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diff --git a/35728-0.txt b/35728-0.txt index d0d6194..c520a84 100644 --- a/35728-0.txt +++ b/35728-0.txt @@ -1,26 +1,4 @@ - MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence - -Author: Louis Arundel - -Release Date: March 30, 2011 [EBook #35728] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. -LAWRENCE *** - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 35728 *** Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net. @@ -5601,378 +5579,4 @@ or, Young Pilots to the Rescue.” THE END. - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. -LAWRENCE *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35728 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence - -Author: Louis Arundel - -Release Date: March 30, 2011 [EBook #35728] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. -LAWRENCE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net. - - -[Illustration: _"Promise to read to me the log of your last trip, when -you went down the big river."_] - - - - MOTOR BOAT BOYS - ON THE ST. LAWRENCE - - - - - OR - - - - Solving the Mystery of the Thousand Islands - - - - By - - - - LOUIS ARUNDEL - - - - Chicago - M. A. DONOHUE & CO. - - COPYRIGHT 1913 - BY M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY - - Made in U.S.A. - - - - - - -Table of Contents - - - - CHAPTER I--AFTER THE GAME - - - CHAPTER II--CHUMS, TRIED AND TRUE - - - CHAPTER III--A CHANCE CLEW - - - CHAPTER IV--BLOCKING A SLY MOVE - - - CHAPTER V--THE GUARDIAN OF THE FLEET - - - CHAPTER VI--THE "FLASH" - - - CHAPTER VII--JOSH SCENTS TROUBLE - - - CHAPTER VIII--IN THE MIDNIGHT WATCH - - - CHAPTER IX--THE GHOST OF THE ISLAND - - - CHAPTER X--FOLLOWING A TRAIL - - - CHAPTER XI--BUSTER GETS AN IDEA - - - CHAPTER XII--YANKEE STUBBORNNESS - - - CHAPTER XIII--THE GHOST HUNTER - - - CHAPTER XIV--A STRANGE RIDE - - - CHAPTER XV--ANOTHER NIGHT - - - CHAPTER XVI--JACK'S DARING VENTURE - - - CHAPTER XVII--THE SECRET OUT - - - CHAPTER XVIII--THE ESCAPE - - - CHAPTER XIX--A RACE IN THE MOONLIGHT - - - CHAPTER XX--OVERHAULED - - - CHAPTER XXI--A CLEAN SWEEP - - - CHAPTER XXII--BUSTER'S HOUR OF TRIUMPH - - - CHAPTER XXIII--HAPPY DAYS--CONCLUSION - - - - MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES - - THE MOTOR CLUB'S CRUISE DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI - THE MOTOR CLUB ON THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER - THE MOTOR CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES - MOTOR BOAT BOYS AMONG THE FLORIDA KEYS - MOTOR BOAT BOYS DOWN THE COAST - MOTOR BOAT BOYS RIVER CHASE - MOTOR BOAT BOYS DOWN THE DANUBE - - List Price 60c Each - - - - - THE MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE; - or - Solving a Mystery of the Thousand Islands - - - - - - -CHAPTER I--AFTER THE GAME - - -"That was a hard game for Macklin to lose, fellows!" - -"I should say it was, Herb." - -"He nearly pitched his head off, too. Wow! how they did come in like -cannon balls!" - -"And talk about curves and drops, Little Clarence was roight there wid -the goods," said a stout boy; whose freckled face, carroty hair and blue -eyes, as well as the touch of brogue to his voice, told of Irish blood. - -"But Jack met his hot pace, and went him one better. Clarence may be a -cracker jack in the box, but he can't _just_ come up to good old -reliable Jack Storm ways, of the high school baseball club." - -"Oh, shucks! enough of that taffy, fellows," laughed the object of this -praise, as he swung the bat he was carrying; "why, you know right well I -was up against the fence when they made that ninth inning rally. They -had found me with the goods on. And you know who won that game for -us--our never failing, heavy pinch-hitter, Buster Longfellow. When his -bat got up against the horsehide I knew it was all over but the shouting -for Clarence." - -"Wasn't he mad, though? Hurrah for Buster! He's not built for a runner, -they say, but he's got the batting eye. That hit was a peach!" - -"Thanks, George. I believe I did help Brodie dash home with the winning -tally. It's awful nice of you fellows to appreciate talent!" - -The boy called Buster made a mock bow as well as he was able. He was fat -and chunky, so that his baseball suit seemed moulded to his figure. -While his name was understood to be Nick Longfellow, he seldom heard it -save at home or in school. To his fellows he was known by such -significant names as "Buster," "Pudding," and "Hippopotamus." - -There were just five in the bunch, dusty, tired fellows, all on the way -home from a most exciting game with a rival team, and the most bitter -rivals for supremacy in the little river town along the upper -Mississippi. - -Besides Buster and Jack, there were the Irish lad, Jimmie Brannagan, who -lived with the Stormways, being something of a ward of Jack's father; -Herb Dickson, and George Rollins, all of them members of the high school -team. - -These five boys, with the addition of another who was not present just -then, composed the membership of a motor boat club, and between them -owned three very clever craft. George's was a narrow speedboat, called -the _Wireless_, the powerful engine of which had a faculty for getting -out of order just when most wanted. The one of which Jack was skipper -was named the _Tramp_, and while not so fast as its dangerous -competitor, could still make great time. Herb possessed a commodious -launch, which he had very wisely christened the _Comfort_, for she was -as staunch and reliable as a houseboat. - -During the preceding autumn, taking advantage of the school being closed -until New Year's because of an epidemic in the town, these boys had made -a long trip down the Mississippi river to New Orleans, being given -permission by their parents or guardians. - -To make the run more interesting Jack's father had contributed a silver -cup as a trophy; and the annals of that adventurous race have already -been given in the first volume of this series. The boys for some time -had been laying their heads together and planning another outing for the -coming vacation; but for various good and sufficient reasons they were -keeping their intended cruising ground a dead secret from everybody. - -"Where's Josh Purdue?" asked Herb, as the party swung into the main -street of the town. "We want him along when we talk over that letter -Jack had from Clayton, where our boats are going. What did you do about -hiding their destination, Jack?" - -"Yes," said George, quickly. "You know we agreed that those chaps were -nosing all about, trying to get a clew. Clarence has ordered a rattling -motor boat from some eastern maker, and if he could only learn where -we're going to hang out this summer, wouldn't he just try to make it -warm for us, though? Ten to one you hadn't left the station five minutes -after fastening on the tags before he was reading the same." - -"I expected that, fellows," laughed Jack, "and did the best I could to -fool him. The boats are only sent to the address in Milwaukee. From -there they will be rebilled to Clayton and shipped on a steamer through -the lakes." - -"But he might even have the nerve to write to that agent and make some -excuse for asking where they were sent. How about that, Jack?" asked -Herb. - -"I even thought of that," replied the other. "You see, when you're -dealing with wide-awake, unscrupulous fellows like Clarence Macklin, and -his toady, Joe Brinker, it pays to insure against trouble. And I've done -it as well as I knew how." - -"Tell us about it, please," asked Buster, anxiously. - -"Well," replied the one addressed, "I wrote the agent in Milwaukee, -stating the circumstances. He turned out to be a jolly good chap; for he -answered me and promised that if Clarence or Joe make inquiries he'll -put them on the wrong track." - -"Bully for him!" ejaculated Nick. "We'll vote him thanks at our next -meeting, fellows, that's what, and call on him in a body as we go -through to the steamer when on our way." - -"I wish the time was two weeks later," remarked Herb. "I don't see just -how I'm going to stand it until after the exams are over." - -"Oh, well, the days manage to pass along; and this glorious victory -ought to make you feel that life is worth living," remarked Jack, with -mock seriousness. - -"As for me," remarked Buster, taking in a long breath, as if in -anticipation. "I just dream of the bliss of cruising aboard a steady, -roomy boat like the _Comfort_. You can talk all you want, George, about -the delights of flying through the water at the rate of twenty-five -miles an hour; but me to the cozy home-like cruiser every time. Once is -out for me, you remember." - -"Do we, boys?" jeered George, looking at the rest. "Well, will I ever -forget how Buster used to sit there in the stern of my flier, looking -like a stuffed pillow, with a cork life preserver belted around him all -the time, and trying to keep his balance. And the less said about his -cooking the better. It haunts me still." - -"Oh! but I've improved in that respect, George, very much," the fat boy -hastened to exclaim. "Don't you worry about it, Herb. I'm taking lessons -from our colored cook right now, and expect to branch out as a real -prize box. You know when I once set my mind to a thing I generally get -there, even if it does take time. Great bodies move slowly, they say. -Didn't I learn to swim after all my disappointments; tell me that, -George Rollins?" - -"Sure you did, thanks to Jack here," replied the other. "But all through -that trip you gave me the nightmare because you had lost some silly----" - -"Hold on! you solemnly promised you'd never say another word about that -business and I'm going to keep you to it, George," cried Buster. "We did -have a glorious time of it, you know. And I can do a little once in a -while to help the crowd forget their troubles, can't I?" - -"Why, to be sure you can, Buster, and I'm the last one to deny it," -declared George. "I don't mean half I say. You know my weakness is a -quick tongue. And after the grand way you belted that ball today, I'd be -willing to forgive almost anything you'd ever done. Shake on that, old -partner of my joys and woes." - -"The boats got off all right, that's a comfort," observed Herb. - -"How do ye know?" demanded Jimmie. - -"I saw them on the cars, and moving out of town, just in that ninth -inning, when things looked so black for us," was the reply. "You know my -position out in right gives me a chance to look across the big field to -the railroad. And as I was getting my breath, after chasing that tricky -ball Carson Beggs whacked out, with two on bases, I had a glimpse of a -freight passing, and counted all three boats on gondolas, fastened up in -their waterproof covers. It just seemed to give me heart to go in and -root harder than ever. It was a lucky omen, too, fellows." - -"Well," Jack said, "of course they'll be waiting for us at Clayton when -we get there. And although we talked of taking the steamer ourselves, I -think, on the whole, it would be wise to go by train. In that way we'll -save a couple of days. Besides, some time we mean to cruise all through -the great lakes, and we'd better keep the trip until we can do it in our -own motor boats." - -"That sounds good to me!" cried Nick. - -"And I'm sure it hits my case to a dot, because it means less time to -wait," and Herb nodded his head in a way that plainly told how his mind -was made up. - -"That settles the lake trip, then," laughed George, "because I never did -care much about going that way. Jimmie, how do you stand on it?" - -"Wid both feet," replied the party addressed, emphatically. "The sooner -we kin arroive at the Thousand Islands, the better I'll be plazed." - -"Oh! well, let's forget we ever mentioned going the other way," said -Jack. "But that won't prevent our passing through Milwaukee, stopping to -shake hands with that obliging agent, and finding if the boats got off -all right." - -"You can learn that by writing in a few days, Jack," observed Herb, -sagaciously. "I only hope Clarence doesn't have a friend in Milwaukee -who would spy around and discover the truth, that's all." - -"If he writes the agent you can make up your mind he hasn't," said Nick, -as the party came to a pause on a corner, where, as a rule, they were -accustomed to separating, each one heading for his own home. - -"Wait a little, boys. I think I see Josh coming away back there," -remarked Jack, when one of the others made some remark about "seeing you -later, fellows!" - -"Looks like he was in a big hurry, too?" suggested Nick. - -"Well, he is half running, to be sure," admitted George. - -"And there he goes waving his hand to us," mentioned Herb. "I guess Josh -wants us to wait up for him here. Perhaps he's got something to tell -us." - -"Or it may be he just wants to wring the hand of our friend Buster, and -tell him, with tears in his eyes, how delighted he was to have him save -the day for our team," and Jack, as he said this, winked at George; for -it was a notorious fact that Josh and the fat boy were forever playing -pranks on each other, and often saying disagreeable things; that, -however, ended in nothing harder than a little froth and bubble, since -it was only surface and make-believe animosity after all. - -"Don't you believe it," declared the hero of the late game, shaking his -head in an aggressive way. "Josh was the next batter up, and I just know -he thinks I swatted that ball to cheat him out of the glory. For he had -his mind made up to send the horsehide over the fence for a home run." - -"Well," laughed Jack, "never wait to see what the next batter is going -to do. When the chance comes you just poke that ball out into deep -center, and then roll down to first as fast as you can. Then perhaps -he'll bring you home with his big hit. But Josh is getting here, and -we'll soon know now what ails him." - -"Don't you go to borrowing trouble too soon?" warned Herb. "I know Josh -pretty well, and how he likes to joke. He's a false alarm, that's what." - -"But he looks serious enough right now," said George, with whom the -runner was to keep company on this new cruise they had planned; and who, -therefore, felt an especial interest in Josh. - -The newcomer was a rather slender fellow, taller than any of the others, -and the best runner on the team. In times past Josh had been troubled -with indigestion; but the month and more spent during their memorable -Mississippi cruise had about cured him of this, so that he was looking -better than ever before in all his life. That was one reason why his -parents were only too glad to allow him the chance of getting in the -open again during the coming vacation; for they believed it would be the -making of the lad. - -Josh stopped running when close to the others, as though husbanding his -wind so that he could communicate the news he bore. - -"It's all up, fellows!" he cried, as he finally reached the corner, -where the other five gathered around him. - -"What do you mean?" asked Jack, anxiously. - -"Yes, explain, Josh. What's up?" demanded George. - -"They know where our boats have gone!" gasped Josh, excitedly. "Somebody -must have leaked, that's what. And they're going to have their new motor -boat shipped to the Thousand Islands, too. Now, see what a peck of -trouble we're going to have this summer!" - - - - -CHAPTER II--CHUMS, TRIED AND TRUE - - -"Josh, hold up your hand, and look me in the eye!" said Jack, sternly. - -"Oh! you don't believe me, do you? But I never was more serious in my -life!" exclaimed the newcomer, meeting Jack's look squarely. - -"Then I'm sorry, that's all," declared the other. "If Clarence Macklin -has found out where we expect to cruise this summer, he'll lie awake -nights trying to lay plans how to give us all the trouble he can." - -"How d'ye know all this, Josh?" demanded Nick, rather tremulously. - -"I just happened to be near where Clarence and Joe were having their -heads together, and the idea came to me to listen. I only thought they -were explaining how the game was lost, and I wanted to hear Clarence say -how somebody sent a ray of sunlight into his eyes with a pocket mirror, -just when he was handing out that ball Buster knocked out in deep -center. You know his way, fellows, and how he squirms out of every hole -so smoothly?" - -"Yes, yes, of course we do, Josh; but go on;" cried Herb. - -"Don't you see you've got us keyed up to the breaking pitch? Let loose, -and tell what you heard!" exclaimed George, always nervous and anxious -to make speed. - -"Well, it wasn't much, but it counted for a heap," replied the narrator. -"About as near as I can remember, and repeat, this was what Clarence -said: 'Never mind, Joe, we're going to get even soon. Wait till our -dandy boat gets to Clayton. Say, mebbe there won't be a lot of surprised -fellows then, as we cut circles around 'em, and make 'em wish they -hadn't blackballed us. You wait and see, that's all.'" - -Various exclamations broke out from the other boys. - -"Oh, yes, they must know, all right!" said Herb, bitterly. - -"All I can say is it's mighty queer, after we've taken such pains to -keep everything a dead secret, so even our folks don't know yet where -we're going," Josh continued to say, meaningly. - -Somehow or other, as if by mutual arrangement, every eye seemed to be -gradually focussed on poor Nick, who turned as red as a turkey cock. - -"Oh! yes, look at me, won't you?" he exclaimed, spluttering more or less -as was his habit when unduly excited. "You think I'm the one who leaked, -just because I stopped to talk with Clarence the other day on the -street, and George saw me. He never even said a single word about boats, -but asked me something else. Look all you want too, but I tell you, once -for all, that if there _was_ a leak, it didn't come through me! I never -told a single soul!" - -"Oh! nobody has accused you, Buster," said Jack, soothingly, for he was -fond of the good-natured fat boy. - -"That's all right, but I guess I've got feelings, and I can tell what -every one of you is thinking," the other went on, in an aggrieved tone. - -"Just forget it, Buster," Jack continued, for he knew only too well how -the fat boy liked to harp on anything that worried him, and in this way -make life miserable for the others of the club. "The mischief is done. -Like as not we may never know how it happened. And there's no need of -our bothering our heads now about spilt milk. The question is, shall we -change our plans, and go somewhere else this summer?" - -"I say no!" exclaimed Herb, immediately and with firmness. - -"That's my case, too," Josh echoed. "After we've made all our fine -arrangements, it would be cowardly to back down just because those two -mean skunks choose to tag after us and try to give us trouble." - -"Niver give up the ship! Thim's my sintiments!" observed Jimmie, -aggressively. "And I say the same," remarked Nick. "Sooner or later -you'll find out how they learned our plans, and then you'll all be sorry -for putting it on me, that's what." - -"Then it seems settled that we make no change," said Jack, with a stern -look on his face; "for I'm of the same opinion as the rest. We'll go to -the St. Lawrence, and if Tricky Clarence and Bully Joe try to upset our -plans, they'll find themselves barking up the wrong tree, that's all." - -"And so he thinks he's got a wizard boat that will cut circles all -around my _Wireless_, does he?" said George, with the light of -anticipated rivalry in his black eyes. "All right. Perhaps Clarence has -got another guess coming. He'll find me on the job all right, and ready -to give him a warm run for his money." - -"When did we start talking seriously for the first time about choosing -the Thousand Islands, and the St. Lawrence for our summer outing?" asked -Herb, who seemed almost as anxious as Nick to find out the truth -concerning the leak. - -"I can tell you that," replied the fat boy, quickly. "It was that -afternoon when Jack asked us to stay after school, and meet him in the -clubroom for a little talk. Don't you remember, he read that letter he -had from Clayton, the first one; and we soon voted to make the St. -Lawrence our cruising ground this summer." - -"Buster is right about that, for I remember it distinctly," remarked -Jack. - -"That was the little room in school that Mr. Sparks allows the various -clubs and organizations to use when they ask permission--the one on the -second floor? Am I right, fellows?" Herb went on. - -"Sure ye arre," declared Jimmie. "Doan't I just remember that we wint -till the door ivery two minutes to say if the inemy would be sphyin' -around in the hall." - -"But there was no sign of them, you also remember that?" observed Jack, -quickly. - -"Niver a