Jerry. He swung the search lamp in the direction from which the noise had come. In the white blinding glare of the gas lamp the boys saw the outlines of a schooner, partially hidden behind some big black object.
“That’s the Bluebird!” exclaimed Ned.
“And something has run into her!” cried Jerry. “I wonder what it is. Put us over that way, Ned.”
Ned shifted the wheel. As the Dartaway came nearer, and the black object was illuminated more by the search lamp, the boys could see that it was a barge loaded with hay which had drifted upon the schooner.
“Help! Help! Save me! The schooner is sinking!” cried a voice from the darkness.
“You’d better jump!” another voice answered. “I can’t pull the barge back!”
The boys were now near enough to see what was happening. The barge was broadside on to the current. It was so big that the force of the river was bearing it hard against the side of the schooner, which was careening badly.
“Is there anyone on the barge?” called Jerry.
“Yes!” came back the answer. “Can you throw me a line and pull me back? I don’t want to sink the vessel!”
“Stand by to catch!” cried Jerry.
He stood up in the bow and cast a line to a dark figure that ran out to the end of the barge, nearest the motor boat. The man skillfully caught the line, and fastened it to a cleat.
Then, under Jerry’s direction, Ned swung the Dartaway about in a big circle, taking care not to foul the tow line. The rope was fastened to the stern of the motor boat, and, when the latter was pointed up stream it tautened suddenly.
Ned put the engine at full speed, and slowly, very slowly, for the weight was considerable, the hay barge was pulled away from the schooner. The latter, relieved of the pressure, began to right.
“That’s the stuff!” cried the man on the barge. He was in the full glare of the search lamp, which Jerry had reversed to play on the barge, and the boys saw that he was a tramp. His clothes hung in rags about him, and his face looked as if it had not felt a razor in months.
“Pull her up the river a way and tie her to the bank, if you will,” the tramp said, stepping out of the glare of the light suddenly. “She drifted down stream with me,” he went on.
“Who does it belong to?” asked Jerry.
There was no answer. Then, all at once, there came a splash in the water.
“Some one has fallen overboard!” cried Bob.
Jerry flashed the light down on the surface of the river. In the white glare the tramp could be seen striking out for shore. He was swimming well, and seemed in no need of assistance so Jerry did not stop the towing of the barge to put over to him.
“Well of all the queer tramps he’s the limit,” said Bob. “He don’t seem to mind getting a bath. Wonder how he came to fall in.”
“He didn’t fall in, he jumped,” said Jerry. “There’s something queer behind this.”
CHAPTER XIV
CAMPING OUT
“Hurry up, run the barge ashore and let’s see what he’s up to,” suggested Ned.
“All right,” agreed Jerry. “We might as well see this thing through while we’re at it.”
The barge, with its load of hay was no light weight to tow, but the boys were satisfied to get it out of the way of the schooner. They steered over toward the bank, and, as Ned slowed up the engine, Jerry and Bob leaped ashore and tied the line to a tree.
“We can come and get the rope to-morrow,” said Jerry. “Now to find our queer tramp.”
The hay barge was now securely tied, and, as the boys could see in the light of the search lantern, the schooner had righted. There seemed to be no movement on board, and the boys concluded that whoever had been afraid of losing his life in the accident had quieted down.
“Everybody listen,” said Jerry. “I want to see if we can hear the tramp moving on shore.”
The engine had been stopped and there was no sound to disturb the stillness of the night. Suddenly, from the bush that lined the bank of the river, there came a crackling that betokened some person was moving through them.
“Maybe this is our tramp,” said Bob.
With a quick movement Ned, who was standing in the bow of the boat, turned the search light on shore. As he did so there emerged from the underbrush a figure that was dripping with water. One glance showed the boys it was the tramp of the hay barge.
“Oh!” exclaimed the tramp. “You’re here, are you?”
“Just about,” said Jerry. “Here’s your load of hay,” and he motioned to the barge tied to the bank.
“Oh that’s not mine,” the tramp said pleasantly. “You see the way it was I went to sleep on that barge. It was tied to the bank, some where along here. The first thing I knew there was a collision and I heard some one on the schooner shouting that I was sinking him.”
“I guess you came pretty near it,” put in Ned.
“Yes; well maybe I did, but it wasn’t my fault. The barge must have drifted down stream while I was asleep. Then you boys came along in the nick of time, and—well you know the rest.”
“Are you stopping around here?” asked Jerry.
“Well, not so’s you could notice it,” the tramp replied. “I’m a sort of wandering minstrel you might say, here to-day and gone to-morrow.”
“Can we do anything for you?” asked Jerry, taking pity on the man’s rather forlorn appearance. “Give you a ride down to the town, or anything like that?”
“No, thanks just the same,” replied the tramp. “It’s going to be a warm night, and my clothes will soon dry. Besides I’m a nature lover and a student of the stars. I like to sleep out of doors, so I’ll just curl up here under a bush and sleep the sleep of the just. In the morning I will hie me on my way again, fair sirs.”
“Then we can’t help you?” asked Ned, who, with the other boys, was somewhat puzzled by the man’s queer manner and rather high-flown talk.
“Well, to tell you the truth the only thing you could do for me would be to hand over a chicken sandwich or two,” the tramp said. “And I don’t suppose you carry such luxuries with you on your cruises.”
“Maybe you wouldn’t mind roast beef, corned beef and cheese sandwiches,” suggested Bob.
“Don’t make fun of him,” spoke Jerry in a low voice.
“I’m not,” replied Chunky. “I’ve got some here.”
He fumbled in a side locker of the boat and drew out a bulky package. Then he put his hand in again and brought forth a bottle of ginger ale.
“Where in the world did you get that stuff?” asked Ned.
“I saved it from the dinner at Mr. Dudley’s,” answered Bob.
“Well, you are the limit!” exclaimed Jerry, while Ned joined in the laugh at Chunky.
“Here you go,” said Bob to the tramp, extending some of the food and a bottle of ginger ale. “It will last until you can get something more.”
“You are too generous,” spoke the tramp, but though his tone was bantering as his previous speech had been, the boys could see he was in earnest.