wan," Jimmie hastened to reply. - -"Then it would stand to reason that they didn't overhear us talking. I -know you couldn't in the next room, for I've been in there during -recitation, and the wall is dead. I only mention this, because that same -day, after I left the rest of you down-town, I found that I'd forgotten -a book I needed to study, and hurried back to the school. And I met -Clarence coming along the street. He said he had been kept in by Miss -Stryker to do a task. But it looks as though the leak could not have -been at that time." - -"Somebody must have talked in their sleep," suggested Josh, humorously. - -"Perhaps some one in the post office got on to Jack receiving a letter -from Clayton, and writing there," Herb put in. - -"Well, now," remarked Jack, "there may be something in that idea; though -just now I can't think of anybody in the post office who would be that -mean. I know all the clerks, and none of them have ever been thick with -either Clarence or Joe." - -"Suppose we give the matter a rest," said Herb, with an uneasy look -toward Nick; for the fat boy was to be his partner during the coming -cruise, and he feared lest Buster would get to brooding on the unjust -suspicions that had been directed toward him, with the result that he -must be forever speaking about it, and suggesting the most astonishing -explanations of the riddle. - -"Agreed," Jack replied, readily, falling in with the idea. "After all, -the coming of these fellows may add some spice to our trip, who knows." - -It certainly did, as will be made manifest shortly; but just then none -of the motor boat boys suspected what a strange series of exciting -adventures was to be their portion, all through the decision of their -rivals to choose the same cruising grounds for their summer outing, and -to be as malicious and troublesome as possible. - -Nick seemed to have thrown aside the temporary gloom that had fallen -upon him, because of the unjust suspicions of his mates. He was -naturally so cheery that trouble and he could never hitch up together -for any great length of time. - -"If those two cronies do chase after us," he said, "perhaps the long -standing trouble between Joe and myself may be settled. You know we've -been growling at each other for going on a year now. And some day -there'll be a surprise due him." - -When Nick talked in that vein the others knew he was himself again, and -ready to joke. So Jack, pretending to be surprised, went on to remark: - -"Why, Buster, do you mean to say you'd pick on that poor fellow, who has -never been able to whip more than three boys at a time in all his life? -I'm surprised to hear you talk so savagely." - -"Oh! well, the thing is brooding, and bound to come off some day. Bully -Joe will go just a little too far, and get his. Why, there was one time, -not so long ago either, when I'd just about made up my mind to lick him -for keeps. And I give you my word, fellows, I'd have wiped up the ground -with him, only that I was grabbed from behind and held back!" - -"Wow! listen to the war chief, would you?" exclaimed Josh, pretending to -shrink away from the belligerent fat boy, who was doubling up his pudgy -fists, and assuming a warrior's pose. - -"He's sure got on his fighting togs today!" echoed Herb, soothingly. - -"Say, Buster," remarked George, when Jack nudged him in the side, "tell -us who was so mean as to grab you that way, and hold you back!" - -"Shucks! I just knew you'd never rest till you asked that!" cried the -other, as he pretended to show disgust. "Why, that was Joe, don't you -see!" - -At that there was a howl; and Jimmie doubled up like a jack-knife in the -violence of his merriment. - -"I can see Joe's finish, if he keeps on trying such tricks," whooped -George. - -"Oh!" Buster went on, in a calm manner, "I'll try and be as easy with -him as any one could expect. Perhaps after he's had one good lesson, Joe -may reform. It's keeping bad company that's been his downfall. Clarence -Macklin has oodles of money; and his dad used to be a sporty sort of a -Wall street man they say, when he lived east; so he don't care much what -his hopeful does, so long as he keeps out of jail." - -"Well, if he goes on much longer the way he has, I reckon he'll land -there after a bit," Herb remarked, soberly; for he had suffered on -several occasions at the hands of the vindictive Clarence, as was well -known to his chums. - -"All right," Jack put in. "And now, if there's nothing further before -the house, I move we adjourn. For one I know I'm as hungry as a bear, -and ready to tackle a good dinner after all that hot work on the -diamond." - -"Dinner!" exclaimed Buster, whose one weak point lay in his love of -eating. "Wow! don't you remember what bully good meals we had when we -all got together on that dandy Mississippi trip, and Josh here slung the -pots and pans? He's sure the best cook in seven counties. I hear he's -getting up a book on camp dinners. And right now I subscribe for the -first copy that's printed; if it don't cost over ten cents." - -"Just you wait," returned Josh, with one of his wide grins. "It won't be -long now before you'll have to get up and hustle the tin pans and -things, whenever you have that longing for grub steal over you. No -sitting down to the table and cleaning up everything in sight for you -then. It's work before you can eat. Herb is going to keep you down to -brass tacks, ain't you Herb?" - -"Oh! Buster and myself expect to get on first rate," the one addressed -hastened to say; for Herb was a lover of peace. "I'm ready to pitch in -and help him out on occasion. Everything is going to be lovely, and the -goose hang high, aboard the good, staunch old _Comfort_, when we sail -the stormy waters of the St. Lawrence, eh, Buster?" - -"Well," remarked Josh, as he started away, "anyhow, I'm glad you've -decided to give our friend Buster the upper berth!" - -A shout followed after him, and the last glimpse he had of the fat boy, -Buster was shaking both fists in his direction, and pretending to -display tremendous rage, though secretly chuckling with good-natured -laughter. Happy the boy who is so constituted that he can in the best of -humor take a joke that is leveled at himself; and that was Nick -Longfellow to a dot. - -The rest of the bunch soon scattered, as their homes lay in various -directions; and this particular corner usually served as a gathering -point as well as the place where they separated. - -Jack may have allowed the mystery of the suspected "leak" to crop up in -his active mind from time to time after that; but he knew just how -sensitive Buster really felt over it, and he always religiously -refrained from ever introducing the subject. - -Some of the other boys of course must have discussed it as the days -slowly passed; but they too seemed desirous that their fat chum might -not have his feelings further injured, and nothing was said in his -presence. But all the same Buster did not forget, as Herb was fated to -learn to his sorrow. - - - - -CHAPTER III--A CHANCE CLEW - - -"Why, hello Jack!" - -It was the first day of vacation, and being at the tail end of the week, -the motor boat club had wisely decided to defer their departure until -the following Monday morning, when they would say goodbye to the home -town, and start across the state for Milwaukee. - -The speaker was no other than Clarence Macklin; and Jack had come face -to face with his bitter enemy upon the main street of the town, as he -passed out from a shop where he had been making a little purchase. - -Clarence was smiling, after his usual manner; but there was always -something crafty about this look of his that made most boys suspicious. -Had he been given his choice in the matter Jack would have passed on -with a mere nod; for he did not believe in pretending to show anything -like friendliness toward this tricky lad, who had once tried to get into -the motor boat club, and been blackballed, a fact he had vowed to get -even for if it took him a year. - -But Clarence evidently had a reason for wishing to talk with the other. -He even thrust himself squarely in Jack's way; and the latter saw no -reason why he should avoid an encounter. - -"Well," continued Clarence, "I suppose you fellows are in high feather, -now that vacation has come, and you can break away?" - -"Sure we are," replied Jack, trying to seem good-natured; though -secretly he was wondering what the other had concealed up his sleeve, -and why he insisted on stopping him in this way; for it happened that -just a day or so before Jack had been reading that good old precept of -warning, to "Beware of the Greeks bearing gifts." - -"And I suppose, also, you mean to get away soon?" Clarence went on. - -"Monday sees us off, unless something we don't look for detains us," was -Jack's response, as he watched the play of emotions on the face of the -other, and noted how the pretense of friendliness was fading away. - -"Well," Clarence suddenly burst out with, "I just wanted to let you know -what me and Joe Brinker think of your sly trick in finding out where we -meant to go this summer, and then arranging to copy after us! It was -just what I'd expect such low-down sneaks as Herb Dickson and George -Rollins to do; but I am surprised to know how you fell in with such a -dirty game, that's what!" - -Really, Jack never had a greater shock in all his life than when -Clarence said this. It seemed to almost take his very breath away. - -"Now, do you know, Clarence," he said, steadily, watching that sarcastic -face, "the shoe seems to be on the other foot with us. To tell the -truth, we've been believing all this time that you'd copied after us. In -fact, poor Buster has been suspected of giving our secrets away, not -intentionally, of course, just because he was seen talking with you. -Queer, ain't it, how great minds often run in the same channel; and both -of us thought of going to the St. Lawrence this summer." - -"Aw! now you're just trying to crawl out of a hole," the other sneered. -"But you needn't think you can spoil our summer fun for us, if you are -six to two. I told my dad about it, and he advised me to go on, -regardless. Just make up your minds to keep clear of Joe and me, if you -know what's good for you!" - -Even while the other was saying this there suddenly flashed upon Jack's -mind the true reason for his being held up in this way by "Tricky -Clarence," as young Macklin had come to be known among the boys of the -town. - -He wanted to rub it into Jack, and exult in the consternation which he -expected his declaration would cause in the other's mind. But there was -undoubtedly something more than this. If trouble did follow the meeting -of the rivals among the many channels of the Thousand Islands, Clarence -wished to make it appear that he and Joe were the aggrieved parties, and -that they had been actually set upon by the members of the motor boat -club, who had a grudge against them of long standing. - -It was a clever bit of sharp practice, worthy of a shyster lawyer. -Perhaps Clarence may have inherited some of the shifty trickery by which -his respected father had laid the foundation to his big fortune in the -wilds of Wall street. - -But Jack had no desire to stand there and enter into a wordy war with -Clarence, who had a ready tongue, and never cared very much where it led -him. - -So instead of taking up the challenge, as Clarence doubtless wanted him -to, Jack simply elevated his eyebrows, and remarked: - -"Oh! is that so? Well, I'm going to tell you just one thing for good and -all, Clarence. Neither myself, nor any one of the club, want to set eyes -on you or Joe; and if it rests with us, we'll not run across each other -all summer. But, understand me," and his eyes flashed dangerously, "we -mean to strike back, and if there's trouble it will have to be of your -seeking. You can have all you want of it. Now, that's enough. I'm done -talking." - -Clarence hardly knew what to say. He looked at the other as though -tempted to blurt out the ugly things he had passing through his mind. -But somehow he realized that it would not be safe pressing Jack -Stormways too far. He was not the fighter Bully Joe had always been; for -as a rule he managed to get some one else to carry out his battles for -him. And Jack looked really dangerous just then. - -"Pooh! words come cheap with some fellows," he muttered, as he turned -away. "But you'll find they cut no figure with my partner and me. As to -our keeping away from any particular spot you chumps choose to -patronize, that for your silly warning," and he derisively snapped his -fingers, for he was now twenty feet away. - -Jack held himself in with an effort. He felt in a humor to have given -the exasperating Clarence the drubbing he deserved; but it would hardly -be nice to create such a disturbance of the public peace so soon before -they expected to leave home. If it seemed fated that he must teach this -contemptible fellow the lesson he so richly deserved it might be wise to -wait until they were far away from the town where they lived. - -He was looking after the departing Clarence when he saw him take out his -handkerchief to wipe his forehead, for the day was warm. - -Something fell to the ground, something that, even at that distance -reminded Jack of a yellow telegram blank. He could just as well walk -from the sporting goods store in the direction Clarence had gone as any -other way. And it was his full intention to call after the other, if the -paper seemed worth while. - -So, in this spirit Jack bent down and secured possession of the crumpled -yellow paper. - -Just as he had expected it was a telegraph blank, written on but not -signed. It seemed to be a message that some one had started, and upon -making a mistake in the wording had crammed in his pocket while he -started afresh. - -That some one, of course, could only be Clarence, since the paper had -fallen to the ground at the time he took out his handkerchief. - -Ordinarily Jack would not have been guilty of looking at a telegraph -message that had come into his possession under such circumstances. It -seemed excusable now. Clarence was a secret enemy, and had been plotting -to make trouble for the members of the motor boat club that had declined -to allow him and Bully Joe membership. - -And the very first glimpse he had of the writing gave him a thrill; for -he read the address, which was: - -"Jared Fullerton, Clayton, N. Y." - -On the spur of the moment Jack changed his mind. Instead of calling out -after the departing Clarence, and notifying him that he had dropped -something, Jack just crammed the yellow paper in his pocket, and -wheeling, strode away. - -He was considerably excited, and eager to learn what sort of -communication the other could be sending to Clayton that required the -use of the wires. And as he walked hurriedly away, with his nerves on -edge, he half expected to hear Clarence shouting after him, demanding -the return of his property. - -"I never would be guilty of doing such a thing," Jack was saying to -himself, on account of the mean feeling he had, "only that sometimes -it's just necessary to fight fire with fire. If I'm wrong in my -suspicions then there's no harm done. But I must know what he's -telegraphing to Clayton. Who Jared Fullerton is I don't know from Adam; -but I bet he's cut from the same pattern Clarence and Joe were." - -By then Jack had turned a corner. Unable to withstand the temptation any -longer, he looked around to make sure Clarence was not in sight; and -then drawing out the crumpled piece of paper, read what had been written -on the blank. - -"Glad to hear boat arrived, and is such a corker. I'm bringing that -hundred with me, and hope you've earned it before we arrive. Don't get -in trouble for----" - -Apparently Clarence did not like the way that last sentence looked, for -he had started to change it several times. Then, thinking he had better -write the whole message over again, he had doubtless thrust the first -draft into his pocket, and entirely forgotten it. - -Jack read it over twice, and looked grave. - -"Now what that snake's up to, I'd give something to know," he said to -himself, as he started to walk on, after placing the message away in his -pocket. "Some sort of dirty scheme has been mentioned in a letter, and -he's meaning to pay this Fullerton for doing the thing. What could it -be? He says it's to be done before he and Joe get there. A hundred -dollars is a lot of money. Oh! I wonder could he mean to have this other -scamp injure our boats in some way?" - -It was a dreadful suspicion that beset him right then. How easy for any -one to put a lighted match to the canvas tarpaulins that covered the -three boats on the steamer's dock at Clayton. Why, they might be either -entirely ruined, or else so badly injured as to be useless for the whole -season. - -Would Clarence be equal to conspiring to do such a serious thing as -this? Jack was sorry to admit that he believed the other was not past it -in the least. He had known him to play pranks that savored of the -criminal before now; and it had always been his rich father's money and -influence that had saved Clarence from getting the punishment he so -richly deserved. - -Obeying a sudden inspiration Jack turned and chased back to the railroad -station where the telegraph office was located. He knew that the strict -orders of the operating company would prevent his seeing the message -that Clarence had finally given in, unless they were compelled to show -it by a decree of the court. But Jack had no desire to go that deeply -just then. - -He knew the operator quite well, a young fellow who also sold tickets. - -"Clarence Macklin was in here sending a message to Clayton, New York, -wasn't he, Bert?" he asked, trying not to appear at all excited. - -"Yes, that's so, Jack," came the reply from the agent; who was really an -admirer of the young high school pitcher. - -"How long ago was that--could I find him in town now, do you think?" - -Note how cleverly this question was framed; and the operator fell into -the trap without even a suspicion that he was yielding up valuable -information. - -"I reckon you might," he said, promptly, "because he went out of here -not more than fifteen minutes ago, after sending his message. Start on -Monday, I hear, Jack? Well, I only wish I was along. You fellows do have -the best times going; while some of the rest of us have to keep our -noses to the grindstone. Good luck to you all, and a bully trip on the -river," for Jack, having picked up all the information he wanted, had -turned abruptly on his heel and was leaving the station. - -That settled it, then. Clarence had sent a message to the unknown Jared -Fullerton, that was presumably along the same lines as the one he had -first started. And doubtless that individual would be only too glad to -try and earn his hundred-dollar fee before Clarence and Joe arrived. - -Since none of the motor boat boys would be in Clayton to be injured, the -only way in which he could do anything would be to scheme to bring some -miserable catastrophe upon the precious motor boats that had arrived and -were waiting to be claimed by their young owners at the steamboat docks. - -It was surely a time for quick thinking, and action, unless they wished -to take the chances of having their whole summer outing spoiled. - -And Jack, as he hurried home, was laying out a plan of campaign in his -mind calculated to outwit the miserable plotting of the reckless -Clarence and his equally unscrupulous crony, Bully Joe. - - - - -CHAPTER IV--BLOCKING A SLY MOVE - - -"Is that you, Jack?" - -"No other. Say, George, can you come over here at once?" asked the boy -who was at the other end of the telephone wire; and there was that in -his voice to arouse the interest of George Rollins to fever heat. - -"Why, sure I can. My wheel is handy, and you'll see me drop in on you -inside of a jiffy. But what's the row, Jack; no bad news about our boats -I hope? They haven't been dropped overboard in the middle of Lake Erie, -and sunk?" - -"Oh, nothing half so bad; but I must see you," Jack went on saying. "And -George, start some of the rest along too, won't you?" - -"Buster and Josh are on my way, and if they're home I'll jolly both into -coming. But you'd better try to poke out Herb over the wire," came the -reply. - -"I will. So-long, George. Get a move on you now. Important!" - -Then Jack put up the receiver, to sever connection; although a moment -later he was asking Central to give him the Dickson house. By great good -luck Herb happened to be up in his den, doing some packing; for this was -the last day he would have at home saving Sunday, and he was a very -careful fellow. - -After