He came close to the boat and accepted the sandwiches and bottle which Bob held out. Then, making his way up the bank again, he was soon lost to sight in the shadows, while he called back a friendly “good-night.”
“I guess we can go home now,” spoke Jerry. “We’ve had adventures enough for one night.”
“Yes, and if I’m not mistaken this one will lead to others,” Ned put in.
“What do you mean?” asked Jerry, with sudden interest.
“Did you notice the tramp’s face?”
“Not particularly; why?”
“Well, you remember how much he looked as if he needed a shave when he came in the glare of the light as he stood on the barge?”
“I sure do.”
“Well, he didn’t look so when he took the sandwiches from Bob, did he?”
“No, he didn’t,” put in Bob. “He was as clean as if he’d just been to the barber’s.”
“You don’t s’pose he got shaved in the woods, after his bath, do you?” asked Ned.
“You mean we must have been mistaken in thinking he needed one?” asked Jerry.
“No, I mean his appearance changed after he fell or jumped into the water. His ‘whiskers’ came off.”
“Then he was disguised!” exclaimed Jerry.
“That’s what I believe,” Ned replied. “And what with a disguised tramp on a hay barge, a mysterious schooner named Bluebird, and Bill Berry’s curious reference to something ‘blue’ I shouldn’t wonder but what there was something strange going on around these parts. And we’re liable to get mixed up in it at any time.”
“Not any more to-night, if you please,” spoke Jerry. “I’m dead tired, and I want to go to bed. If there are going to be any more adventures I’m going to duck.”
“Well, I don’t s’pose we can find out anything more to-night,” admitted Ned. “So let’s head for home.” And they did.
The next day the boys made a trip up the river to where they had tied the hay barge. They found several men on the craft, discussing how it had happened the boat had moved from the place where they had tied it. The boys moored their craft and went on the barge to get their rope.
“So this is your tow line, eh?” asked a man who seemed to be in charge of the barge.
“That’s what,” replied Jerry, and he related what happened the night previous.
“Wa’al, I might have knowed suthin’ would break loose if I let th’ men have a night off,” the farmer, for such he was, went on. “We was bringin’ this load of fodder down stream, an’ we had t’ tie up as it was gittin’ dusk. Some of th’ boys wanted t’ go off t’ town t’ a dance, an’ I let ’em, as we don’t have many amusements on th’ farm. When we come back we couldn’t find th’ boat, an’ we thought some one had stole her. We went back t’ town an’ stayed all night an’ come trampin’ down t’ th’ river this mornin’. Lucky we found th’ craft, an’ the hay not stole. I’m sure I’m much obliged t’ you boys.”
“I’m sure you’re welcome,” replied Jerry, not saying anything about the tramp, who, it appeared, had had no hand in the boat drifting away.
Securing their line the boys went back to their boat.
“Where shall we go?” asked Ned. “I’d like to get off in the woods somewhere and camp out. I wish vacation was here and we could take our cruise.”
“Let’s take a little one now,” suggested Jerry. “We don’t need to bother with a tent. We can go off somewhere, and stay over Sunday, and sleep on board.”
Things were soon in readiness and the start was made about six o’clock that evening. They went some miles, and when ten o’clock came the boys lighted the gasolene stove and made coffee, for the night was quite chilly. They set the small table amidships, and, with the food they had brought along, they made a good meal. They were so tired, with the good healthy exhaustion of exercise in the open air, that it was not long after this before they were all sound asleep.
It must have been past midnight when Jerry, who was sleeping forward, was awakened by feeling the boat careen to one side.
“What’s the matter?” he cried, sitting up on the bunk.
CHAPTER XV
THE MOTOR BOAT MISSING
There was no sound save the ripple of water past the side of the craft, and the distant gurgle where the stream flowed over a stony place that formed miniature rapids.
“Who’s there?” asked Jerry again.
This time he heard a splash in the water as if a big fish was moving about.
Jerry knew the river did not boast of sufficiently large finny specimens to careen a boat the size of the Dartaway. Nevertheless something had shifted her.
Jerry was wide awake now. He stepped out into the enclosed space between the bunks that formed a sort of cabin. As he did so he felt the boat rock again; this time so violently as to almost cause him to lose his balance.
To avoid falling Jerry thrust out his hand, and it hit Bob, who was sleeping on the other side of the boat.
“All right! All right! I’m goin’ to get right up!” exclaimed Bob, turning over but evincing no other desire to do as he said he would. He evidently imagined himself in his bed at home, and with his father calling him to get up, for Bob was no light slumberer.
“What’s the matter?” asked Ned, sitting up suddenly. He was easily awakened, and the sound of Bob’s voice, with the movement of Jerry served to arouse him. “What’s the matter?” he repeated. “Are they after us? Is Noddy up to his old tricks?”
“I don’t know what’s the matter,” replied Jerry in a low voice. “I was awakened by feeling the boat rock, and I got up to see what the trouble was. I haven’t found out yet.”
“Maybe we’re adrift,” suggested Ned. “We may have swung down stream and hit the bank.”
Jerry reached for a swinging lantern, and, parting the canvas side awnings, held the light over the rail. By the gleam the boys could see that they were still tied to the shore trees by bow and stern lines.
“The boat hasn’t drifted,” said Jerry. “Something moved it. I heard a noise in the water as if there was a big fish, but who ever heard of whales or sharks in the river, and it must have been something as big as that to cause us to careen so.”
“Maybe it was a log that hit us,” suggested Ned.
“I think not; I would know the bump of a log,” said Jerry. “Hark! What’s that?”
Both boys listened intently. Off toward the farther bank could be heard a faint splashing, as if a large body was moving in the water.
“Light the search lantern, and we’ll throw a beam over in that direction,” said Ned. Jerry crept forward and soon had the big illuminator kindled. Then he suddenly turned the beams full on in the direction of the splashing sound.
For a moment nothing could be distinguished save the green bank that bordered the river. Then, as Jerry swung the search light in a half circle he “picked up” a dark figure that was crawling up the sloping shore.