hearing the "call of the wild," as Jack expressed it, Herb -consented to head for the Stormways domicile without any delay. He, too, -made use of his wheel to cover the intervening distance; and quite a -bunch of boys drew up in the yard about the same time. - -Jack and Jimmie met them at the side door. - -"Now, what under the sun has he got hold of, fellows?" queried George, -nervously, as they filed up to Jack's snug den; for the serious -expression on the faces of Jack and Jimmie gave him considerable -concern. - -Nick was puffing like a steam engine. The little rush had winded him -more or less; but at the same time he also looked anxious. For, as they -were on the eve of starting out on their anticipated summer vacation, -this sudden summons to headquarters gave him a shock. - -"I only hope it ain't anything about the boats," he remarked -plaintively, as he dropped down in a capacious chair that just suited -his stout figure to a dot, and was hence invariably appropriated by -Buster every time he came to see Jack. - -"Well," remarked Jack, "I might as well admit right in the start that it -does concern our three motor boats." - -"Don't tell me that any tragedy has happened to 'em, Jack?" pleaded -George, who was known to have a great affection for his _Wireless_, even -though the cranky speed boat did seem to delight in playing many cruel -tricks upon its skipper. - -"No, not yet, I believe," came the answer. - -"Good! You make me feel better already, Jack!" exclaimed George. - -"But hold on!" cried Herb; "you noticed that he said 'not yet,' didn't -you, boys? Don't you see what that means? The boats are in danger; ain't -that so, Jack?" - -"I've pretty good reason to believe so," replied the owner of the den; -and then he whipped out the crumpled telegraph blank. "Here, read that, -fellows, and tell me what you think. It fell from the pocket of Clarence -Macklin not half an hour ago. And I understand that he sent off a -message along these lines, after he had changed the wording a little." - -Eagerly four heads were clustered above the yellow paper which he had -smoothed out on the chess table. Clarence wrote a plain hand, so that -there was no trouble in making out every word. - -"Well, wouldn't that knock you?" gasped Nick, who had as yet failed to -entirely recover his wind after his quick passage on his wheel to Jack's -home, followed by the climb up two lights of stairs to the attic den. - -"Jack, you're right; he means our boats!" ejaculated Herb, with a trace -of indignation and horror in his voice. - -"Oh! the miserable skunk, what wouldn't I give for the fun of punching -his head for him. Just wait, the chance will come some fine day. Let -them dare do anything to my bully little _Wireless_! Why, Jack, they -could be sent to prison for a long term if they destroyed the boats." - -Of course that was Skipper George, whose father being a lawyer, visions -of the stern hand of justice were always cropping up in the boy's mind. - -"The way I look at it is this," Josh went on, deliberately; "Clarence -has a crony in Clayton, some fellow he knows by the name of Jared -Fullerton. Seems to me I've heard him mention that name, too, though I -don't remember anything about him. But he's meaning to hire this chap to -do something worth an even hundred. Fellows, we can give a quick guess -that something has to do with our three boats, which by now must be -lying on the steamboat dock there, waiting for us to arrive." - -"You hit the nail on the head that time, Josh," declared Jack. "And I've -asked you all to come here so we could talk the matter over, and decide -what ought to be done." - -An animated discussion followed. Some suggested one thing, which was -debated _pro_ and _con_; then another new idea would crop up, which they -eagerly seized upon, being deeply concerned about the safety of the -precious craft. - -"Whatever do you suppose that sneak of a Fullerton could do, to put our -craft out of the running?" asked Nick, finally. - -"Well, he might accidentally drop a lighted match under the tarpaulin -cover of one. You know it would flame up pretty quick, and might set the -whole bunch going like a pack of fire-crackers," Josh observed. - -"Well, I hardly think any one would take such chances at that," Jack -remarked; "because, you see, they are lying on a public dock, and if a -big fire resulted it would mean the penitentiary for Jared. But no -matter, if a fellow only happened to be mean enough he could find lots -of ways to injure boats like ours. And for one, I don't propose to take -the chances." - -"Tell us your plan, Jack; we'll stand by you," cried Buster. - -"All right," said the other, quickly; "then listen. I propose that -George and myself go and see his father, and ask his advice. You fellows -make yourselves at home here; and after we've got things going we'll -come back to report. How does that strike you?" - -"I say yes!" Josh hastened to cry. - -As the others were of the same mind, Jack and George hurried away. It -being Saturday morning, George knew that his father would not be very -busy at his law office and could easily spare them a little time. - -They found Judge Rollins without any client, which Jack considered -lucky, since haste was an element in their calculations just now. And -after he had heard the whole story, scanned the incriminating telegraph -blank, and asked numerous questions, the lawyer smiled, and said he was -ready to give his advice. - -"Here is the address of a party I know in Clayton, and whose name just -came to me while you were talking, Jack," he observed. "Try and get him -on the long distance phone, and explain the circumstances to him as you -have to me. I feel sure that if you can reach Amos Spofford everything -will be all right." - -Accordingly the two lads immediately hustled around to the central -station of the telephone company, where they could use the long distance -phone to better advantage than in a drug-store. - -Having the local number of the party to whom the judge had referred -them, Jack, who had taken it upon himself to do the talking, because -George was apt to get excited, and splutter in a way that might -interfere with the carrying of his message to such a long distance, -asked to be connected with the Clayton office. - -Of course, there was more or less delay, as usual, and the two boys -became quite nervous before there finally came a faint call. - -When Jack learned that it was really Mr. Spofford who was at the other -end of the wire, he started to explain that it was Judge Rollins who had -told the boys to get in touch with the Clayton man. - -Then as briefly as possible, for time was valuable, he told about the -trouble, and what they feared might happen. Happily, the man to whom he -was talking seemed capable of seizing on facts, and building a plan of -campaign instantly. - -"Telegraph the agent of the steamboat Company to let me have the boats. -I happen to know him very well--his name is James Matthews. Then forget -all about the matter, boys. Depend on me! Your boats will be guarded, -day and night, every minute of the time until you arrive. That is all. -Goodbye!" - -"Hurrah for Amos!" exclaimed George when his chum had related what the -man in Clayton had said. "He's all to the good! That was a bright -thought of yours, Jack, when you suggested going to ask my father's -advice!" - -"But let's get back to the others," laughed Jack, as they paid the bill -and left the telephone office; "for they'll be burning up with anxiety -to know what's going on." - -"Yes," grinned George, now as happy and light-hearted as he had -previously been gloomy, and oppressed with fears. "By now poor Buster -will have lost a pound or two in weight. He's the greatest fellow ever -to fret over things." - -At that Jack fairly shouted. - -"I know another of the same breed, George, and you can't deny it," he -said. - -"Oh! well, what's the use?" admitted the other. "I know I do see -mountains often, that turn out to be ant hills when you get up close. -But I'm feeling particularly jolly right now. Bully for Amos. Won't we -shake him by the hand till he yells out for mercy. His name will be -emblazoned on the annals of our St. Lawrence cruise as the best friend -the motor boat club had, barring none." - -Of course, they were set upon as soon as they entered the den in the top -story of the Stormways home, and made to tell what had happened. When -the balance of the club learned how neatly a spoke had been put in the -wheel of Clarence, they voted thanks to Mr. Edison for all he had done -in the interests of modern science. - -And it can be set down as positive that those lads spent a much more -healthy Sunday than would have been the case had their minds still -wrestled with the problem of what the mysterious message sent by -Clarence stood for. - -Then came the final morning when they were scheduled to leave the home -town, headed for the far distant Clayton, to begin their summer -vacation. - -A score and more of boys were at the station to see them depart, besides -those persons who constituted the various families of the club members. -Their baggage was properly seen to, and then the last goodbyes said. -Clarence and his crony, Joe Brinker, came sauntering along, and stood -watching the passing of the expedition. - -"He can't just help grinning all the time," Buster said aside to Herb, -as they were waiting at the car steps for Jack and George, still talking -with a group of friends. - -"Sure he is," replied George, looking out of the corner of his eye, "and -every little while he says something to Bully Joe that tickles him to -beat the band. But we can afford to keep quiet, because we happen to -know how the game is going. I'm putting my faith in Amos right along; -he's going to make good." - -"But why ain't Clarence and Joe starting, too?" demanded Nick at this -juncture. - -"Oh! they're too sly for that, you see," George replied, knowingly, his -lawyer blood standing him in good stead. "Like as not they've got -through tickets right through Chicago, while we stop over in Milwaukee. -And even if they slip away this afternoon they could get to Clayton as -soon as we do." - -"There's the conductor calling 'all aboard!' We're off, fellows!" cried -Buster, as he started to climb up the steps of the car, an operation -that required more labor on his part than in the case of more agile -lads. - -The entire bunch grouped on the last platform of the parlor car at the -end of the train, and as they pulled out, waved their hats in salute to -the cheering of the crowd at the station. - -Faster went the train, and presently a turn hid the home town from the -sight of the six vacationists. If any of them felt badly over parting -from loved ones they succeeded in concealing the fact as they passed -inside to take their seats, and while looking from the windows at new -scenes, lay delightful plans concerning the glorious time they -anticipated would be their portion when they got fully started on their -St. Lawrence river cruise. - - - - -CHAPTER V--THE GUARDIAN OF THE FLEET - - -"Well, here's the steamboat dock, all right; but I don't see anything of -our boats!" exclaimed George, as he and his five chums came to a full -stop close to the local office of the lake line running to Buffalo, -Milwaukee and Chicago. - -"Oh! dear me, I hope we don't have trouble, after all," started Nick. - -"Here, let up on that misery whine, Buster. Will you ever learn never to -squeal till you're hurt?" said Josh. - -"Well, if you'd lost as much flesh as I have lately, you'd be a nervous -wreck too," replied the fat boy, aggressively. - -"If I'd lost all you say you have, there wouldn't be anything more of me -left than a grease spot, and that's right!" grinned Josh. - -"What shall we do, Jack?" and Herb turned to the one upon whom they -usually depended to steer them clear of the shoals. - -"Well, here's the office right handy," replied Jack, smiling. "Suppose -we crowd inside, and make the agent give up some information. He ought -to know what's happened to our boats, because we understood they got -here safe." - -"A bully idea, Jack; you're the goods when it comes to doing the right -thing!" Josh remarked. - -Accordingly they fell in line, and rushed into the little office, where -a gentlemanly fellow, who was working at some freight accounts, in his -shirt sleeves, because of the heat of the day, glanced up in more or -less surprise. - -"We're looking for some motor boats, sir, that arrived on the vessel -from the west. They were billed from Milwaukee by your line." - -As Jack said this the agent smiled. - -"Which one of you wired our Mr. Matthews?" he asked. - -"I did. My name is Jack Stormways," replied that individual. - -"You gave him authority to turn the three boats over to some party, -didn't you?" - -"Yes, if that party's name was Mr. Amos Spofford," Jack replied. - -"All right. We gave them into his keeping. Let me see, that was last -Saturday afternoon about one o'clock he was here," the other went on. - -"But," Jack remarked, blankly, "we've been looking all around, and have -seen no sign of our boats on the wharf." - -"And they couldn't have flown away like aeroplanes," put in Josh. - -"I should hardly think so," laughed the other. "But have you looked -beyond the end of the dock, in the water?" - -"No. Do you mean to say Mr. Spofford had the three boats launched?" -cried Jack. - -"Well, there was something doing that way, I remember, on Saturday. He -had quite a gang of men working under him. That Mr. Spofford seems to be -something of a hustler. Over toward that point, boys." - -They were already trooping across the big dock, as excited as any eager -lads could be. And no sooner had they reached a certain point than a -series of whoops burst from every throat. - -"There they are, fellows! Don't they make a bully show, though, the -brave little boats? Say, ain't this like old times again?" cried Nick, -as he discovered the three craft anchored close together at a point -where they would not be in the way of any steamboat landing. - -"There's somebody aboard, too!" exclaimed Jack, as a head was poked out -of the deck tent of the _Comfort_, which was the only one of the trio to -be thus honored, the others being in cruising trim. - -"That must be Mr. Amos Spofford," declared Herb; "and he knows a good -sleeping boat when he sees it, too; for you notice he's camped in the -Old Reliable." - -Jack waved his hand, and then called out. - -"We're coming aboard. Are you Mr. Spofford?" - -"That's my name. Glad to see you, boys. Come right along. You won't be -fired into the harbor if you try to get aboard!" came back the answering -hail. - -"Gee! I wonder if that's what happened to Jared," remarked Nick, as the -party made for the landing, where a rowboat could be obtained in which -to paddle out to the anchored flotilla. - -Every boy had his eyes glued on the boat that, to his mind, represented -all that was delightful. Many a happy day and night had they spent -aboard these same craft in times that were gone; and the future opened -up possibilities just as joyous. - -One by one they climbed aboard the _Comfort_ and shook hands with the -jolly old gentleman whom they found there. None of the other boats could -have accommodated them as readily as the big launch. - -"Glad you got here safe and sound, boys. I imagine this is Jack -Stormways. Introduce me to your chums, please, Jack. Told you not to -worry. Camped right here ever since getting your message. Would have -stayed a week if necessary, because you see I happen to be an old -bachelor, without any family ties. Greatest pleasure I've had for many a -year. Used to knock about myself, once upon a time, before I took on -flesh. And let me tell you, lads, you've got the greatest little -cruising outfits here I ever set eyes on. In my day we never knew such -comforts, any more than we did such bully boats." - -In this fashion did Mr. Amos Spofford rattle on, for he was a great -talker, and a retired lawyer as well. He quite staggered poor Buster by -the immensity of his girth; for he was simply _tremendous_, and no -mistake. - -"Gracious!" Nick whispered to Herb, when he found the chance; "you don't -think, now, I'll ever get to be like that, do you, Herb? Oh, if I -thought so I'd starve myself." - -"Well, it would end your knocking about, just as it did his, so beware!" -answered the other; and chuckled to see poor Buster shiver. - -All the time they were in contact with Mr. Amos Spofford Nick could not -keep his eyes off the wheezy old lawyer; and every now and then he would -shake his head and sigh most dismally. It was really an awful lesson for -Buster, as Josh often declared. - -"Then you've really enjoyed camping here since Saturday afternoon, sir?" -asked Jack, as the party clustered around the guardian of the motor boat -fleet. - -"Beyond measure," came the quick reply. "I haven't let the boats go -unwatched a minute of the time. On Monday I hired a man to stay aboard -while I finished up some little business that was pressing. Then I came -back in the afternoon with a new supply of grub, and determined to hold -the fort. Why, boys, it's been the happiest days of the last ten years -to me. And I've made up my mind that I'm going to throw business to the -dogs, have a boat like this, only larger, built especially for a heavy -man, and take to the water. I thank you for the opportunity you threw in -my way for this pleasure." - -"And on our part we feel that you've been mighty kind to us, sir," said -Jack. - -"Don't mention it. Besides, I'm only too glad to do something for Rube's -boy. He was good to me once upon a time, and helped me get back on my -feet." - -"Perhaps our anxiety was all for nothing though?" remarked George; not -because he really believed what he was saying, but hoped it would tempt -Mr. Spofford to "open up," and tell anything he knew. - -The stout lawyer chuckled until he shook like a bowl full of jelly. He -reminded Jack of Santa Claus around Christmas time, both with regard to -his white beard and the size of his paunch. - -"Ah! that was a chip of the old block that spoke then," laughed Mr. -Spofford, "Rube for all the world; and a born lawyer, too. Follow in the -footsteps of your illustrious dad, George, and the world is yours. No, -to tell the plain, unvarnished truth, your anxiety _was_ well placed, I -have reason to believe." - -He looked over the side at the water, and chuckled again. - -"It is pretty wet in there for a fact, boys," he said, "and when a -fellow flops over with all his clothes on, he feels kind of squeamish, I -suppose." - -"Do you mean to say, sir, that Jared Fullerton actually attempted to -come aboard in the night, and that you dumped him into the river?" asked -Herb. - -"Oh! I didn't bother asking his name; and so far as I know he never had -the politeness to leave one of his visiting cards behind him," remarked -the big lawyer, still shaking, so that the staunch old _Comfort_ -actually quivered in sympathy. "In fact, to tell the truth, he was so -set upon leaving in a hurry after he discovered that there was a tenant -ahead of him, that lots of things were sadly neglected." - -"And you threw him overboard, sir?" asked Jack. - -"That was the easiest part of it," replied the other, calmly. "You see I -used to be a great athlete in my day, when Rube knew me; and the fellow -wasn't anticipating running up against a lodger. I just gave him a neat -push, and you ought to have heard the splashing that followed." - -"Wow! I'd have liked to, first rate!" declared Josh, in ecstacy. - -"But he managed to climb out again, of course, Mr. Spofford?" Jack -asked. - -"Oh! yes, after a lot of floundering around. I saw him climbing that -spile yonder, dripping at every move. And I've had no trouble since." - -"Then we owe you a vote of thanks for helping us out in this way," -declared George, warmly. "Only for your guardianship something serious -would have happened to our boats; and you can understand, sir, that they -are precious to all of us, after serving us so well on that Mississippi -cruise." - -"I want to hear all about that at the first chance, boys. But now I'll -move out, and give the rightful owners possession. This is a very well -named boat, Herbert. I give you credit for knowing how to get full -enjoyment out of a trip. Now, that speed boat doubtless pleases George, -but you see it would hardly do for a fellow of my heft. I'm going to get -the builder of this outfit to put me one up that will be a dream, a fat -man's paradise." - -"Hold on, Mr. Spofford," said Jack, who knew he was voicing the -sentiments of the entire club when he spoke as he did; "we are going to -stay around here until another morning, for we've got a lot to do, -stowing our stores, you know. And tonight, if you can do so, we invite -you to a little dinner, to be held on this boat. We hope you will please -us by coming; and let me tell you we've got the boss cook among us, who -can tickle your palate the best ever." - -All eyes were turned toward Josh, who got up and gravely bowed, pushing -back Buster, who had impudently been in the act of accepting the honor -himself. - -"I'll do it on one condition, boys," said the lawyer, as he started to -deposit his bulk in the boat Herb was holding to the side of the -_Comfort_. - -"What is that, sir?" demanded Jack. - -"That you promise to read to me the log of your last trip, when you went -down the big river; also tell me the many adventures that I'm sure must -have come your way during those glorious weeks." - -"Done!" cried one and all, as they shook hands with the jolly retired -lawyer, and Herb started to paddle him to the dock. - -"What time is dinner hour, fellows?" sang out Mr. Spofford, just as -heartily as though he might be one of the youngsters. - -"Six sharp; but we'll wait for you any length of time you say, sir," -replied Jack. - -"Look for me before that time; and remember, boys, I'm a man of some -size, so be warned," laughed the other, waving his hand. - -"Oh! we know all about that, sir; because, you see, we've got a shining -example of the same with us," called Josh, motioning toward Buster. - -"That's so; but I'm afraid you mean a _horrible_ example; for we fat -fellows are to be pitied," floated back to their ears. - -Nick sank back on his seat, looking plainly troubled. - -"Oh! my, if I thought there was any danger of my ever getting like that -I'd--I'd, well, I don't know what I'd do; but something pretty -desperate--skip a meal once a week, perhaps," he remarked to George. - -The other was already trying to draw his own boat alongside, so that he -might aboard; for naturally each skipper had thought of the craft that -was dearest to his mind; and Herb returning, both Jack and Jimmie used -the rowboat to reach the anchored _Tramp_. - - - - -CHAPTER VI--THE "FLASH" - - -For an hour or more the boys were busily engaged in rummaging. - -Then they began to think about getting their luggage aboard, as well as -the necessary supplies. Jack had his lists made out to the fraction. -Previous experience would prove of considerable benefit to them now, -since they knew just what was most needed, and what things to leave -behind. - -"I say, Jack!" called George, across the scant space that separated -their boats. - -"Hello! what is it?" asked the skipper of the _Tramp_, looking up. - -"We've all been so busy we haven't thought to look around," remarked -George; "and consequently missed seeing that dandy craft lying off there -a couple of hundred yards. Nobody seems to be aboard, as far as I've -noticed. My! but ain't she a beaut, though? Such graceful lines. I -warrant she can just skim the water, and make you _dizzy_ watching her. -Do you know what struck me, Jack?" - -"That this might be the swift boat Clarence has had built, and which he -said was going to cut capers all around our fleet," replied the other, -promptly. - -"Guessed it the first shot. Am I right?" asked George. - -"Looks to me like a regular black, piratical craft," observed Josh. -"Just notice how low she sits in the water, would you? And there's -something sneaky in her whole make-up. Yes, that sort of a boat just -seems to fit in with a fellow like Clarence Macklin, 'Sneaky Clarence,' -you remember." - -"There's a name in gold letters on her bow, but I can't quite make it -out. Here, Buster, just hand me my glasses, will you?" - -A minute later George, having adjusted the marine glasses to his sight, -gave utterance to a low whistle. - -"I've got the name all right, fellows," he remarked, "and what d'ye -think it is? Just the plain word _'Flash.'_ I guess that stands for -speed all right." - -"It also stands for what Clarence and Bully Joe represent," Herb -observed. - -Often, as they busied themselves during the balance of that day, -George's eyes would wander toward that long, narrow boat that sat upon -the heaving water with the grace of a black swan from Australia. George -believed he could see the times when it would be nip and tuck between -the _Flash_ and his own hitherto unbeaten _Wireless_; and he confessed -that perhaps the boast of the rival of the motor boat boys might not -have been without reasonable foundation. - -Knowing how many times they must go ashore before the stores and -supplies were all aboard, the motor boat boys realized that it would be -a saving of time if they raised anchor, and moored alongside the dock. - -This was accordingly done. As noon had come, they went in detachments to -the nearest hotel, and secured a meal; after which their baggage was -taken aboard. Then, leaving the others to stow it away, as on the -previous cruise, Jack, Herb and George went into town to purchase what -their long list called for. - -Nick called out after them three times, begging them on each occasion to -be sure and not forget a certain thing of which he happened to be -particularly fond. Josh poked a whole lot of fun at the fat boy, and -warned him to beware lest he equal the enormous girth of Mr. Amos in a -short time if he did not curb that tremendous appetite. - -"Oh! don't you fret about that," Nick answered. "In good time I expect -to gradually cut down my rations until I become as skinny as you. Then, -like enough, I'll want to jump overboard and end it all." - -That was always Nick's way--_tomorrow_ he meant to start in regulating -his diet; but as usual with those who put off the evil day, tomorrow -never seemed to come. - -That was a busy afternoon with them all. - -Jack saw to it that the eatables were put up in three separate packages -all around, so that they could be handed over to the several boats -without division. This helped wonderfully, for there was no choosing, -and no ill feeling because one happened to get a better looking -assortment than the others. - -"It's near stopping time, fellows!" called Nick, as he squatted on a -seat, like a big toad, Josh said, and wiped the perspiration from his -rosy face. - -"Well, I guess everything's ready," added Jack. - -"Ditto here," came from Herb. "And Josh is already rustling the kettles, -as if he meant business. So I move we pull out again and anchor. When -the gent comes we can get him aboard with the help of this rowboat he -hired for us." - -That sort of talk seemed to satisfy every one; and accordingly they set -about working the motor boats to the positions they had occupied -previously, at the time their mudhooks were down. - -Then began great preparations for a feast. Both the other boats handed -over their several batteries for cooking. Their previous experience had -taught George and Herb a lesson, so that they had discarded their -cumbersome oil lamps, and now each rejoiced in a fine new, brass Jewel -gas oil-stove, of the same reliable German brand as that which Jack -carried when on the famous Mississippi trip, now but a fond memory. - -And they were surely a busy lot, every one working under the directions -of the head _chef_. Josh might play second, and even third fiddle, many -times; but when it came to cooking he was right there, as he himself -said, "with the goods." Some boys may seem gifted in one way, and a -comrade shine in another; it was the privilege of Josh Purdue to be a -natural born cook. He could throw together the most appetizing dishes -with apparently little effort. Everything he touched had a decidedly -delightful taste. And even Buster admitted that he stood without a peer, -monarch of all he surveyed. - -So it came about that when Mr. Spofford arrived on the dock, and was -ferried across by Herb, he found some mighty fine odors wafting hither -and thither. - -"My goodness!" he said, as he sniffed vigorously, "I hope dinner won't -be long delayed, boys, because you've just got me keyed up to a -desperate pitch, with all these joyful smells afloat." - -"Ready right now, sir!" sang out Josh, who had donned a snow-white -baker's muslin cap, which he had fetched along with the intention of -coaxing Buster to wear, when engaged in his culinary tasks. - -They were a jolly crowd gathered in the roomy _Comfort_, and discussing -the glorious dinner prepared under the direction of the head _chef_. - -"Josh, you haven't forgotten how," observed Jack, as he started in on -the savory mess piled up on his pannikin. - -"Which pleases me a whole lot," said George; "because you see, Mr. -Spofford, on this trip Josh sails with me in my _Wireless_." - -"Alas! poor Josh! I see his finish. These are funeral meats, fellows," -giggled Buster, already warmly engaged. - -And so they laughed and joked as the meal progressed. Mr. Amos was as -merry as any one of the six boys. Again he seemed carried back to the -days when he loved this sort of life; and many times did they hear him -declare positively: - -"You've opened up the fount that has been closed for many years, boys. -And after this it's me for the free life and the fresh air. Perhaps that -may reduce my overabundant flesh somewhat. Anyway, it will delight my -heart. Away with dull care; and from this time on I'm going to study -Nature again! And I have you to thank for opening my eyes. It was a -lucky day my old friend Rube thought of me, and put his boy in touch -with Amos Spofford." - -"Perhaps you'd like to go out a few days, sir, with us," remarked Herb, -quite overwhelmed by the cordial ways of the retired lawyer. "This boat -is roomy, you see, and we might get along. The only difficulty would be -about sleeping quarters." - -Poor Nick held his breath in suspense. If so be Mr. Spofford accepted, -he believed he saw his finish. But the other only laughed heartily. - -"That's awfully kind of you, Herb, but I couldn't think of accepting," -he said; and Nick breathed easy again. "When I go out, I shall have a -boat that is suited to my heft. Every time I move here, something seems -to groan, and threaten to give way. I guess you will have all you can -manage with my friend, Buster." - -And after the hearty meal was finished they made themselves as -comfortable as possible, while Jack read the official log of the other -cruise, for the particular benefit of Mr. Amos. - -The latter asked a thousand questions, and in this way managed to get a -comprehensive history of all the stirring adventures that had fallen to -their lot between their home town on the great river and the Crescent -City. - -It was quite late when he left them, giving to each a squeeze of the -hand that would not soon be forgotten. - -"If I can only find a boat suited to my size, boys," he said, as he left -them; "I'm going to get afloat this very season. But at any rate another -year will find me fully prepared for the season, with the greatest motor -boat you ever struck. Goodbye, you fine and dandy fellows! My heart will -be with you all along. Think of me sometimes, won't you, Buster?" - -He chuckled as he fancied he heard a hollow groan from Nick; as if the -memory of Mr. Spofford's tremendous girth could ever long leave the -troubled mind of the fat boy. - -A quiet night followed. Jack advised that they keep on the alert, lest -some peril drop in upon them; but fortunately his fears were not -realized, and morning coming found the little fleet all serene. - -"Look, there he is!" said Nick, as they were gathered on the _Comfort_ -enjoying one of Josh's little spreads, that included some of the -lightest flapjacks ever put before hungry campers. - -"Clarence, as sure as anything!" ejaculated Herb. - -"And wasn't I right about that boat?" asked Jack. "You can see he's -meaning to go out to it right now. But one good thing, we'll be likely -to have twenty-four hours' start of them. And on these broad waters they -may have some trouble looking us up." - -"There's Bully Joe, too," remarked George. "See him look over this way -and scowl! Somehow the sight of our gallant little fleet doesn't seem to -please Mr. Brinker a whole lot. He'd be better satisfied if he could -only set eyes on them awash, with their decks level with the water." - -Clarence did not seem to glance once toward the three motor boats. A -third party joined them, and it was not hard for Jack and his friends to -guess that this must be the unlucky Jared Fullerton, whom the stalwart -Mr. Spofford had dumped into the waters of the St. Lawrence when he -attempted to board the _Comfort_ one night not so very long since. - -Just as soon as they were well through with breakfast, the motor boat -boys got ready to put out on the broad waters which were, from now on, -to serve them as a field of recreation. - -Jack gave the signal, when he had learned that both the others were -ready. Immediately there was a tremendous amount of energetic popping, -as the motors once more got into service after their spell of idleness. - -Clarence and the others aboard the long dark boat looked after the three -departing craft; and while none of our friends bothered waving a hand in -parting, Jack could see that the owner of the _Flash_ and his crony, -Bully Joe, were talking earnestly, as though laying some sort of plan -for the near future. - -He even saw Clarence pointing after them, and then sweep his hand half -way around, as if declaring that no matter where the departing boats -might vanish, he would have little trouble in locating them if he wanted -to do so. - -And to himself Jack was saying that there could be no doubt but that -Clarence, with that vindictive, cruel disposition of his, would put -himself to almost any trouble in order to get the laugh on those he -hated so bitterly. - -The sun shone brightly as they pulled out of Clayton, and all of them -believed it was a good sign. The last they saw of the suspicious dark -boat with the contour of a river greyhound, Clarence was still talking -to his mates, and doing a great deal of pointing. - -But before them was spread as lovely a stretch of water, with its green -and rocky islands, as ever a motor boat cruiser could wish to see. And -none of the boys believed on that glorious July morning that they could -wish for anything finer than fortune seemed to be placing at their feet. - - - - -CHAPTER VII--JOSH SCENTS TROUBLE - - -"What luck, Jack?" - -It was just a week later. The three motor boats were anchored in a -little cove near one of the numerous rocky islands that give this part -of the wide St. Lawrence river its great reputation for summer outings. - -Herb was leaning over the side of his boat, engaged in rubbing some -dingy part of the brass railing; and Jack at the time happened to be -approaching, seated in a little dinky or tender, which each larger boat -now trailed behind every time they made a move from one anchorage to -another; and which proved so useful in going ashore, fishing or -visiting. - -"Oh! pretty fair," replied the one who handled the short oars, as he -turned in his seat to reach for something that lay in the bow of the -skiff. "We can have a fish dinner tonight, anyway." - -Then he held up a monster muskalonge, that must have weighed all of -twenty pounds. - -"Great Jupiter, what a sock-dollager!" cried George, who was taking it -easy in his boat; while Nick thrust up his head to shout: - -"Bully for you, Jack! Now we won't starve to death! The country is -saved!" - -"Well, I like that," said Herb. "To hear him talk you'd think I'd cut -him down to one meal a day, when to tell the truth he----" - -"Stop right there, Mister Skipper!" cried the fat boy, threateningly. -"It's rank treachery to betray your boatmate to the common enemy. But -that is a dandy fish, Jack. Where did you catch him?" - -"I think in the upper jaw," replied Jack, solemnly, at which there was a -shout. - -"I see you did," replied Nick, bending over, "for there's a broken hook -sticking out of his mouth right now. Ugh! look at the cruel teeth, would -you? I'd hate to let him close his jaws on my finger. But if the gimp -snell gave way, how under the sun did you ever get him aboard, Jack?" - -"I'll tell you," came the calm reply. "It happened that I had to play -this old pirate for nearly twenty minutes before I could tire him out. -You'd have laughed to see how he towed my little punkin-seed of a boat -around. But finally he seemed all but exhausted, and I kept reeling in -until I had him right up close, where I could bend over and touch him -with my hand." - -"Wow! you couldn't hire me to do that now," exclaimed Nick, shuddering -as he gazed at that array of sharp, vicious looking teeth. - -"I could see right then and there," Jack continued, quietly, "that the -gimp had been twisted until it was ready to break away. So I knew I -didn't dare try to lift him aboard by the line; and I had no gaff hook -along. So I just let my hand slide over his back until I reached his -opening and closing gills. Then I suddenly inserted several of my -fingers, and gave a quick fling. He came aboard all right; but the line -parted. So you see, Nick, it was a close shave for our supper, all -right." - -Josh, having made sure the fierce-looking fish was actually dead, by -pounding it on the head several times with a piece of wood, started to -get it ready for the pan. It was really the first one of decent size -that they had thus far hooked; though several meals had been made of -small-mouth black bass, taken either by casting, or trolling with a -spoon. - -"It strikes me as rather queer," remarked Jack, as he lay there resting, -"while Jimmie was starting to get supper for the two aboard the _Tramp_, -that so far we've neither seen nor heard a thing of Clarence and Joe." - -"And haven't we had a great old week of it though?" George remarked. -"Outside of one stormy day the weather has been just prime; and even my -engine has given no trouble. I'm beginning to have hopes that it's -entirely cured of those tantrums that used to bother me so. Or perhaps -the Jonah has shifted to your boat, Herb." - -"That ain't fair," called out Nick, from some unseen place, where he was -wrestling with the cookery department, and slyly taking peeps in his -notebook as to whether salt pork was used in frying fish, or butter. -"Tell the gentleman, Herb, that I never brought you the least bit of bad -luck. Why, we've been getting along here in a perfectly harmonious way, -haven't we?" - -"Y--yes, I guess so," replied Herb, a little dubiously, "but I'd be a -heap happier if only you could forget that business about who leaked, -and let out our secret to the enemy. You ding-dong about that thing -morning, noon and night. And then you turn around to Mr. Amos, and fret -your head off because you're afraid some day you're going to be as much -of a whopper as he is." - -"Well," grunted Nick, without even taking the trouble to poke his head -out, "you know right well this is a world full of trouble, fellows. If -it wasn't for my worrying the way I do, just imagine how I'd be taking -on flesh. I say, Josh, do you put the salt pork on first, and try it -out, before dusting the fish in cracker crumbs and dropping it in the -frying pan?" - -It was not long before the appetizing odors that arose around the -anchorage of the motor boat fleet announced that supper was well under -way. - -One thing pleased Nick; being the cook aboard the _Comfort_ he was in a -position to prepare a sufficient quantity to suit his generous ideas of -what constituted a meal for a healthy person's appetite; and -consequently there was no complaint about short rations. But when, as -was inevitably the case, the _Comfort_ had to borrow from the other -boats, the powerful effect of the fat boy's appetite became very -apparent. - -"Say, Jack, did you have any particular reason in picking out this place -for our next stop?" asked George presently. - -"Why, yes, lots of them," laughed the one addressed. "In the first place -it was an extra big island, and situated near the Canadian shore, you -see. Then again, the place looked kind of fishy, don't you know; and I -had an idea we might pick up some large muskies. From the fact that I -did bring in a dandy, first start, it seems as if my guess hit the -mark." - -"It sure did," George went on. "But you don't know anything out of the -way about this heavily wooded island here, do you?" - -"To be sure I don't, since I couldn't tell you right now what name it is -known under," answered Jack, who knew the other had some object back of -his questions, for George always led up to things, and never took -delight in springing a surprise on his chums, as most of the others -would invariably do. - -"I just wondered if you could know any reason for it, that's all," -George said. - -"Reason for what? Now you've got me