“It’s a man!” exclaimed Ned. “It’s a man with ragged clothes on! I’ll bet it’s the same tramp that was on the hay barge!”
Jerry was gazing intently through the opened canvas sides of the boat at the figure. Sure enough it was that of a man, and, he seemed to have just swam across the river. He climbed the bank, and, turning to take a look at the motor boat, placed himself full in the glare of the gas lamp.
“It’s our queer tramp all right!” exclaimed Jerry. “I wonder if it was he who moved the boat.”
“Must have been,” decided Ned, after a moment’s thought.
The next instant the figure, turning as if to take a last look at the boat, plunged into the underbrush and was lost to view.
The morning came without further adventures and after breakfast they walked for a mile or more through the woods, and emerged into a big field. There were no houses in sight and the boys did not know what settlement they might be near, for they were about twenty miles from home, in a part of the country they seldom visited.
“Looks like some sort of habitation over there,” said Bob, pointing to the left.
“I don’t see anything,” replied Jerry. “Where do you see a house?”
“I don’t see any house, but I see smoke,” replied Bob. “Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and where there’s fire there’s sure to be some one living.”
As they came nearer to whence the smoke arose they could see half hidden in the bushes a sort of log cabin. It was almost in ruins, and the one window was devoid of glass.
In front of the hut there smouldered the remains of a fire, and, from some old pots and pans lying about, as well as odds and ends of food scattered around, it was evident that some one had been dining in rough and ready fashion.
“Looks like a camping-out party had been here,” said Jerry. “They weren’t very particular where they stayed though. That hut seems to have seen its best days.”
“More like it’s a tramps’ shack,” observed Ned. “Maybe our friend of the hay barge hangs out here.”
The boys went closer to the fire. There were chickens’ feathers and bones on the ground.
“They lived high, at any rate,” said Bob. “I wouldn’t mind a bit of broiled fowl myself.”
“Whoever was here left their knife behind,” said Bob, stooping over and picking up an expensive one. “Doesn’t look like the kind tramps usually carry.” He turned it over in his hand, and uttered an exclamation.
“Cut yourself?” asked Jerry.
“Look there!” cried Bob, pointing to the silver plate on one side of the handle. On it was carved: “N. Nixon.”
“Noddy’s knife!” came from Ned. “I wonder what he could have been doing here.”
“It’s like a good many other things connected with Noddy,” said Jerry. “No telling what he’s up to until it’s too late.”
“Shall we take it along or leave it?” asked Bob.
“Better take it,” suggested Jerry. “It might come in handy for evidence some time, and if we leave it some one might come along and steal it. Put it in your pocket, Chunky.”
Strolling leisurely they retraced their steps, and soon were on the rude path they had followed in coming from the river.
Jerry was in the lead. When he came to the bank of the stream he suddenly stopped.
“What’s the matter? Snake?” called out Ned.
“We must have come the wrong road,” said Jerry. “The boat isn’t here.”
The other boys hurried forward and stood beside him. There was no sign of the Dartaway.
“That’s queer,” said Bob. “I thought we were on the right path coming back. It was just like the one we went over on.”
“It was the same,” insisted Ned. “There’s where the Dartaway was tied up. I know that willow tree. See, I left my sweater on it, and it’s there yet,” and he pointed to where the red garment fluttered in the wind.
“Then where’s the boat?” asked Jerry. “Has it floated away?”
“It couldn’t have,” insisted Ned. “It was tied too securely.”
“Then she’s been stolen!” exclaimed Jerry, and he ran down to the edge of the river, the others following.
There was no doubt about it, the Dartaway was gone. There was not a sign of the craft up stream or down.
“Some one’s been here all right,” said Jerry. “See those are not our tracks,” and he pointed to the soft mud in which were several prints of large feet which had worn hob-nailed shoes. In the middle of the sole was a design of an arrow, which the maker of the shoes had put on them in big nails, and this device was plainly visible in the soil.
“Well, this is tough luck!” exclaimed Bob. “I’d like to find the man with the arrow shoes.”
“I’d rather find the boat,” said Jerry in a dejected voice. “I wonder what in the world we’re going to do,” and he sat down on the grassy bank. The others, looking sadly at where their beloved boat had been moored, took places beside Jerry.
CHAPTER XVI
THE SEARCH
For a while no one felt like speaking. The shock was too much for them. They could hardly realize that their craft was gone. Finally Jerry spoke.
“We’ve got to find her!” he exclaimed. “She’s somewhere on the river, up or down, and we’ve got to go after her. She can’t have been taken very far, for we’ve not been gone more than three hours.”
“If she was run at full speed she could get a good way off in that time,” observed Bob.
“Well, what’s to be done?” asked Ned.
“I think the best plan will be to start up or down the river,” said Jerry. “Chances are who ever took the boat went up, as they wouldn’t risk cruising past Cresville with it. So we’ll start up I think.”
“You mean walk?” asked Bob who was not inclined to any exertion when he could help it.
“Well I don’t see any one coming along with a launch or a water automobile, Chunky,” said Jerry. “I guess we’ll have to walk, a way at any rate. We’ll inquire of every one who lives along the river if they have seen the boat. We may get a line on her that way. So let’s start.”
“I wish we’d taken some of the grub out of her before we went away,” said Bob with a sigh.
“If they’ll give us back the boat they can have all the victuals and welcome,” spoke Ned.
“I guess you’re not as hungry as I am,” said Bob.
“Well, there’s no use worrying over that part of it,” Jerry said. “We’ll start out. Maybe we can find a hotel or a farm house where we can buy some lunch.”
Tired and discouraged, hungry and thirsty, the boys started off to tramp up along the river bank. It was in strange contrast to the manner in which they had arrived the evening before.
Their course lay partly through meadow land and partly through the woods, for the river was winding in its course. The sun beamed down hot and the journey was anything but a pleasant one. But the boys with grim determination did not mind the discomforts. They wanted to find their boat and they were willing to make any sacrifices to get her.
They had walked for an hour without seeing a sign of habitation or meeting a person. But, about noon, as they came around a sharp turn, where the river flowed between two rather high hills, they spied a farm house, which, from the extent of land surrounding it, and the number of out buildings seemed to belong to a man of means.