guessing; and that's probably just -what you wanted to do," observed Jack. "Speak up, and tell me what -you've noticed." - -"Well, we seem to be objects of considerable curiosity to some people." - -"Ashore, do you mean?" and Jack turned his head, to glance at the -frowning bank of the big island, the grim rocks of which were crowned -with a dense growth of trees and underbrush, so that it certainly looked -rather mysterious as the sun began to set. - -"Well, no, I don't believe any of us have seen a living thing there, -except a coon, fishing on the edge; and a kingfisher flying from stump -to stump along the rim of the water. But three separate times a boat has -come along just out there, and the people in her would just stare at us -without saying a single word." - -"Three, you say--the same boat and the same people?" Jack asked. - -"Not at all," George replied. "That would not have seemed so queer, you -know; for I could believe that they happened to have an interest in this -cove, and disliked seeing us stop here; or else that the Canadian -authorities thought Yankees had no right to be fishing over on their -side of the broad river. It was the same boat." - -"Three different boats, eh?" Jack mused. "And they looked unhappy at -seeing our fleet quartered here?" - -"I thought they looked mad," Josh put in right then, popping his head up -like a jack-in-the-box; for he still persisted in wearing that white cap -while engaged in his department of the pots and pans. - -"Were there any women or children aboard the boats?" Jack continued. - -"How about that, fellows?" asked George. - -"One boat had two men, another three, and the last one five," Herb -remarked, in his positive way. - -"And they all stood off some distance, just looking at us. Perhaps there -are thieves in these waters, just as we found down on the Mississippi," -Josh added. - -"Maybe we'd better change our anchorage after supper, and hunt a new -place. There's going to be a bully moon tonight, fellows," from Nick, -still unseen. - -"Oh! I don't think there's any call for us to run away--yet," Jack -laughed. "No doubt the men were from the Canada side, and there was some -reason why they looked at our little fleet so queerly." - -"Well," Josh said, as if he had been worried more or less about the -matter, "I only hope one thing; that this blessed old island ain't -haunted, that's all!" - -Jack laughed at that, it put such a new aspect on affairs. At the same -time he could not help thinking that superstitious Josh certainly had -some ground for allowing such an idea to seize hold of his mind; for the -island, with its dense vegetation, and its rough shore line, did look -out of the common. No doubt, when night dropped her blanket over the -broad river with its myriad of islands, both large and small, this -spooky place could easily be believed to shelter uncanny things. - -"Don't give yourself any more uneasiness on that score, Josh," Jack -urged. "If there ever was a ghost anywhere near this place it took wings -long ago, when the thousands of summer tourists began coming here for -their vacations. What with the big hotels, and the hundreds of cottages -perched on the islands, small chance a poor spirit would have today." - -While he said nothing more about the three boats with their unfriendly -crews, Jack did not entirely forget them. Perhaps there might have been -some deep reason for the strange actions of these men. Perhaps--but -then, without any foundation for a theory, what was the use bothering -himself forming any such? - -The night came on; but even while they were eating supper a change had -begun to take place in the weather conditions. Nick's prediction of a -beautiful moonlight night gave promise of being far from the actual -fact; for clouds had drifted over the heavens, some of them dark and -threatening, though as yet broken. - -"We may get a storm before morning," observed George, looking up. - -"And I wager Jack foresaw that same thing when he picked out this cove -for our anchorage," declared Herb. "You notice that it is to the -eastward of the island; and don't you see about all the storms up here -come out of the west. In that way we will be protected against a heavy -blow." - -Jack might have kept still, and allowed his chums to heap honors on his -unworthy head; but that was not his style. - -"Hold on, you're doing me too much credit, boys," he observed frankly. -"I took to this cove just because it looked good to me, and never for a -minute thinking how it would serve us in case of a blow. But just as -Herb says, we are protected here, and that's another reason for not -changing, as Nick hinted we should do." - -They ate supper before the dusk turned into night, and the whippoorwills -were calling from back on the wooded island, to be answered from the -further Canada shore. - -The three boats were close enough together to allow the boys a chance to -exchange any remarks they wished. - -"Better get ready in case we have a downpour tonight," remarked Jack, as -he cast a look upward to where the moon was just starting to peep out -from behind a threatening bank of clouds. - -"For one I'm glad I got that hole in my tent mended in time," observed -Herb. - -"Me too," spoke up Buster, "because, you see, it was so nicely fixed -right over my poor head. Think of a stream turned on while you slept! -Ugh! when I take my cold baths I'll choose my time." - -"I've known when you didn't all the same," ventured George, chuckling. - -"That's mean of you," Buster replied, reproachfully, "bringing up old -happenings. Yes, I did fall overboard into the river; but who wouldn't, -in that cranky speedy boat of yours, shivering and jumping to beat the -band. Why, hello! what ails Josh there?" - -"Yes, what are you staring so hard at, Josh?" demanded George, turning -his head. - -"Didn't any of the rest of you see it?" asked the other, eagerly. - -"See what? Are you beginning on that ghost racket already?" insinuated -Herb. - -"Ghost nothing," exclaimed Josh; "and yet truth to tell it did glide out -of sight behind the point yonder like a phantom boat. Then the moon went -under, and I lost it again!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII--IN THE MIDNIGHT WATCH - - -Everybody sat up and took notice when Josh delivered himself after this -strange fashion. If it had been a mere glimpse of some white object -which he claimed to have seen ashore they might have smiled, and let it -go at that. But a boat was a different proposition. They were interested -in boats; and indeed, expecting sooner or later to be visited by a -certain dark craft, fashioned along a piratical type. - -"Where did you see it, Josh?" asked George, hastily jumping to his feet; -and almost taking a header into the water; for his delicately balanced -speed craft did not allow such energetic movements with impunity. - -"Well, give a feller a chance, won't you?" grumbled the other, as he -clutched the brass railing just in time to save himself. "I'm not in -such a hurry to go after the phantom boat as to want to _swim!_ -Besides," he added, as an afterthought, "I haven't forgotten that savage -musky Jack brought in today. If they hang out around this region you -don't catch Josh Purdue doing any bathing, not much." - -"But tell us, where did you see this queer boat that moves along as -silent as a specter?" asked Nick. - -"Didn't you get on to what I said?" continued the other, impatiently. -"Around that point yonder it seemed to glide. I lost it in the shadows." - -"Listen to him hedge, fellows!" cried Nick. "Now he says it 'seemed to -glide.' That is as much as saying he ain't sure whether he was awake or -dreaming." - -"I tell you the boat was there," Josh persisted; "and if the mean old -moon hadn't just bobbed behind that cloud up yonder, all of you might -have had a chance to glimpse her." - -"But you had one look at her, didn't you?" asked Jack. - -"Sure I did. And because I didn't hear any noise of a motor I just had -to stare," came the ready reply. - -"Was it a white pleasure boat?" continued Jack. - -"Not much. I could have seen that sort right along, moon or no moon. I -know what you're thinking, Jack." - -"All right. Was it a dark-colored launch, then?" the other demanded. - -"This time it's yes--a long, low, narrow craft, that seemed to just spin -along like a shadow itself. But I know it was a boat, because I could -see the water curling over, where the bow cut through," Josh went on. - -"You hear that, fellows?" Jack remarked. "And of course, you understand -what it means to us?" - -"That boat was the _Flash_, and Clarence has found us out at last?" said -George; not without a trace of eagerness in his voice; for so well had -his speed launch been behaving of late that he was anxious to test her -against the newer craft of Clarence Macklin. - -"Just like him to come sneaking around at night to see how he can do us -some rotten injury," grunted Nick. - -"Lit him thry it, that's all," remarked Jimmie, popping his head up. -"I'm thinkin' the gossoon will be sorry for it, wan way or t'other." - -"But that means we shall have to keep watch, doesn't it, Jack?" - -Of course it was Herb who said this, for he might be set down as the -most timid of the six boys; though there had been times in the past when -even Herb had risen to the occasion, to prove that he could show valor. - -"No doubt about that," returned the other, seriously. "You know the -benefit we found in being prepared when on that trip to Dixie land. It -pays to be ready for trouble. Meeting it half way often ends in victory. -Oh! yes, the squad will have to turn out, and take turns tonight." - -All this had been carefully arranged beforehand. Jack knew his crowd, -and also what little failings they might be apt to develop. For -instance, he understood that it was hardly the part of wisdom to allow -Nick to stand his spell of sentry duty alone. However willing the fat -boy might declare himself he was apt to be overcome by drowsiness and -fall asleep at his post. - -"Think we'd better move out a bit from the shore?" asked Josh, after -they had talked matters over for a further spell, and looked in vain for -the mysterious dark motor boat to appear again around the point of the -wooded island. - -"What for?" asked George. - -"Sure, the howlding's foine roight here," asserted Jimmie, who had -personally seen to it that the _Tramp's_ anchor was well placed; though -it could be readily tripped in case of a sudden need for a move during a -storm. - -"But to tell the honest truth, fellows, I don't just like the looks of -this old island here," admitted the cook of the _Wireless_, boldly. - -"I don't see anything the matter with it?" remarked George. "In fact, -simply because it seems deserted is no reason we ought to cut loose, and -change moorings. If it belonged to some millionaire, and had a cottage -perched on the rocks, the chances are ten to one we'd have been asked to -move long before now." - -"I agree with George," Jack remarked. "And that was the main reason why -I determined to come here, where it looked so attractive. When fellows -are off on a little trip like this, the very places they should avoid -are those where too much civilization is found. Give me the wild spots -every time." - -"Oh! well, I withdraw my motion then," grumbled Josh. "But don't blame -me if anything happens, that's all." - -"Would ye be afther listenin' till him?" exclaimed Jimmie, hilariously. -"Sure he do be thinkin' still about that banshee. And Jack, since ye are -to sthand watch wid Josh, be warrned in toime, to look out for throuble. -If wishin' would bring ghosts it's me honest belafe Josh would raise a -whole raft of thim." - -But in talking of many other things the boys soon seemed to forget about -these fears on the part of the one who confessed to a belief in -hobgoblins. - -When several of the inmates of the gathered boats started to yawn at a -tremendous rate, word was given that they turn in. - -"It's eleven o'clock, boys, just think of it?" said Herb, as he lighted -a lantern in order to make up his bed more comfortably; for Herb -believed in getting all the benefit possible out of things, even when on -a cruise. - -"And we can count on broad daylight by four o'clock, though we needn't -get up till five," Jack observed. "So I've divided the six hours into -three watches. Josh and myself will stay on duty until one. Then Herb -and Jimmie will take our places, and at three they are to wake up George -and Buster. Understand that, fellows?" - -"Yes," came the response, in some cases very sleepily. - -"How about you, Josh; think you can stay awake two hours now?" Jack -asked. - -"I drank more coffee for supper than usual," the other answered, "and -the way I feel now, I don't seem to care one bit whether I get a wink of -sleep tonight or not." - -As things were reduced to a pretty good system by this time, with regard -to the making up of beds, it did not require much time to get these in -readiness. Herb was the only fussy one; and they were threatening to -call him an old maid, and get a cap and gown for him, if he kept on that -way. But Herb paid no attention to all this talk. When he had his mind -made up it required an earthquake to change it. - -Finally his lantern went out, although Josh kept it within reach of his -hand, in case he needed light in a hurry while doing his trick as -sentinel. - -He and Jack could converse in low tones without disturbing the sleepers, -should they care to do so. Jack meant to exchange a few words -occasionally, if only to convince himself that the other had not been -overtaken by drowsiness. - -No longer did the moon peep out from the dark curtains above. The cloud -banks had effectually covered the face of the heavens as with a pall. -Still it did not rain, and thus far there were no other indications of a -brooding storm. - -It was impossible to see for any distance around. Even out upon the -water objects were indistinct at fifty feet; and as for the nearby -island it rested there like a black hillock, above which the tips of the -inky pines could be seen outlined against the less opaque sky. - -Now and then the night breeze moaned dismally through these treetops, -making a queer sound. Jack noticed that every time this happened there -would be a slight movement in the _Comfort_; and he understood that Josh -must be turning his head to stare toward the island. Josh, then, had not -entirely given up the idea of seeing a ghost; and this uncanny sound -made him remember his prediction. - -It was impossible to note the passage of time by the stars, for they -were quite out of sight, and no clock striking could give warning; for -there was not a church within many miles of their anchorage. - -So when Jack began to wonder how much longer he and Josh ought to hold -the fort, he had to strike a match and consult the little nickel watch -he carried. - -"Gosh! how you scared me!" exclaimed the other sentry, as the match -crackled. - -"Half past twelve," Jack remarked, in a low tone. "That means another -half hour for us, Josh. How are you feeling about now?" - -"Well," admitted the other, "I guess I was near dozing that time. -Thought somebody shot at me when you scratched that match. How loud -everything sounds at this time of night. Wish that old bird would let up -on that screeching, over on the Canada shore. He makes me tired, for a -fact." - -"Depends on the way you look at things," chuckled Jack. "Now, for my -part I rather like to hear a whippoorwill call. Never yet kept me awake -either, like some things would do. Have a bite of this gingerbread, -Josh. Keeping watch is hungry work, after all, I find. Besides, while -your jaws are working, you won't get sleepy." - -Josh was nothing averse to a "snack," and so they sat there, eating, and -occasionally exchanging some remark, while the balance of the crowd -slept on. - -The boats were anchored far enough apart to avoid striking should a wind -arise. But on account of his desire to keep in touch with Josh, Jack had -seen to it that the stern of each craft was drawn toward the other. In -this fashion then they could have shaken hands by leaning over the -intervening foot or so of water. - -It so happened that while Jack was devoting most of his attention to the -watery expanse that stretched away toward the east, Josh on the other -hand found the neighboring island more interesting. - -Each acted on his own idea as to the nature of the danger that might -come upon them. With Josh it was the peril that stalks during the middle -of the night, and frightens men through its connection with spectral -forms. Jack, on the other hand, suspected that Clarence and his crony, -Bully Joe, might be planning some sort of a mean raid, that would spoil -the pleasure of the motor boat club. - -"Jack!" whispered the occupant of the _Comfort_ in a hoarse voice. - -"Well, what do you want?" replied the other lad, serenely. - -"I am sure I heard a suspicious noise ashore just then!" Josh continued. - -"Oh! rats! You're always hearing things, Josh. Like as not it was only a -poor old 'coon, hunting around on the beach for a fish that has been -cast up. Get it off your mind. It's only a little time longer, and then -you to dreamland." - -"There it goes again, Jack! Didn't you catch it that time? I tell you it -means something. Hark! now will you believe me?" - -Josh was growing more and more excited. He even raised his voice above -the low tone in which up to now they had conversed. But small danger of -any of those sound sleepers being so easily awakened. It would require a -shaking to accomplish that. - -Jack certainly did hear the sounds now. These consisted of a strange -clacking, the nature of which it was impossible to guess. Then would -come a plain, unmistakable groan! No wonder poor Josh shivered, and -turned cold with apprehension, considering what his recent belief had -been. - -"Oh, my! there's sure something moving up there, Jack! Don't you see -it--over by that place where we saw the silver birch? Watch it, Jack! -There, look! look!" and as he spoke Josh raised his voice still more -until it almost became a shout. - -Movements told that he had finally succeeded in arousing the sleep -squad. Nick was heard to yawn, and grumble, as usual; while Herb poked -his head out from the side curtains to ask what all the row meant. - -"Didn't I tell you it would come?" shouted Josh suddenly. "Just look -there on that blamed island, and see what we get for sticking here! Now -laugh at me for believing in ghosts, will you? Herb, can't we cut the -anchor rope, and make a quick getaway? Please say yes, because I'm that -scared I'm shaking all over!" - -And every eye was by this time glued upon the strange spectacle ashore -that had given poor Josh his fright. - - - - -CHAPTER IX--THE GHOST OF THE ISLAND - - -"Wow! it's sure a banshee!" whooped Jimmie. - -"A-am I dreaming, fellows?" exclaimed Herb, rubbing his eyes -desperately. - -"O-oh! look at it shake its fist at us, would you! It's ten feet high, -if it's one!" came from the quivering lips of Buster. - -But Jack as yet had not said a word, though he was staring just as hard -at the remarkable sight ashore as any of them. It was something -different from anything that had ever before crossed his path. Perhaps -Jack might have felt a little chilly sensation as he looked; but he was -not at all frightened. - -Up on the rise of the mysterious island there had appeared a dim figure -that seemed, just as Nick vowed, to be all of ten feet in height. At -first it was like a curling column of smoke, when a certain kind of wood -has been thrown on the fire. Then it seemed to take form, and change to -a flickering yellow glow. - -The groaning sounds continued all the while, as though this disturbed -spirit from the other world might be in great pain. And certainly the -figure was waving one of its arms as though waving them off. - -All of this Jack saw, yet no panic gripped him as it seemed to do the -rest, who were crouching there, staring, and gasping for breath. - -"Jimmie, hand me my shotgun, and let's see if it can stand Number -Threes!" - -Jack called this out in a loud, clear voice. Not that he wanted the gun -to any great extent; but he had an object in saying it. - -But Jimmie really believed he meant what he said. While he groped for -the gun he was saying aloud: - -"Sure, now, 'tis mesilf as doan't belave ye kin knock the daylight out -of that banshee wid little shots, Jack, darlint. But if so be ye mane to -thry, take the gun, while I shut me eyes." - -"'Tain't any use," broke in George; "the thing's disappeared!" - -And so it had, vanishing as mysteriously as it had come, and leaving -only a black void in front of them. Even that steady groaning had -stopped, proving conclusively that it had had to do with the appearance -of the spectre. - -Jack laughed, to the utter astonishment of the rest. - -"I don't see anything funny about this business," complained Nick. - -"Well, p'raps you fellers will quit quizzing me after that experience!" -said Josh, with just a little ring of triumph in his unsteady voice. - -"And will you please stop shaking that way?" remarked George. "For you -make the boat rock the worst kind. It was bad enough seeing that blessed -thing, without taking a header overboard right now." - -"Jack, what makes you laugh?" asked quiet Herb, who knew that the other -would not have acted in the way he did unless with good and sufficient -cause. - -"Do you really want to know?" asked Jack, quietly. - -Somehow the fact that one of their number did not seem to be affected by -the panic that had swept over the rest began to make George and Jimmie -ashamed. - -"Sure we do, Jack," remarked the latter, eagerly. - -"I was laughing because it was so funny to see how our fine ghost bobbed -out of sight the very instant I called to Jimmie to hand me my Marlin," -said Jack. - -"Oh! I see now!" cried George; "you mean that ghosts needn't be afraid -of a handful of bird shot. Is that it, Jack?" - -"That's what I meant. I've read lots of ghost stories, just like Josh -here; though I never believed them for one minute. But in every case the -fellow who tells the yarn declares that bullets have no effect at all on -real goblins. Am I right, Josh?" - -"It's true, every word of it, Jack!" the other answered, promptly. "Why, -I've heard where a soldier whacked the head off a ghost, who coolly -picked it up and stuck it on again as neat as you please. Oh! no, they -needn't be afraid of little bird shot, not a bit of it." - -"Well, this ghost was timid, you see," Jack proceeded. "He fell over -just as soon as I called out about my gun." - -"Look here, you mean something by that, sure you do!" remarked Herb. - -"Fellers, he's hinting that it was a job set up on us--that's what Jack -means," declared Nick. - -"Out with it, Jack. Don't you see that we're all in a blue funk over -this queer deal? If you know anything, share it with your pards," said -Herb. - -"That's it," observed Josh, who had by now somewhat recovered from his -fright; "put us wise old commodore. What d'ye think it was, now?" - -"I'll tell you, boys," Jack said, impressively. "In my opinion, honest -Injun, now, somebody was trying to frighten us away from here." - -"Say, it did wave its long, bony arm, all right!" exclaimed Josh. - -"We all saw that," Herb put in; "but what do you suppose anybody would -want to make us move our anchorage so much as to go to all that fuss and -feathers to scare us?" - -"Well," answered Jack, "that's a thing I can just tell--yet! You all -admit it did keep waving its arms. And you heard those lovely groans -stop just at the same time the thing disappeared. I thought I heard a -sound like something falling to the ground. Did anybody else get that?" - -"I heard some noise," admitted George. "But, Jack, you certain must have -some little suspicion about who engineered this silly game, if it was a -set-up job?" - -"Well, Josh saw a boat," calmly remarked the one addressed. - -"Listen to that, would you?" exclaimed Nick. "He means that it was -Clarence who got up that cute game right now--Clarence, our old friend -of the baseball diamond. And perhaps the ghost that groaned was only -Bully Joe. Fellers, it sound good to me." - -"Well, it would be just like Tricky Clarence, as sure as you live!" -admitted Herb, who had possibly been the least alarmed of the five. - -"But why should he want us to vacate?" demanded Josh, who disliked very -much to give up his pet illusion, and believe that the ghost was only -the result of a clumsy trick on the part of some person or persons -unknown. - -"Perhaps he wants this fine little cove himself," suggested George. - -"That hardly fills the bill," Jack went on. "He might think to get even -for some of the times we've won out in the past. I tell you right now -I'm bothered to understand it." - -"Do we clear out in the morning, then?" asked Herb. - -"I hope you won't say yes to that, fellows. In the first place, it goes -against my grain to be chased away by Clarence Macklin or anybody else, -who has no right to order us around. And then again, there are some -things I'd like to look into connected with this queer affair." - -When Jack talked like that he knew the others would fall in with his -wishes; for they had long ago come to look upon him as a leader. - -"Oh! we'll stick it out if you say so, Jack," declared George. "But you -ought to tell us anything else you've got on your mind." - -"There was one thing that puzzled me," Jack continued. "It happened -while Josh was dozing, or else looking somewhere else, for he didn't -seem to notice it. And I didn't say anything, because there was no use -waking the rest of you up then." - -"But what was it, Jack?" questioned Kick. - -"Why, we settled it in our minds that the old island was uninhabited, -didn't we boys?" asked the other. - -"That's so," several hastened to declare. - -"Well, about half an hour ago, as I chanced to turn my head and look -that way, I caught sight of a dim light moving along near the ground. It -would disappear, and then come in view again, all the while moving." - -"Now, I've seen just such a funny light, when a man with a lantern was -walking through the woods," burst out Herb. - -"Just what I settled it in my mind that was," chuckled Jack. "But it -wasn't so strange that some one should be ashore, and I didn't let it -bother me any. After what has happened, though, you can see it must have -meant something." - -"That's a fact," admitted George. "And, fellows, I'm coming around to -Jack's way of thinking. I just bet Tricky Clarence was behind that -show." - -"Oh! well, let's try to forget it for tonight," Jack observed; "and as -it's now just one o'clock, George and Nick will have to take their turn -on guard." - -"Sure," replied Buster, cheerfully. "Sleep and me have parted company -for the rest of this night, after what I saw. So it's me for a four hour -stretch; Herb, you can snooze right along till sun-up, if you want." - -"Oh! can I? Thanks," laughed the one addressed, with a touch of -skepticism in his voice; for he knew only too well what a difference -there was between Buster's promises and the keeping of them; he always -meant well, but found the flesh weak. - -And it proved just as wise Herb supposed would be the case; when the -time came for George to go off duty he found Nick fast asleep; so that -Herb had to be aroused by repeated calls and punching of the side of the -_Comfort_. - -Then daylight came; but according to Jack's arrangements no one was -aroused until the hour of five, when the sun was well up. July days are -long indeed in this northern clime, and the twilight lingers until -nearly nine in the evening. - -"Who's going to try the fishing today?" asked Jack, as they were -partaking of their bacon and egg breakfast, a supply of the hen fruit -having been obtained on the previous day from a Canadian farmer, near -whose place the little fleet of motor boats had stopped. - -"Why, Herb and myself talked of going, if so be you'd post us about the -best trolling ground," George remarked. - -"Tell you all I know about it," replied Jack, readily enough. "But if -you are lucky enough to strike a big musky like the one I got, you'll -have your hands full. Better take the gaff hook along. I wished many -times yesterday I had it." - -"Will we, George?" asked Herb, in a vein of sarcasm. - -"Catch me putting my hand on a pirate like that while he's got an ounce -of fight left in him," the other declared. "Why, one snap of those jaws -and he'd take your whole paw off, sure. Yes, give us the gaff hook, or -we don't go." - -"Then you don't intend to keep us company?" asked Herb of Jack. - -"I think I'll just hang around here this morning, boys." - -"Oh! all right. I can see with half an eye that you've got something up -your sleeve, Jack; but post us when the show comes off, won't you?" -George remarked, laughingly. - -An hour later, long after the two ambitious fishermen had departed in -their little rowboats for a siege of trolling along the lonely shores of -the island, Jack quietly stepped into his own dinky, and paddled ashore. - -"Now what can he be up to?" Nick asked Josh, as they looked after the -other. - -"Give me something easy, will you?" replied that worthy. "But all the -same, I noticed that Jack was careful to take his gun along." - -"But he can't shoot any game now; the law is on nearly everything, you -know. And up here the wardens are always on the lookout for poachers," -Nick continued. - -"Oh, shucks!" Josh complained, "you don't see through a millstone, even -when it's got a big hole in it. Can't you understand that Jack is bent -on looking up that ghost business? Wonder if it was Tricky Clarence at -the back of it. Gee! but when I first set eyes on the same I really -thought it was a dead sure spirit of some old Injun chief come back from -the Happy Hunting Grounds to warn us away." - -"Huh! I noticed that you hung on to that same idea to the bitter end," -Nick continued pugnaciously. "Right now, I bet you believe deep down in -your silly heart, it was a regular hobgoblin. Oh! I know you all right, -Josh Purdue; and you've got a scary heart all right. But I saw, just as -soon as Jack spoke up, how we'd been fooled by Clarence. Wait till he -comes back, and he'll prove it." - -"I'd like to know how?" demanded Josh. "Expect him to interview that -_thing_, and get a written confession? I'm just wondering what we'll run -up against if we're bound to stay here in this cove another night." - -"Piffle!" scoffed Nick. "What about guns, hey, tell me that? Ghosts -don't appear to like guns much, do they? Jack says not, and Jack, he -ought to know. Stay here? Of course we will; a week, two of 'em, if we -feel like it!" - -"Oh! yes, how brave some people are in the middle of the day, when the -sun's shining," jeered Josh. "But wait; that's all! I expect to see you -get the scare of your life tonight, don't you know. If that _thing_ gets -real mad, and digs in for us you needn't bother worrying about taking on -any more fat, because you'll shake that hard you'll lose pounds and -pounds! But let's wait till Jack comes back, and find out what he's -discovered. I've got a good notion to follow him ashore, if I can pull -up the anchor and beach the _Comfort_. Watch how I manage it." - - - - -CHAPTER X--FOLLOWING A TRAIL - - -Josh found his little plan was not hard of accomplishment. All he had to -do was to push the _Wireless_ around, after letting out all the cable -connected with the anchor, when he was able to jump ashore. - -He took with him another rope that was fastened to the stern of the -motor boat, and this he fastened to the nearest tree. Now, when he -wanted to go aboard, all he had to do was to unfasten this latter -hawser, climb over the side, and draw the _Wireless_ back to her -original anchorage. - -"Good boy!" cried Nick, who had been a close observer of this clever -little game. "You go up head. When it comes to dodges like that, you -take the cake." - -It was not often that Josh heard a compliment from this source, and he -had to stop and wave his hand toward the cook of the _Comfort_, before -following after Jack. - -He had not gone twenty feet before he discovered the object of his -concern, who appeared to be bending over something that seemed to -greatly interest him. - -"Hello! there, what've you found, Jack? Signs of a diamond mine, or -traces of the ice age they tell us about?" Josh demanded, as he reached -the side of the other. - -"Hello yourself, Josh," replied Jack, looking up with a smile, as though -pleased because he was to have some one to talk to, and possibly confer -with. "Well, no, I can't just say that either of your guesses comes -anywhere near the truth. I'm only examining a trail." - -"What's that? Then this old island hasn't always been as deserted as it -looks right now, if people sometimes drop ashore here?" remarked Josh, -his interest at once aroused. - -"Look here and tell me what you see," the other lad continued, as he -pointed to the ground near his feet. - -"Say, as sure as you live, it is, for a fact," exclaimed Josh. "Looks -like they'd done a heap of passing up and down this way, too. D'ye know, -Jack, I wondered what those marks on the little beach meant, and now I -understand. Boats, that's what; boats that have been drawn up there when -the water was higher than it is now." - -"Yes, I saw them," said Jack, quietly. "In fact, I looked to find such -marks on the sand. And this broad trail began there, too." - -"Oh! I'm beginning to tumble to a few things. I guess that in the -season, this same tight little island may be a place for duck shooters -to hold out. Perhaps we might even find an old deserted shanty somewhere -back yonder in which they camp out during the blustery fall months." - -"Hold on, Josh," remarked Jack. "Is that all you know about signs?" - -"Why, whatever do you mean?" asked the other, puzzled. - -"Take another squint at these marks, and then tell me what you think, -Josh." - -"Say, I tumble to what you mean!" exclaimed Josh, after he had bent down -once more. "You expect me to say that if these marks had been made -months ago, with a winter's ice and snow, and a summer's heavy rains, -they'd have been washed out long ago. And so they would, Jack, so they -would. You're right about it. They've been made lately! They look fresh, -for a fact!" - -"Now you're tumbling to facts, Josh. Remember, we had a big downpour -just three days ago, don't you?" Jack went on. - -"Sure I do. And you're on to that, too. But I grab your meaning now, all -right. There are marks here that must have been made since that rain." - -"Well, what do you say about it now?" continued the boy who could read -signs. - -"Instead of duck shooters they're fishermen," observed Josh, calmly. -"Yes, and you remember how those three boats came along, and the men in -each stared so hard at us? Jack, I see it all now. We just happened in a -favorite place of theirs, and they didn't like it for a cent. Why, they -even tried to scare us off with that silly ghost business that gave poor -old Pudding such a fright." - -Jack only smiled. - -"Well," he said, "suppose we follow this trail for a bit. I have an idea -it will lead us to the very place where I thought I saw a moving light, -like a swinging lantern, last night." - -Josh was eager to keep step with him; but there was no trouble -experienced in picking up the trail, so plainly marked were the tracks. - -"There it is, Jack!" exclaimed Josh, suddenly; for he had been looking -ahead all the time his companion kept his eyes fixed on the ground. - -"It is a shanty of some sort, isn't it?" remarked Jack, without much -emotion; for he had been absolutely positive as to what they would -discover, so that the announcement did not excite him. - -"Why, yes, a tumbledown sort of a shack," observed Josh, with a trace of -disappointment about his manner. "I'd pity the fellows who spent a rainy -day in such a rookery. Why, the roof is falling in at one end; and the -door hangs on one rusty hinge." - -Jack saw all these things as quickly as did his companion, even though -he failed to cry out and express himself as vehemently as Josh took -pains to do. - -"Old dilapidated cabin as it is, note one thing, will you," he remarked. - -"You mean that the tracks lead up to the door, is that it, Jack?" - -"Well, yes," the other continued, "but just notice that there's a rusty -padlock on the door. Stop and think if that doesn't look queer, -considering that if anybody wanted to get in, all they'd have to do -would be to knock that one hinge, and the whole door would drop flat?" - -"Say, that makes me laugh, for a fact," Josh chuckled. "But it's just -what you'd expect to run across up among these simple people of the -border. They make me think of the ostrich. Don't you know we read the -silly thing just sticks its head in a little bush, and thinks because it -can't see anything that it's got a bully hiding place." - -"Yes, that sort of covers the bill," said Jack. "I guess this padlock is -only meant to tell people who have no business here that they are not -wanted inside this shack. It stands as a warning. To enter after that -would be a breach of the rights to property, as Lawyer George would -say." - -"Looky here, would you!" cried Josh, presently, while his companion was -prowling around, and peeping through a hole in the wall, as though -curious to know what the interior of the cabin looked like. - -"What have you found now?" asked Jack, who was himself wondering why -that new single trail had been made, coming out of the dense bushes at -the back of the hut, and showing signs of recent passage, which somehow -he could not help connecting with the flash of that lantern on the -preceding night. - -"The bally old lock don't hold even a little bit," announced Josh, as -though that circumstance added to his hilarity. "See, I can lift it off -with one finger. It's a fake, that's what it is, Jack. But while it -might fool ordinary people, it can't a live Yankee. Now what d'ye say to -going in?" - -Jack laughed as though amused at the reasoning of his chum, and -remarked: - -"I see you think we wouldn't be breaking the law of possession if we -walked in when the lock was out of gear. That sounds nice, Josh, but -many a chicken thief has found that such a plea didn't save him. But all -the same, I'm going to step in and look around a bit." - -"Seems to me it smells fishy around here?" observed Josh, sniffing -eagerly. - -"Oh! that's easy enough to explain," and Jack pointed to several heads -of black bass that lay near by. "Somebody has had a fish dinner, for -there is the ash bed of a fire. It may have been passing sportsmen from -one of the big hotels; then again, perhaps the people who made the trail -also cooked a meal or two here!" - -Once inside the cabin he looked around. There was virtually nothing to -see. The place had not a sign of furniture of any description. Some -straw lay on the hard earthen floor, as though it might be made useful -in case one wished to pass the night there. - -Josh almost doubled up with laughter. - -"This is sure the greatest joke ever," he remarked. "To think of trying -to keep trespassers out of this old trap, just like it held all a -squatter's possessions. Jack, what d'ye think the silly donkey meant by -that padlock? Did he keep his stuff here once, and locked the door? I'm -all in a fog." - -Jack said nothing, only "browsed" around, as he expressed it, kicking -the straw aside in places, only to replace it as he had found it, as -though not wishing to leave any signs that trespassers had invaded the -cabin of the mysterious island. - -But all the while he was thinking deeply. - -And once, after the laughing and scoffing Josh had stepped outside to -look about him again, Jack stooped down and picked some object up off -the earthen floor, which he seemed to examine with considerable -curiosity before stowing away in one of his many pockets. - -"Seen all you want to of the strange palace of the Thousand Islands?" -asked the merry Josh, when his companion again appeared. - -"Oh! yes, and I'll put the lock back just as we found it," replied the -other. - -Then he started to follow the plain trail that led through the dense -thicket to the rear of the cabin. It took him nearly twenty minutes to -zigzag through the intricate growth, for all manner of obstacles caused -him to turn aside, even as they had the one who had come and gone this -way on the preceding night. - -When he finally reached the shore it was far around the point that -jutted out above the cove where the motor boats were anchored. And after -Jack had stooped down to examine the sandy beach, he arose with a -peculiar smile, and a knowing shake of the head; but the only words he -used as he walked along the sandy stretch near the water's edge were: - -"I thought I'd find where the keel of a boat landed on this beach!