“Well, that looks as if there was something to eat there, at any rate,” spoke Bob. “Hurry up, fellows, I’m nearly starved. Have any of you got any money? I’m broke.”
Ned had only a little change, but, fortunately Jerry had several bills in his pocket.
“We don’t look very presentable to go up to a man’s house on Sunday,” said Ned. “But beggars can’t be choosers.”
The boys had on old suits which they donned as they expected to tramp through the woods. Their good clothes were on the boat. Then too, the jaunt along the river had not improved their appearance as they were rather begrimed.
“Let’s scrub up a bit before we make an appeal for help,” suggested Ned.
“Good idea,” agreed Bob, and all three went down to the edge of the river. They washed the mud off their shoes, scrubbed their faces and hands, drying them on their pocket handkerchiefs, to the detriment of the linen, and then they brushed the dirt and cobwebs from their clothes with bunches of grass.
“There!” exclaimed Jerry when the toilets were completed. “We’re not exactly dressed for a party, but I guess it’s some better than we were.”
They approached the farm house from the front. Bob had suggested going in the back way, but Ned insisted they were not tramps, but travelers willing and able to pay for a meal, so it was decided to approach in style.
Jerry rang the bell. In a little while an aged colored man answered. He was all smiles as he came along, but, as he opened the glass paneled portal the boys could see a frown appear on his face.
“Marse Johnson done give p’ticklar orders that all tramps an’ beggars done got t’ go t’ th’ back part this establishment!” said the negro.
“Well, what’s that got to do with us?” asked Jerry. “Tell Mr. Johnson we wish to see him at once.”
“Well I mus’ say you’s th’ most imperterlitest—”
“Never mind!” exclaimed Jerry. “Just tell Mr. Johnson that we are from Cresville. He’ll understand.”
The colored man hesitated a moment. Clearly he was puzzled by Jerry’s confident manner.
“Sit down,” said Jerry to Bob and Ned, waving his hand toward some porch chairs.
That seemed to settle it in the negro’s mind. Any one who assumed so much must be an expected guest he reasoned even though the clothing of the boys betokened them to be unlike the usual run of visitors.
Somewhat apprehensive of what their reception might be the boys waited. They heard the footsteps of the colored man go echoing down the hall. The big dog, seemingly satisfied that all was right, had resumed his sleep.
The boys heard someone coming along the gravel on the walk at the side of the porch. They looked up, expecting to see the master of the house approaching. They beheld a little man with a round shining bald head, and a fuzz of white whiskers around his chin. Though long past middle age, he came along with sprightly steps. No sooner had he caught sight of the boys than his walk became a run, and he fairly bounded up on the porch.
“Well of all things!” he exclaimed. “Who would have thought to see you here. My but I’m glad to see you. Welcome, fellow fire-fighters!”
The boys rose from their chairs, rather puzzled over the little man’s words and actions. He began shaking hands with them, though, as Bob afterward confessed he was doubtful about engaging in the operation, as he thought the man was a mild lunatic.
“Well, well, but I am glad to see you!” the little man went on. “I’m awfully glad you came. You’re just in time for dinner. Come right in.”
“Oh, friends of yours, Henry?” asked a voice from the doorway, and the boys turned to see a tall stately gentleman coming out on the porch. “You young gentlemen must excuse me,” the tall man went on. “I did not understand Sambo’s message. He said, but you must pardon me for repeating it, but he said there were some tramps out here. But I did not dream there were some old friends of Cousin Henry’s. I am very pleased to meet you.”
All of which was more and more puzzling to the boys.
“Friends of mine! I should rather say they were!” exclaimed the little man. “These young gentlemen,” he went on, “are honorary members of the Towanda Fire Department, of which I am the only living charter member!” and he threw back his shoulders proudly.
“That’s what they are,” he went on. “You should have seen them and their steam boat at the Dudley fire. They saved the day, that’s what they did. We elected ’em on the spot. I was there! I ought to know! My, but that was a blaze!” he exclaimed. “Me and the chief never forgot your services. I’m general adviser of the department,” he continued. “You saw me there?”
“Of course,” said Jerry, who, with the other boys now remembered the little man who had been so fussy to see that the ancient hand engine worked well.
“Well, any friends of yours are friends of mine,” said the tall gentleman. “Introduce me, Henry,” which the only living charter member of the Towanda Fire Department proceeded to do with old fashioned courtesy.
“You’re just in time for dinner,” spoke Mr. Johnson. “I shall only be too proud to have you join us. My cousin has told me, several times of your assistance at the big fire. I have often desired to meet you. My cousin came over on a visit this week. Fortunate that you should have known of it and followed him.”
“We didn’t. It was all an accident,” said Jerry.
Then, in a few words he explained what had happened, relating the theft of the motor boat, and how it happened they were only chance visitors.
“Remarkable, remarkable!” exclaimed Mr. Johnson. “I never heard anything like it. Now come right in. My wife and daughters will be delighted to meet you and hear that story.”
Almost unconsciously, at the suggestion of meeting ladies, the boys glanced at their clothes.
“Now, now, no apologies!” exclaimed Mr. Johnson. “I’ll explain everything. You must take dinner with me. It is almost ready. Sambo, show the young gentlemen to the bath room, and tell Mary to put on three extra plates. Delighted to have the opportunity of dining with you,” Mr. Johnson added, bowing to the boys.
“Talk about luck!” said Bob, when they were left alone. “Say, we’re right in it. Who’d ever thought our helping at that fire would have brought us a meal just when we needed it most.”
The other boys were equally impressed by the strange coincidence, and voted it a most fortunate thing that they should have come to the house where cousin Henry was stopping. They were all the more inclined to thank their lucky stars when they saw the bountiful meal that was set upon the table half an hour later.
The boys had to tell their story over again, with all the details, for Mrs. Johnson, and her two daughters, both young ladies were much interested, and asked scores of questions.
“I don’t suppose you heard or saw a motor boat going up the river, did you?” asked Jerry of his host.
“Not personally,” replied Mr. Johnson. “But I did hear Sambo say something about hearing a queer whistle out on the water sometime ago. Maybe that was it. I’ll let you ask him.”
The colored man was summoned, and proved to have even better news. He said he had been down on the river bank several hours previous and had seen a boat, that answered every description of the Dartaway, going up at full speed.
“Could you see who was on board?” asked Jerry.
“’Peared laik there was two men on her,” said Sambo, “a little one an’ a bigger one.”
“We’d better start right off after them,” said Ned.
“I can’t let you go so soon,” protested Mr. Johnson. “Perhaps I can be of some assistance to you. I have a number of rowboats, and you’re welcome to one or more of them. You can row up stream, which is better than walking, though it’s not so fast as your craft goes. Then, if I were you I’d send dispatches to the principal cities and towns along the river, asking the police to keep a look-out for your boat.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Jerry. “I never thought of that. Thank you very much.”
“Then you had better send a telegram home to your folks telling them you will be delayed,” went on Mr. Johnson.
“Is there a station near here?” asked Ned.
“I will send Sambo over to town with the messages this afternoon,” Mr. Johnson said. “In the meanwhile make yourselves to home here, and rest up. You’ll have hard work ahead of you I’m afraid before you get your boat back. We have heard rumors lately of a gang of thieves that have infested this neighborhood, especially along the river. Maybe some of them have your craft.”
CHAPTER XVII
FINDING THE DARTAWAY
Right after dinner each of the boys wrote a message home, and the colored man drove off with them to the village about five miles away. Then, having recovered from their fatigue, the boys went to look at Mr. Johnson’s collection of craft. They found he had several large rowboats, and they selected one which two could pull, while a third person in the stern could steer. It was rather a heavy craft, but it was large and roomy, and on a pinch they could sleep in it at night.
“This will be just the thing to make the search in,” said Jerry. “Could we take her for three or four days?”
“As long as you like,” said Mr. Johnson heartily. “Just keep it and use it until you find your boat, and you can then tow it back. Now come into the house. I want to pack up some lunch for you, and give you some blankets to camp out with, since you are determined to start to-night.”
Having packed some provisions in the boat, taking along a pot to make coffee in, a supply of the commodity and a small oil stove, some kerosene, and a lantern, the searchers started off.
They camped out under a big tree at dusk and ate with good appetites in spite of their gloomy spirits and then, having built a fire on the bank, they prepared to spend the night.
“Forward again!” cried Jerry when after breakfast the simple camp outfit had been packed into the boat. At noon they came to a small village where they stopped for lunch, and to stretch their weary legs.
There they learned that the Dartaway had passed early the previous afternoon. It had made a short stop for gasolene. Of the dealer in the fuel the boys learned that two rough looking men were aboard the craft. Neither of them had said anything to give a clue to their identity.
It was about three o’clock, when, as the boys were rowing in a wide stretch of the river, Jerry, who was at the tiller ropes, cried:
“Hark! Cease rowing! I hear something!”
Bob and Ned rested on their oars. The sound of puffing was borne to them on the wind which was blowing up stream.
“It’s a motor boat!” exclaimed Jerry.
“Or an automobile,” said Bob.
“Automobiles don’t run along the river,” said Jerry. “There’s no good road within a mile of the stream, Mr. Johnson said. It’s a motor boat.”
“But it’s coming up stream,” said Bob. “It can’t be our boat.”
“Unless it went down past us in the night,” remarked Ned. “But we’ll soon see.”
Nearer and nearer sounded the puffing of the engine. There was no doubt that it was a motor boat and that it was coming up stream rapidly. The boys rowed enough to keep their craft from drifting, and, five minutes later the oncoming boat hove in sight.
“It’s the Terror!” exclaimed Ned and Jerry at once, as they recognized the Cresville police boat. “Well, if this isn’t good luck,” Jerry went on. “Terror ahoy!” he shouted making a megaphone of his hands.
In answer there came three sharp toots from the whistle of the gasolene craft, and her course was changed to send her over towards the boys.
“Did you come for us?” called Jerry.
“Not unless you are the burglars we’re after,” replied Chief Dalton, who was in the bow, and who recognized the boys.
“Burglars?” asked Ned.
“That’s what,” replied the chief of the Cresville force. “We’re out on business this trip. But what’s the matter with you? Got tired of your new boat so soon?”
Jerry quickly explained what had happened. The chief was much surprised. The Terror had been stopped and, at the invitation of the police official, the boys came into the motor boat. There were several policemen aboard and the engineer.
“Shall we tow our boat?” asked Bob.
“Better leave it tied to the bank,” said the chief. “I want to make all the speed I can. We’ll pick it up on the way back, that is if you boys want to come along with us.”
“We sure do,” said Jerry. “We’d like to have your help in finding our boat.”
“Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone,” the chief replied. “There was quite a robbery at Northville last night, and they telegraphed for me to help. The thieves got away in a motor boat, it seems.”
“Northville,” said Jerry. “That’s the very place we stopped for lunch, where the gasolene man said he saw our boat. Who was robbed?”
“Why they broke into the general store there, and got away with about a thousand dollars in cash that was in the safe from the Saturday night sales. They haven’t much of a police force in the town, and they asked me to help ’em out.”
“Maybe the same men who stole our boat robbed the safe,” ventured Ned.
“I shouldn’t be a bit surprised,” came from Chief Dalton. “But we must get a hustle on. I’ll tow your rowboat over to shore and you can tie her up. Then we’ll keep on up the river.”
Ten minutes later, Mr. Johnson’s boat having been safely moored, the boys were on their way up stream in a much speedier fashion than they had been proceeding since the loss of their craft. A good lookout was kept for any sight of the Dartaway.
“I’ll land ’em yet,” the chief said. “They can’t go much farther as the river gets too shallow. I only hope they stick to the boat to the last. If they strike across country it will be hard to find them.”
All the afternoon the Terror chug-chugged on her way. The boys forgot their anxiety over the loss of their boat, and did not think of their fatigue in the excitement of the chase.
It was about six o’clock, when, having made a short stop at a little village, to learn that the Dartaway had passed not more than an hour before, the chief, who was steering, held up his hand for silence.
Everyone on the Terror listened intently. From the broad stretch of water before them, borne on a wind which had shifted and was coming down the river, the faint puffing of a motor boat could be heard.
“That’s the Dartaway!” exclaimed Jerry. “I know her exhaust!”
“I hope you’re right!” said the chief grimly. “Put a little more speed on,” he said to the engineer, and the Terror leaped ahead under the influence of more gasolene and an advanced spark.
A minute later they rounded a turn in the river and saw the Dartaway just as her engine came to a stop.
CHAPTER XVIII
READY FOR A CRUISE
“They’re slowing up!” cried Jerry. “They’re going to stop! We’ll get ’em now!”
Sure enough the Dartaway was slackening speed. She was headed toward shore. The Terror was gaining rapidly now. Chief Dalton stood up and drew his revolver in preparation of capturing the motor boat thieves.
But now the Dartaway was so near shore that the men in her could almost leap to the bank. They could be seen turning the wheel so as to throw the craft parallel with the shore.
“They’re going to jump! We’ll lose ’em!” cried Ned.
“Let ’em go,” advised Bob. “All we want back is our boat and we’ll get that.”
“That may suit you but it doesn’t me,” spoke the chief of police grimly. “I’m after thieves and I’m going to get ’em. They may not be the men I want, but I’ll catch ’em just the same and find out what they’re up to.”
But it looked as if the chief would have no easy task to secure the motor boat thieves. For, the next instant the pair leaped ashore, splashing through the shallow water near the edge, and leaving the Dartaway to continue on from the momentum it had gathered.
With a whirl of the wheel the Terror was headed toward shore. The chief and some of his men prepared to make a quick landing.
“As soon as we get ashore I’ll have the engineer put you out where you can get your boat,” the chief said. “I’ve got to take after those fellows!”
“We’ll be with you as soon as we secure the Dartaway!” cried Jerry.
“That’s what!” chimed in Ned and Bob.
With drawn revolvers the chief and his men leaped toward shore, not waiting until their boat was at the bank, but splashing through the water as the thieves had done. As soon as they were off the engineer of the Terror put his craft after the boys’ boat.
In a little while the boys were aboard. They soon satisfied themselves that no great damage had been done, nor had anything of value been taken. The thieves had evidently made themselves at home, since the lockers were pretty well emptied of food.
The Terror had put back to where the chief and his men disembarked. Jerry set the engine of the Dartaway going and soon found it was in good order. Then, with Ned at the wheel, the craft was turned around and headed back toward where the thieves had jumped off. The boys landed at about the same spot, and moored their craft to a big tree.
“Look there!” exclaimed Jerry pointing to a soft place in the mud on the river’s bank.
Ned and Bob glanced to where he indicated. There in the soil were the marks of several large foot-prints, and, conspicuous among them were several in the sole of which was the mark of an arrow, made in hob nails.
“The same man who took our boat stuck by her until the end,” said Jerry. “Come on; let’s go after the chief.”
Calling to the engineer of the Terror to have an eye on their boat, the boys raced up the bank and across the fields in the direction the police posse had taken. As they started to run they heard the sound of several revolver shots.
“They’re fighting!” cried Jerry. “Come on!”
The boys needed no urging. They raced at top speed in the direction of the shots. As they topped a small hill they could see in a valley below them, two roughly dressed men running away from the chief and his officers, who were a quarter of a mile behind. As they watched they saw the chief raise his revolver and fire twice into the air.
“He don’t want to hit them, he’s only trying to scare them into stopping!” cried Ned. “Come on!”
Down the hill they raced, losing sight of the pursued and the pursuers as they got below the hill top. Still they could hear the shouts of the police.
The chase was now on in earnest. But it was a stern one and likely to prove a long one. The boys, in about five minutes, caught up to one of the officers, and raced along with him. They could hear the crashing of the underbrush as policemen ahead of them raced through it. The chief fired several more shots, but, the boat thieves were not to be intimidated, and did not halt.
In a little while the boys came up to the chief. He and the leaders were panting from the run.
“Have you lost them?” asked Jerry.
“I’m afraid so,” said the chief. “They turned into a swamp, and I’m not familiar enough with it to make it worth while to go in. I’m going to get help from the local authorities and surround the place. Then perhaps I can catch them.”
“Can we take any message for you?” asked Jerry. “I think we’d better be going back. It’s getting dark and I don’t suppose you can do anything more this evening.”
“I don’t believe I can,” admitted the chief. “I guess we’ll all go back. I’ve done my part in this. Let the local constables finish where I left off. I’ve run their men to cover now let ’em get ’em out.”
“Anyhow you got back our boat for us,” said Jerry, “and we’re much obliged for that.”
Rather tired from the chase and the excitement, the boys and the policemen retraced their steps to the river. They found the two boats awaiting them.
“Did they do any damage to your craft?” asked the chief of Jerry.
“None that I could notice, but I didn’t make a close examination,” replied the boy. “Come aboard, you’ve never been on her.”
“Thanks,” replied the chief, and, as his men got into the Terror, he stepped into the Dartaway. As he did so he uttered an exclamation.
“What’s the matter? Is she leaking?” asked Jerry in alarm.
“No, but see what I found!” the chief said, holding up a small object he picked from the cockpit of the Dartaway.
“What is it?” asked Ned.
“A diamond ring,” said the chief. “It is one of several stolen, together with the money, from the Northville store. There’s no doubt now but that the motor boat thieves and those who robbed the store are the same. My! But I wish I could have caught them!”
He placed the ring in his pocket, and, after a look over the boys’ craft, prepared to return to his own.
“Maybe the thieves left some cash behind as well as a ring,” suggested Jerry.
“No such luck,” the chief made answer as he went over the side. “Well, are you boys going down the river?”
“I think we’ll put up at the hotel in Northville, if there is one,” said Jerry. “It’s too long a trip to go back to Cresville to-night.”
“That’s a good idea,” said the chief. “I think I’ll do the same. Just come along with me and I’ll see that you are accommodated with lodgings. I’ll swear you in as my deputies,” he said with a laugh, “and it won’t cost you anything. Besides I may need your help.”
Just as the two boats were making ready for the trip down the river there was a movement on shore. The bushes parted and a roughly dressed man, with what seemed to be a week’s growth of beard on his face, stepped out.
“Can any of you gentlemen oblige a poor tired wayfarer with a lift down this placid stream?” he asked with a bow which took in both parties.
At the sound of his voice the boys started. They wondered where they had heard those tones before.
“Who are you and what do you want?” asked the chief sternly. “They don’t deal very lightly with tramps in these parts. You’d better clear out. We’re police officers.”
“Glad to meet you. I am the Duke of Wellington,” said the tramp in airy tones.
At that answer the chief gave a start, and then tried to appear as if nothing had happened. But Jerry who was watching intently, saw an almost imperceptible sign pass between the chief and the ragged man.
“Oh, if you’re the Duke, I suppose we’ll have to accommodate you,” the chief replied. “You can come in my boat if you want to.”
Then, to the no small astonishment of the policemen, the tramp climbed aboard the Terror, which, with a throb of the engine started down the river. The Dartaway put after her at full speed.
“Well, I must say we’ve had plenty of excitement for one spell,” observed Jerry.
“And there may be more,” said Ned.
“What makes you think so?”
“Because of that tramp,” and Ned indicated the one aboard the Terror. “There’s something strange about him. Does he remind you of any one?”
“There!” exclaimed Jerry. “I was wondering where I had heard that voice before. He’s the tramp who was asleep on the hay barge. I wonder what he’s doing around here, and so friendly with the police.”
“There’s something behind all this,” observed Ned. “We must keep our eyes open.”
The boys’ craft soon caught up to the police boat which was more heavily laden, and the two proceeded down the stream toward Northville. It was after dark when they tied up at a dock, and, making their boat snug proceeded to follow the lead of Chief Dalton.
“Is it safe to leave our boat here?” asked Jerry.
“I guess so,” replied the officer. “I’m going to have a man on guard all night. I guess the thieves won’t come back. Come ahead; we’ll go to the hotel and have supper.”
Jerry and Bob walked on ahead with the main body of policemen, but Ned, who lingered to get from the locker a better coat than the one he was wearing, the other boys having changed garments before, found himself close behind the chief and tramp who were walking up from the river together.
“Any luck?” Ned heard the chief ask the ragged man in a low voice.
“I think I’ve discovered the cave where they hide the stuff,” was the cautious rejoinder. “It’s about where—”
In his eagerness to walk softly and hear what was being said, which perhaps he had no right to do, Ned stepped on a piece of wood that broke with a sharp crack. The two men turned suddenly.
“As I was saying,” the tramp spoke suddenly in a loud voice, evidently for the benefit of any listeners, “I have tramped many weary miles, and have eaten scarcely anything. I am too ill to work, and I don’t know where I am to sleep to-night.”
The jingling sound of money passing from the chief’s hand to that of the tramp could be heard.
“Now you’d better clear out of here,” said the police officer sternly. “It isn’t a healthy place for tramps. If I catch you loafing around I’m going to lock you up.”
“You’ll never catch me,” the tramp said with a laugh as he moved away in the darkness. “I’ll clear out.”
“Odd character,” the chief remarked turning back to Ned. “Sometimes I feel sorry for those fellows. Some of ’em are all right, but luck is against ’em. Well, I expect you are hungry.”
“Oh I can eat a little,” replied Ned, puzzling his brains over the strange scene he had witnessed. But the chief was evidently not inclined to talk about it, and Ned did not feel like asking.
In a little while the whole party was at the hotel, where a meal was served. Then the boys, having sent telegrams home, stating they were all well and would be home the following day, went to bed.
The next day they returned Mr. Johnson’s boat and went home.
For a week after this the boys dug away at their examinations and, though they were, perhaps, thinking more of what they would do in vacation than about their studies, they all managed to pass with good averages.
“Now for a long cruise down to Lake Cantoga!” exclaimed Jerry on the afternoon of the last day of school. “I’m going to tie a stone to my books and anchor ’em out in the middle of the river. When I want ’em again I hope the fishes will have eaten ’em up!”
The boys arranged to leave the Tuesday following the last Friday at school. Bob and Jerry were early down at the boathouse that morning. Ned had promised to be on hand early but, for some unaccountable reason was late.
“I wonder what’s keeping him,” said Jerry.
“Here he comes now,” spoke Bob, “and he’s running as if something had happened.”
CHAPTER XIX
THE STORE ROBBERY
“What’s the matter?” asked Jerry as Ned came down on the dock, his face quite pale, and, evidently laboring under some excitement.
“Store—robbed—last—night!” panted Ned.
“Whose store?” asked Jerry and Bob together.
“Father’s,” replied Ned. “They just discovered it, and I came to tell you we’d have to delay the trip. They got in last night, and got away with about three thousand dollars in money and jewelry. About one thousand was in cash. It’s a big loss. Now I’ve got to go back and help dad.”
“Who did it?” asked Bob.
“That’s what they’d like to find out, Chunky,” said Jerry. “I don’t s’pose the burglars left their cards, with their addresses on, behind them.”
“Great excitement! Terrible! Awful! Big robbery! ’Bout a million loss! General alarm sent out! Get the detectives to work! Send for blood hounds! Notify the sheriff and start a hunt! This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened!”
The boys turned to see whence the torrent of words proceeded.
“I might have known it was Andy Rush,” said Jerry. “Is there anything else, Andy? Haven’t you forgotten something?”
“Oh yes! I forgot to tell you. I have a clue to the thieves!”
“What?” cried all the boys at once.
“That’s what,” said Andy, growing more calm as the others grew excited. “I went over the place as soon as I heard of the robbery, and I got the clue. I’m going to be a detective some day. You just keep your eye on me.”
“It’s all we can do to keep track of what you are saying,” said Ned, “let alone what you are going to do. But tell us about it. I’m interested.”
“Let Ned tell us of the robbery first,” suggested Bob.
This was voted a good idea, and Ned related how, when his father’s department store was opened in the morning, it was discovered that the safe had been blown open, and the money and jewelry stolen. In addition the thieves had carried off some solid silver tableware, and a few rolls of valuable silk.
“How did they get in?” asked Bob.
“That’s the funny part of it,” replied Ned. “There’s no trace of anything being forced, not a door or window is disturbed, as far as we can learn.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” said Andy calmly. “That’s where my clue comes in. I know how they entered.”
“Then why didn’t you tell the police about it?” demanded Ned somewhat indignantly.
“Because no one asked me to,” answered Andy. “I wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t find you so I came here, as I thought you’d be starting on the trip.”
“Well, you can tell me now, Andy,” remarked Ned.
“I can explain it better if we go up to the store,” Andy answered. “I want to show you just how it was.”
“We might as well go there,” came from Jerry. “We will not undertake the trip to-day. To-morrow or next day will do as well. Besides, maybe we can help your father, Ned.”
“I don’t want to spoil your fun,” interposed Ned. “But I’ve got to stay home for a few days anyhow. You could go on without me.”
“We’re not going,” said Bob stoutly.
“No indeed,” chimed in Jerry.
The boys talked of nothing but the robbery as they started back towards Cresville, having locked the boat up. When they got to Mr. Slade’s store they found a big crowd about the place. They elbowed their way through the throng and were about to enter, when a little man with a small bunch of whiskers on his chin stopped them.
“Here, where you boys goin’?” he asked.
“Inside,” answered Ned.
“I guess not, young man. I’m a deputy constable, sworn in special t’ maintain order an’ not to let anyone inside. I’m goin’ t’ do it, tew, an’ you can bet your bottom dollar on it,” and the little man threw back his coat and displayed a big tin star.
“Who swore you in?” asked Ned.
“Chief Dalton, that’s who, an’ I’ll arrest ye, if ye make any more threatenin’ moves.”
“Well, it’s my father’s store, and these are friends of mine,” said Ned. “We want to go in.”
“Look here!” exclaimed the little deputy excitedly. “Look me in th’ eye, young man,” and he pulled down the lower lid of the optic, placing his face close to Ned’s.
“Looks all right,” said Ned, with a smile.
“Course it does; there nothin’ th’ matter with that eye. But d’ye see anythin’ green in it?”
“No,” answered Ned.
“No, I guess not. I cut my eye teeth some time ago. Th’ last time I bought a gold brick was so long ago I’ve forgotten it. You can’t come it over me with any of your bunco games. I believe ye’re part of th’ robber gang!”
The little deputy seemed so impressed with his sudden idea that he was for at once putting the four boys under arrest. He was only deterred by the timely arrival of Chief Dalton, who had heard the disturbance and come to see what it was about.
A word from him satisfied the constable, who was one of a number hastily sworn in when it was found what a crowd had gathered on hearing news of the robbery, and he let the chums pass.
“Come ahead boys,” said the chief. “This is a bad piece of work.”
“Do you think it has any connection with the Northville robbery?” asked Jerry.
“I wouldn’t be surprised. But I haven’t time to talk. I’m trying to get a clue to start with, and I can’t seem to find any. I will before night though.”
“Have you found where they got in?” asked Jerry.
“Not yet,” answered the chief. “Have you heard anything, Ned?”
“Andy here seems to think he has a clue,” replied the son of the store proprietor. “Tell him about it, Andy.”
Andy blushed at the notice he was attracting from the head of the Cresville police force.
“It was this way,” began Andy, when they had all entered the store, which was deserted as far as customers went, since Mr. Slade had ordered it kept closed. “I was one of the first to arrive. In fact I was an early customer. I wanted to buy a new knife. So I was on hand when the head clerk discovered the safe had been robbed. As I’m going to be a detective, I decided I would look for clues. I couldn’t find any around the safe, so, when the clerk ran to the telephone to call for the police, I wandered through the store. No one noticed me, and I soon found myself on the top floor. If you’ll come with me there I’ll show you what I found,” and Andy started toward the elevator.
“Oh can’t you tell us without waiting all that while?” asked Ned who was growing impatient as it really seemed Andy had discovered something.
“I can, but I can do it better if I point out to you what I saw,” replied the boy. “Come on.”
They followed him. The elevator carried them to the top floor. No trade was done there, as it was only a loft used for storing stock or goods that were out of season. Andy led the way through the half darkness to the rear. He stopped in front of a window the sill of which was thick with dust.
“Look there!” he exclaimed, pointing to something in the soft and fluffy covering of the sill. It was the print of a man’s foot.
“The mark of the arrow!” exclaimed Ned as he bent over it. “The same man who stole our boat robbed the store!”
The party gathered around the window, the chief plainly excited at the unexpected clue. The window had a large iron shutter on it, and this was partly closed. The chief swung it open.
“There’s how the thieves got in,” said Andy, pointing to a window in a building which was close to Mr. Slade’s store in the rear. In this half-opened casement a plank could be seen sticking, as if some one had pulled it part way in and then left it.
“There’s the bridge they came across on,” said the chief. “Sure enough, Andy, you’ve discovered what I could not. Come on, we’ll make positive of it.”
Down stairs the party hurried, and around the block to the building which abutted Mr. Slade’s place in the rear. The structure contained stores on the ground floor and apartments for several families above. The top story was used as a lodge room. There was a hallway at one side of the store entrance, which gave access to the flats above, and the door to it, as the chief learned was never locked.
“They just waited their opportunity, went up to the lodge room, stuck the plank across, and came in the window,” said Mr. Dalton.
“But the window did not appear to have been forced,” said Jerry.
“They didn’t have to force it,” replied the chief. “It has no lock on it.”
Up to the lodge room went the chief and the boys, their entrance attracting no attention, as the crowd, and most of Cresville’s idlers, were in front of the robbed store.
“I thought so,” the chief said as he came to the door of the lodge room where it opened from the hall. The portal had been forced. Through the big apartment they tramped, and to the rear where there were dressing and store rooms, seldom used.