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI--BUSTER GETS AN IDEA - - -"Find anything new worth while, Jack?" asked the cook of the _Wireless_, -as he got up from the warm sand where he had been taking a sun bath, -while waiting for his companion to put in an appearance. - -"Oh! I don't know," replied the other, in what seemed to be a careless -manner, calculated to put Josh off the track, and smother his curiosity. -"One or two little things that I'm going to puzzle my wits over. But -look here, the fishermen are in sight!" - -"Good gracious! how you scared me, Jack!" exclaimed Josh, whirling -around to look. "Honest Injun, now, I thought you meant those rough men -in the three boats, and knowing how guilty we were about breaking into -their shack, I started to shiver, never having been arrested, you know. -But it's only George and Herb." - -"They've been successful, I expect," observed Jack, wisely, "because -both seem to be trying to look disappointed; but can't help glancing -down in the bottom of the little dinkies. I reckon each has got a musky, -all right." - -"Sure we have," remarked George, as the two small boats pulled in close; -"and dandies at that. Talk to me about pull; that pirate was a hummer." - -"But, George, you know he didn't come up to mine," remarked Herb. - -"Well, I rather guess not, Herb," grinned the other. "I suppose you -notice, fellows, that my comrade has been in swimming. Funny part of it -is, he never even bothered taking his clothes off when the notion struck -him." - -"Well, it came right sudden, for a fact," laughed Herb. "That big -muskalunge was tearing around like the dickens, when swoop! he took a -turn under my boat, and in my haste to swing around, I upset." - -"Wow!" cried Nick, "Oh, why wasn't I there to see the fun? I'm always -missing all the good things, seems to me." - -"But you hung on to your rod, apparently," remarked Jack; "seeing that -you got your game in the end." - -"That's just what he did," declared George with sincere admiration. "You -know our friend Herb has a touch of stubbornness in his make-up. No -measly old musky that ever swam in the St. Lawrence was going to get the -better of him in an argument. He hung to that rod even while he went -under. It was the greatest thing I ever saw, for a fact; but he managed -it fine, let me tell you." - -"Tell us how?" begged Nick, breathlessly. - -"All right," answered George. "You see, the little dinky had turned -turtle when it dropped Herb out; so there it was, floating beside him, -bottom-side up. Would you believe it, that fellow just climbed up over -the stern, and straddled the boat as he kept on playing that fish as -cool as you please." - -"Great! Hurrah for our Herb! He's the champion fisherman; only, because -we haven't got a photograph of that game fight to show, be careful how -you tell the boys when we get home," remarked Josh. - -"While he played the fish I picked up his paddle," George went on. "And -when he got the musky in where I could gaff him, we pushed ashore, so he -could turn his boat over again. Then, as each of us had a prize, we -thought we might as well quit for the day. What you doing ashore, -fellows?" - -"Jack wanted to nose around, that's all," Josh hastened to say. "Found -an old shack up in the woods here. Guess that spook lives there when he -doesn't want to be seen. Funniest thing, though, he keeps an old rusty -useless padlock on the broken door. But there wasn't anything worth -while to be seen. Jack followed some tracks he found; that seemed to -amuse him." - -Josh went aboard, pushed the _Wireless_ out, and presently the skipper -joined him. - -"Any other news?" asked Nick. - -"Oh, yes," said Herb, stopping in the act of changing his soaked clothes -for dry ones. "I forgot to say we saw that boat again." - -"What's that? Do you mean the mysterious, dark, piratical craft that, -believe me, ought to be flying the skull and crossbones at her stern?" -demanded Nick. - -"The same," Herb replied promptly. "She flashed by us while we were -trolling, though at some little distance. And, fellows, as sure as you -live, Clarence was at the wheel, though neither of us could see a thing -of Bully Joe. I thought Clarence looked scared, for he was awful white; -but George declared he was only in one of his mad fits. We know what -they stand for, don't we?" - -"Did you call out to him?" asked Jack, quickly. - -"I did," replied George, "and dared him to accept a challenge to race -the _Wireless_. I thought he was going to answer me; but he only turned -his head and stared. But it was Clarence, all right. I give you my word -on that." - -"Now, what d'ye know about that?" observed Nick; "dodging around like -that, and declining to even speak! Generally Clarence is always ready -enough to get into a hot argument. And you'd just think he'd be wild to -take you up on that challenge business, George. It beats me all hollow, -now." - -"And even that ain't all," added George. - -"What! more adventures?" cried the chagrined Nick. "I tell you it ain't -fair for everybody to get in the lime light, and leave poor me in the -lurch. What have I done to deserve this? Say, I hope you fellows ain't -holding that silly thing up against me yet, about betraying our secrets -to the enemy, and all that rot, you know? That would be mean." - -"Oh! shucks, cut it out, Buster," said Josh; "and let George tell us -what else happened. This mystery is getting on my nerves, I tell you, -boys. Go on, proceed, George, old chum. Give us the harrowing details." - -"You won't find much to alarm you in this," laughed the other. "Only, -while we were fishing a boat came along, and it had two men in it. They -rowed up close, and we could see they had a fishing rod in action. The -one who held it kept watching us as sharp as the mischief. He spoke to -us pleasant like, and asked a few questions about our luck, how we -happened to be so far over toward the Canada side, if we expected to -move away soon to new grounds, and such things." - -"Did you recognize the boat, or the men, George?" asked Jack, quietly. - -"Herb and myself talked that over afterwards; until his tumble overboard -knocked it all out of our heads. And we thought that perhaps those men -were one of those couples we saw yesterday, passing here and staring in -at us." - -"Say, perhaps they may have been Canadian custom officers, who patrol -the river to keep American fishermen off their side," suggested Nick. - -"That might be," George said. "We thought of that; but they didn't give -us any warning. And besides, from the chart we've got we've learned that -this island is American territory all right, you know." - -"Oh! well, what's the use of bothering our heads over it," declared -Herb, from inside the outing shirt he was pulling over his head. - -"That's right!" cried Josh. "Fling away dull care while the sun shines, -and we've got enough grub left to keep Nick here from starving to -death." - -When the fat boy was not looking, Josh reached down, and took hold of -some object he had smuggled aboard without the others noticing the fact. -It was a length of old tin waterpipe that he had found up alongside the -deserted shanty, and which had evidently been useful at some time in the -past, to convey the water from the roof to a spot where it would not -back into the cabin. - -This old pipe was possibly six feet in length; and to the mind of a -practical joker like Josh it presented some alluring possibilities. - -Swinging it upward when Nick was not looking, he managed to bridge the -watery gap between the _Wireless_ and the _Comfort_, and quickly called -in a sepulchral tone through the novel speaking-tube: - -"Hello! down there! Give me connection with Buster Longfellow! I'm the -ghost that walks in the night. I want to have a heart-to-heart confab -with Buster!" - -"What you trying to do, give me heart disease, or an attack of delirium -tremens?" exclaimed Nick, who had started violently upon hearing that -muffled sound so close to his ear. "Say, you don't know how queer that -does go. Talk about your megaphones! That tube carries sound to beat the -Dutch. I wonder now--gee!" - -"Hello! What ails Pudding? Look, fellows, the poor fellow's got an idea, -and it seems so strange that he don't know what to do with it!" jeered -Josh. - -"Huh! don't I?" replied the fat boy, whose face had turned pale, and -then rosy red. "You just wait and see. Perhaps you'll say it was an -inspiration some fine day. And no use to josh me about it, for I ain't -going to squeal one little bit. But, oh, my! I wonder if that could just -be so! This is the second time it's give me a start. If Aleck only does -what I asked him!" - -He stuck to his word about saying no more; and although Josh kept on -teasing him for quite some time, Nick kept his lips resolutely closed on -that subject. - -The balance of the day passed away without anything happening that -seemed out of the way. They saw nothing more of the mysterious dark -boat; nor did any small craft come prowling around to have the occupants -glower at them, as though begrudging them their pleasant anchorage just -on the edge of that little cove. - -Supper was a great success. Josh fairly outdid himself in cooking the -fish, all of them going ashore on the beach to where he had made a camp -fire. And afterwards they sat around, telling stories, and singing many -of their favorite school songs, until the hour grew late. - -When they went aboard, the night was dark; for it seemed to cloud up at -sundown almost every evening now. All of them were busily employed -getting their blankets arranged for sleeping, and the two who were to -keep first watch had even settled down comfortably in their places; when -to their ears came the sudden rapid popping that would indicate the -presence of a motor boat in the near vicinity. - -"Oh! look, fellows!" exclaimed Nick, as from around the point a dazzling -glow suddenly shone, bearing down rapidly straight toward them. - - - - -CHAPTER XII--YANKEE STUBBORNNESS - - -The most tremendous excitement reigned aboard every one of the three -anchored motor boats, when it was seen that the bright white light was -headed straight for them. - -"He's going to smash us!" whooped Josh. - -"Hey, hold off there, Clarence! Don't be a fool!" shouted George. - -Herb and Nick could not find their voices at all, to make the least -sign; and there was a cause for their feeling more alarmed than any of -the rest. It happened that in arranging their anchorage the _Comfort_ -came further out than either of the other boats. Hence, she was more in -direct line with the swiftly advancing speed boat than either the -_Wireless_ or the _Tramp_. - -But if Nick could not use his tongue he certainly could use his limbs; -and the way he threw himself over to the port side of the roomy -_Comfort_ was worth seeing. There he crouched, hugging the railing, and -ready for a plunge overboard should the expected collision take place. - -But just when it seemed as though the sharp prow, which they fully -believed must belong to the _Flash_, was about to cut through the stern -of the helpless _Comfort_, the hand at the wheel must have diverted her -course just a trifle, for she shot past like an arrow, almost grazing -the varnished side of the broad-beamed launch. - -While that dazzling glow from the acetylene searchlight shone in their -faces, none of the boys could make out anything with certainty. On -comparing notes afterwards they were unable to declare whether the dim -figure at the wheel was Clarence or some other; though Nick did say he -heard a low chuckling laugh as the phantom boat passed, which he knew -was a favorite way of expressing pleasure on the part of the Macklin -boy. - -"That was a close shave, sure!" remarked Jack, as coolly as he could. - -They could hear the rapidly retreating rattle of the exhaust of the -"pirate boat," as some of them liked to call the other craft; but as it -was circling around the island, apparently, all other signs of its -presence had vanished. - -"Too close for comfort!" gasped Herb. - -"Listen to him joking at such a time!" remarked Josh, thinking Herb -meant to apply his remark to the name of the boat, when, truth to tell, -that was the last thing to occur to him. - -"Believe me, fellows, I confess that I'm quivering like a leaf," said -Nick, "and it ain't cowardice, either. Brave men tremble after the -danger is over, cravens before. You noticed that I wasn't paralyzed with -fright, didn't you? I could think, and lay out a plan of escape. That -proves I wasn't really scared then." - -"But," declared Herb, indignantly, "whatever did they mean doing that? -Why, if that sharp nose of the _Flash_ had ever banged into us, going -like she was, we'd have been cut in two! It's criminal, that's what, -fellows!" - -"Oh!" Jack remarked, "to tell the truth, I don't think Clarence would be -such a fool to take such chances as that. In the first place he might -kill one of us. And then again, you know, his boat would be sure to -suffer, too, and might be wrecked." - -"That sounds reasonable, Jack," admitted George; "but whatever do you -suppose tempted him to do that crazy thing?" - -"Well, he might think it a good lark," was the reply. "And then again, -there may have been some other reason pushing him on, which we don't -know anything about as yet. I'm going to try and think out an -explanation, and if I hit a hot trail I'll tell you about it, boys." - -"That means Jack's got an idea," said Nick. - -"All right," spoke up Josh, instantly. "Don't think you're the only one -in the bunch who can have such things, Buster." - -"But what if they circle around the island, and come down booming at us -again?" ventured the nervous Herb. - -"I don't believe that will happen," Jack replied, seriously. "But if you -feel anxious, just pull further into the cove, Herb, and he couldn't -strike you then." - -"I tell you what I'm going to do," declared the impulsive George. "I'm -on the first watch, and I want you to let me have that Marlin -scatter-gun of yours, Jack. If that fool bursts out from behind that -point again, and heads for us at full speed, I declare to goodness if I -don't bang away, and touch him up with bird-shot a few. He deserves such -a lesson." - -"But why should Clarence want to scare us away from here?" asked Nick. - -That was what Jack was himself wrestling with, and he waited to find out -if any of his mates put forth an answer; but they seemed to be unable to -grapple with the puzzle, for no one spoke. - -"My boat is heading that way, and I'm going to light my glim. Then if he -tries his funny business again, I'll spot him in good time," George -remarked. - -It was some time before the excitement died away. Even after those who -were entitled to sleep had lain down, they would raise their heads at -the least suspicious sound. Did a wavelet lap the adjacent beach, Nick -was sure to bob up and look about him in alarm. When an owl started to -call out "Whoo! whoo!" from a tree on the dark island, he sat up -instantly, and seemed almost ready to crawl over the side of the boat -into the water. - -But nothing happened, and gradually silence fell upon the three anchored -boats. George and Jimmie gave way to Jack and Nick when several hours -had passed; and finally Herb and Josh wound up the night. - -When morning came, the boys joked one another over their red eyes, -showing that, after all, none of them could have secured much comforting -sleep. - -"I suppose we're going to pick up our mudhooks today and climb out of -this?" suggested Josh, as they were enjoying breakfast. - -All of them looked at Jack, who smiled. - -"Suppose we put it to a vote, fellows," he said. "All those in favor of -scuttling out of this, like dogs with their tails between their legs, -simply because certain parties want us to move, signify it by raising -their hands." - -Not one went up; even Josh, who had seemed inclined that way, upon -ascertaining that Nick declined to show the white feather, allowed his -half raised hand to drop again. - -"Contrary, no, raise their hands!" - -And six of them went up like a shot. - -"Do we vacate?" asked the fat boy, sarcastically, turning on Josh. -"Nixey. And the more they try to scare us off, the closer we stick. -Ain't it so, fellows?" - -"Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute!" spoke up George, -grandly. - -"Remember the old story of the battle between the wind and the sun, -don't you?" asked Herb, who was always bringing into play fables and -yarns he had soaked in during his younger days. - -"No; what was that, Herb?" asked Jack. - -"Why, they got into a dispute as to which of them was the stronger, and -decided to settle it on a traveler. So the wind began to blow harder and -harder; but the traveler just wrapped his cloak the tighter about him. -Then the sun started to try, and as it got hotter and hotter, first the -traveler unfastened his cloak, and then threw it off altogether. So the -bully old sun won out, after all." - -"Hear! hear!" cried George; "that is a good illustration, Herb. You see, -fellows, he means that we ain't going to be chased away by hard knocks -and bluffing; but if some one would come and ask us politely to vacate, -and give us a good reason why we ought to move along, we'd do it -willingly. That's the Yankee policy." - -"Then, as we're going to be here for another day, anyhow, suppose Jimmie -and me take a turn after the muskies?" suggested Nick. - -"It's only fair you should have a chance," Jack observed; "but you can -see what risk there always is in one of the clumsy little punkin-seed -boats, when handling a big fish." - -"You forget that I can swim like a duck, Jack!" observed Buster, -proudly. - -"All the same," Jack went on, seriously, "you know you're not quite as -spry as some of us; and I hope you will keep that life preserver on all -the time. This water is deep, and the current makes it treacherous." - -"Oh! I promise that, sure," Nick assented. "Between us, believe me, I -meant to carry that bally old cork life preserver along, anyway. Jimmie -might take a crab while rowing, and upset. There's no telling, you know. -All right, us for the grand sport today, Jimmie. And now, post us about -the place, Jack, and just how you do the business." - -"Wouldn't I just give a cookie to see Buster fast to a hustler like I -had on yesterday," chuckled Herb. - -"Well," remarked the fat boy, coolly, "it would do you good, I guess. -You'd know how to manage, after that, so as not to let a measly fish -upset your boat. It takes brains to be a successful fisherman, Herb, -real brains." - -Jack went ashore again a little later, but none of the others seemed to -care to accompany him, being satisfied to lie around, taking things -easy, and talking of their future plans; for a new idea had been -broached which had to do with an extended cruise up through the great -lakes, rather than knock around here on the St. Lawrence for two full -months; and all of them were full of suppressed excitement over it. - -If Jack made any further discoveries during the time he was on the -island, he did not think to take the others into his confidence when he -came back; but that may have been because just then a noisy little motor -boat was heading straight toward the cove, and every one was guessing -what new developments were about to be sprung upon them. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII--THE GHOST HUNTER - - -"Wonder if this can be the same parties we met yesterday?" George -remarked, as they watched the approach of the bustling little motor -boat, which pushed over the water with a series of fierce explosions, -not unlike the discharge of a pack of giant fire-crackers. - -"No, I don't think it is," Herb spoke up, in answer. "Fellow at the -wheel looks like a Canuck guide from one of the hotels, a full-blooded -Indian, and the man with the glasses and the fishing rod is more like a -college professor, I'd say." - -"That was just what I thought," put in Jack. - -"Anyway, we'll soon know, for they're coming in, as sure as anything," -Josh added. - -Inside of five minutes the noisy little boat swung close to where the -boys sat watching. The gentleman sitting holding the rod, and winding up -his reel with a clicking sound, waved a hand in cheery greeting. - -"How d'ye do, boys?" he said, cordially; and somehow Jack rather liked -the tone of his voice, as he also did his looks. - -"Any luck, sir?" he inquired, as is the custom at such a time. - -"Had two fierce strikes; but I'm afraid I've lost my cunning, for I let -the beggars have a slack line, and lost both. Are you fishing any? I saw -two lads in little dinkies like that one yonder, fishing over by the -long island, and guessed that possibly they belonged to your party." - -"Yes, they do," George replied; and went on to tell about what luck they -had had, with the usual pride of a successful fisherman. - -Jack meanwhile was not saying much, but observing the gentleman. It -struck him that the other was trying to make himself very agreeable; and -somehow he could not help remembering the fable that Herb had spoken -about so recently. Having failed to scare the motor boat boys off by -stern means, were milder tactics about to be adopted now? - -Presently the other thought he ought to introduce himself. - -"I am Professor Herman Marshland, of Ann Arbor," he said, modestly. - -So Herb started to tell just who they were, and how they happened to be -knocking around on the St. Lawrence at this time. - -"Have you been stopping long in this cove?" asked the other, in what he -doubtless intended to have appear as a casual way; but Jack saw that he -seemed to set more store by the question than surface indications would -indicate. - -"Why, sure, we have, Professor," George said. "We might have gone on -before now, but we just hate to leave under fire, you see." - -"Excuse me, but I hardly grasp your meaning, I fear," remarked the -gentleman, with one of his winning smiles. - -"Well, you see, some persons appear to have taken offense because we've -monopolized their dandy cove here. And they've been trying in all sorts -of ways to shoo us away. Last night they threatened to run us down with -a speed launch that came buzzing around that point of the island there. -And then, would you believe it, sir, they even went so far as to attempt -to scare up-to-date American boys, by setting up a silly ghost game on -us." - -"What's that you say?" remarked the gentleman, interrupting George. "A -ghost? Now, that's right in my line, you see. I've been making a study -of all manner of strange and incomprehensible manifestations along that -line for five years. In that time I've investigated dozens of so-called -haunted houses. Why, you arouse my interest at once to fever heat, my -young friends." - -"And did you ever discover a real, genuine bona fide ghost, sir?" asked -Josh. - -Professor Marshland smiled. - -"I never have," he replied, with a forlorn shake of the head; "but I -still live in hopes. What knows but what this may be the golden -opportunity I have waited for so long? You must tell me all about it, -boys. And afterwards I'll just drop off and take a little look around, -on my own responsibility." - -Of course George and Herb were only too willing. Assisted by an -occasional word from Josh, they soon told the story. Then Josh in turn -related what he and Jack had found out when they investigated ashore. -The college professor seemed deeply interested in the forlorn cabin, the -dilapidated door of which was fastened by a broken padlock. - -"They say ghosts are peculiar in many things," he remarked at the -conclusion of the little talk. "And that might account for the padlock. -It's all very interesting, boys. I only regret that I was not here when -the manifestation occurred. Perhaps, if I hung around tonight, the thing -might get up courage enough to show again. It would repay me for all my -trip here. I came for the fishing; but to catch a ghost in the act, -would be positively refreshing, I assure you." - -Jack was still watching the professor. While he liked the other, somehow -he seemed to feel that there was something rather strange about him. He -seemed to be studying the four lads as though seeking to read them, and -make up his mind as to whether they were just what they claimed. - -Could it possibly be that he was connected with those mysterious men who -seemed so bent on chasing the motor boat boys away from the lonely -island? - -After chatting for some time, and making quite a favorable impression on -Herb, George and Josh, the professor remarked that if they would excuse -him he would step ashore, and take a look at the delightful old ghost -cabin. - -Josh was just about to volunteer to accompany him, when he caught the -quick look Jack cast in his direction, accompanied by a negative shake -of the head. - -"If he wanted us he'd have said so, Josh," came in a whisper. - -A minute later the gentleman, having managed to land, vanished amid the -heavy growth of timber and brush. - -Josh looked at Jack. - -"Sure as you live, he's following that trail, Jack," he said. - -"That's only natural," remarked the other, "because, you see, it was -mighty plain, as though lots of people had gone back and forth." - -"Yes," observed Josh, simply, "if them chaps were camping in the cabin, -and going out fishing every day, of course they'd make a well-worn trail -down to this cove here, where their boats must have been tied up. I've -been thinking, Jack, that p'raps they're engaged in some sort of fishing -that's illegal, such as setting nets against the law. Say, wouldn't that -be an idea now? And if true, it must explain just why they watched us so -close. They thought we might be wardens getting on the track of their -business. How's that for a guess, fellows?" - -"Sounds kind of fishy," remarked George. - -"Scaly, I should say," Herb spoke up. - -But Jack said nothing. He was thinking along the same line Josh had -suggested, but in an altogether different way from the lanky cook of the -_Wireless_. - -To tell the truth, Jack would have been pleased could he have slipped -ashore to observe what the professor from Ann Arbor could be doing just -then; but he did not dare venture. It would look too much like -impudence. As he himself had said, if the gentleman had wished for their -company, he certainly must have asked them to go ashore with him. - -As to his being deeply interested in ghosts, and a patient investigator -of remarkable manifestations for years, Jack took all that with a grain -of salt. Perhaps it might be so, but Jack believed he was not far wrong -in believing that Professor Marshland had only mentioned the fact to -excuse his evident desire to go ashore and look around. - -He was gone a long while. Indeed, Jack guessed that perhaps the -gentleman could have explored the whole island in the time that elapsed -before he again showed up. Still, there was also a chance that he might -have been doing something in connection with the old cabin. - -When he did appear he was smiling broadly. - -"Sorry to say I couldn't find any evidence of the supernatural," he -remarked, in answer to the eager look Josh gave him as he clambered -aboard his stubby little boat once more. "And that inclines me to the -belief that some one who loves a practical joke was only trying to throw -you into a state of fright, boys. I regret, too, that I cannot remain -over a night with you, in the hope of being granted a look at this -wonderful spectre. If anything more remarkable occurs, I'd be very much -obliged if one of you would write an account of it and mail me at the -college." - -"Sure, we will, Professor," said the willing Josh. "And if so be we -capture that flickering ghost, we'll send it to you by express, charges -collect." - -"Do so," laughed the gentleman. "I won't object, I assure you. Well, -here's wishing you luck, boys. And thank you for all the information -you've given. It may be of more assistance to me in my calling than you -imagine. Start up, John. It's back to the hotel for us now." - -So the noisy little motor went chugging away, passing around the point; -and by degrees the sound died out, as other islands came between. - -"Say, let me tell you, I like that man," Josh up and said, without any -urging. - -"He is a smart one, all right, and don't you forget it," remarked -George. - -"Was he really trolling, do you suppose, in that horrible, noisy power -boat?" asked Herb, skeptically. - -Jack himself had a suspicion that the rod and line were only being used -for a mask of some sort. Everywhere he looked, the mystery seemed to be -getting deeper. First the strange actions of the men in the rowboats; -then the appearance of that foolish ghost on the island; the questioning -of the fisherman whom George and Herb had met while away on the -preceding day; the peculiar things he himself had discovered ashore; and -now, last but not least, the coming of this pretended fisherman, who -asked skillful questions, and made out to be a genuine ghost -hunter--taking all these things together, and it can be seen that Jack -had about all he wanted to ponder over for the rest of that day. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV--A STRANGE RIDE - - -"Time those two fellows were showing up, don't you think, Jack?" asked -Josh, as the noon hour came around. - -"Oh! I don't know," replied the other. "I noticed that Nick carried a -bundle with him, and guessed it might be a little snack to keep off -starvation, in case they were detained. Sometimes it's hard to give up, -when you are fishing, you know." - -"Snack!" echoed Josh, with a sniff of scorn. "Well, I wish you'd seen -just what that elephant did roll up in that paper. Herb wasn't looking, -but I kept an eye on Buster. Snack! Say, take it from me, that he had as -much as I would eat in a week of Sundays." - -"Well," laughed Jack, "you're prejudiced against poor Buster, you know, -Josh. Just because you have a bird's appetite, and he that of a hog, you -pick on him. His greed is his only weak spot. His heart is as big as a -bushel basket; and he'd go out of his way any time to do you a good -turn." - -"Oh! I know it, all right, Jack," returned the other. "You mustn't take -everything I say for what it stands. But listen, fellows. Talk of the -angel, and you hear the rustle of its wings. Unless I miss my guess, -that's the tuneful voice of Buster right now. What in the dickens can he -be shouting that way for?" - -All of them were on their feet by now, and listening to the yells. - -"They seem to be coming from around the island," said Jack. - -"I bet you it's Jimmie having some fun with poor Pudding. He does like -to hear him put up a howl," chuckled Herb. - -"Well, I don't know about that, fellows. Just listen, and hear what he -seems to be saying. Perhaps, after all, there may be something crooked -about it. We seem to be up to our necks in all sorts of queer mysteries, -you know." - -George was not smiling when he said this; indeed, all of them could now -realize that there was something of appeal and alarm in connection with -the lusty yells Buster was letting loose. - -"Hey! stop it, you! What d'ye mean trying to drown me? Let up, I tell -you! Can't you give a feller a chance? Somebody head me off, won't you? -Help! help!" - -"There he comes!" shouted Jack, pointing. - -"Well, what under the sun is he doing?" cried Herb. - -"Since when did Buster put a motor in his dinky?" asked George, feebly. - -"And ain't he just making the time, though?" ejaculated Josh. "Just look -at the way the foam flies up before the blunt bow of the dinky!" - -Jack looked again and then gave a shrill laugh. - -"Motor!" he exclaimed. "The only motor Buster is dealing with now has -got fins and scales, and is in the water. Don't you see what he's doing, -boys? He got a whooping big muskalunge at the end of his line. In some -way Buster has got the line twisted around his body. And there he sits -in the dinky, bracing his feet against a knee of the boat, and holding -on for dear life, while the fish runs away with him." - -Then the others burst into a loud laugh, seeing the comical side of it. -To Buster it was not so funny, however. He had been straining so long -now that he fancied he might be pulled over the side of the cranky -little snub-nosed craft any time; and with that cord wrapped around his -arms, drowned because of his inability to swim, despite the cork life -preserver. - -"Quit your laughing, and chase after us, fellows," he bawled, as he shot -past the mouth of the cove; and at the same time sending a mute look of -appeal toward his mates. - -"Why don't you get out your knife and cut loose?" shouted George, making -use of his hands in lieu of a megaphone. - -"Can't move--got my arms tied down at my sides. Ouch! it hurts, for the -line is cutting into the bone of my wrists. Come and help me before it's -too late. You'll be sorry if I get drowned. Then you'll never learn the -truth of how our secrets leaked. I'm the only one who is on the track. -Hurry up, boys; I mean it!" - -Jack saw that after all the situation was more desperate than might have -appeared at first sight. It must be an enormous fish, the grandfather of -all the muskies around the Thousand Islands, and powerful enough to -drown poor Nick, if once it succeeded in upsetting the boat, or dragging -him out of it. - -Accordingly he immediately jumped over, and unfastened the cable that -held his anchor. - -"Hold that for me, will you, Herb?" he said, tossing one end of the rope -over to the skipper of the _Comfort_. - -Then without any further delay he started his engine with one energetic -fling of the wheel. - -Immediately the boat started, amid a rattling fusillade of sharp reports -that told how responsive the well equipped motor was to the demands of -its master. - -Of course, once Jack fairly started after the little dinky that was -being so vigorously towed by the captive fish, he had no difficulty in -overtaking it. - -"Now keep a firm hold on your seat, Buster," he said. "I'm going to push -in ahead of you, and see if I can fasten on to that line myself. The big -thing can't well pull both boats. After that I'll free your arms. I want -you to pull him in by yourself, if possible." - -"Not me!" cried Buster. "I'm done with the brute. Shoot him dead. Hit -him with a club. He's a villain, a desperate villain, because he wound -me up like this, and then tried his level best to yank me over. Jack, -bless you, I believe you've saved me from a watery grave. Have you got -him now? Are you real certain he can't jump into my little boat and take -a chunk out of my leg? Oh, my! what a puller! I was sure going a mile a -minute that time. Talk about Neptune and his sea horses, they can't ever -come up to a pesky muskalunge that feels the barb of the hook. I'm all -tired out, Jack. You finish him, please." - -Jack saw that this was so; and having untangled the line from Nick's -body, he took the rod and proceeded to get in touch with the now sulking -monster. - -Nick clambered aboard the motor boat in a hurry, as though really afraid -that the fish in its anger might leap into the shallow dinky to bite -him. - -"Glory! just look at him jump and kick, would you?" shouted Nick, as the -baffled captive sprang from the water, shaking its massive head -furiously in an effort to dislodge the hook, which, however, was too -securely placed by this time in the hard bone of its mouth to be shaken -out. "He's trying to locate me, that's what! Let me have that gun of -yours, Jack. Next time he jumps I'm going to pot him sure." - -And he did. - -As a rule Nick was a poor shot. Whether luck entered into it, or his -fear that the big fish was meaning to climb in after him, stirred him to -unusual exertions, Jack never knew; but as he leaped into the air, not -twenty feet away, there was a tremendous bang close beside Jack, and he -saw the muskalunge drop back into the water as though fairly riddled -with shot. - -Poor Nick also tumbled over backwards, and lay there grunting and -rubbing his head; for he had in his excitement pulled both triggers at -the same time, so that a double discharge had followed. - -"D-d-did I g-get him, Jack?" gasped the fat boy. - -"Deader than a door nail or Julius Caesar!" laughed the other, as he -began to draw in the line hand over hand; for there was no longer any -positive resistance from the object at the other end. - -"Look out! Be careful, Jack," warned poor Nick, in fresh alarm. "You -don't understand how treacherous one of these muskies can be. 'Twouldn't -surprise me if he was playing 'possum right now. Throw him in the dinky -when he comes along. Let him bite a chunk out of that with his old teeth -if he wants to. I wouldn't touch him for anything now." - -"Oh! you'll enjoy a steak from the same old hooker tonight, never fear. -But he's dead as a herring, Buster. And what a monster! None of the rest -of us are in it with you after this. I bet he weighs all of thirty-five -pounds!" - -By degrees, when he really saw that the big fish was dead, Nick -recovered his courage; and by the time they drew up in the cove he was -swelling with importance over the wonderful degree of success that had -attended his maiden effort at capturing a muskalunge. - -True, Josh was mean enough to elevate his eyebrows when Nick spoke of it -that way, and hint that he had imagined that the shoe was on the other -foot, in that the fish had captured Nick; but the other gave him a -withering look as he said scornfully: - -"Now, what d'ye know about that, fellows? This simple guy actually -believes I was in earnest when I let that fine and dandy fish at the end -of my line tow me for half a mile. Why, silly, didn't you take notice -that I drove him like you might a horse? Didn't we come in a bee line -for this very cove? Give me a little credit, won't you? Be fair and -square. I know it's an effort for you, but when you're in the company of -gentlemen you ought to brace up and try hard to act like one, Josh." - -Of course that took all the wind out of Josh's sails; he could only sit -there, mumbling to himself, shaking his head, and casting occasional -looks toward Nick, as though inclined to give him the banner when it -came to nerve. - -Then came Jimmie, laboring furiously with his paddle, and excited -because he did not know whatever could have become of his fisherman -companion, whom last he saw flying off in a mysterious fashion, and -yelling for help as though the ghost of the island had indeed laid hold -of him; since Jimmie could not see what amazing power it was causing the -dinky to rush through the water five times as fast as he could urge his -own craft. - - - - -CHAPTER XV--ANOTHER NIGHT - - -Of course the whole story had to be told over again for the benefit of -Jimmie. The Irish lad found some little difficulty in swallowing Nick's -bold assertion that he might have been setting up a little game for the -amusement of his companions. He even went so far as to poke the defunct -fish in the side with his finger and pretend to ask the captive if it -were really so. - -"But look here, Jack and Herb and George, let's have some lunch!" -finally remarked Josh, naming the three who had remained at home, with -malice in his manner. - -Nick fell into the trap, sprawling. - -"Now, I like that!" he observed with a deeply injured expression on his -red and fat face. "Just listen to him, would you? He cuts poor old -Jimmie and me out of the call. Say, don't you think we ever eat?" - -Josh pretended to be astonished, and threw up his hands to indicate as -much. - -"Eat?" he cried. "Well, what's to hinder you from getting out that big -lunch you took away with you? We can spare you a cup of coffee to wash -it down, I guess, hey, fellows?" - -Then the two returned fishermen stared at each other. - -"What are you talking about, Josh?" said Nick. "That little snack we -carried off with us, is it? Oh! say, you don't count that, do you? Why, -Jimmie and me, we got nippy about nine o'clock and punished that off. -Why, I'm just about starved right now, if you want to know it. Bring on -your grub, unless you want to see me faint dead away." - -Josh had had his little fun, and knew that it would do no good to draw -it out any longer; so grumbling about the "rise in the cost of living," -he proceeded to comply with the demand. - -Of course there was enough; Josh had seen to that in the beginning. -Indeed, it would have been a highly dangerous proceeding for any one -entrusted with the cooking arrangements of the party not to consider the -enormous capacity of Nick and Jimmie, when laying out provisions for a -meal. - -Naturally enough the conversation soon took on an interesting color. - -"How long are we going to stick right here in this cove?" Josh asked, as -he sat curled up on a seat, enjoying a platter of Boston baked beans, -with which some frizzled dried beef had been heated up. - -"Yes," added Herb, "that's a subject we ought to consider. It's all very -fine to be enjoying the fishing and the wonderful stunts of Buster at -harnessing the finny tribes as horses; but you know, fellows, we came -here to the St. Lawrence to cruise, not squat on our haunches. Jack, -it's up to you. Tell us." - -"I've been thinking right along that it must be getting rather -monotonous to some of you," said Jack, slowly. "Only for the fact that -we've been badgered by some unknown parties who want to chase us off, -we'd have gone before now. But it does seem a shame to lose so much time -in this way. Tell you what I propose, boys." - -"Glad to hear it. Let's know!" several of the others cried in unison; -for somehow what Jack thought right usually appealed to the rest; -because in the past as a leader he had often been tried and never found -wanting. - -"All right," the other went on. "Suppose we put in just one more night -here in this anchorage. Then some time tomorrow, no matter what happens, -we'll pull out. How does that suit you, fellows?" - -"I'm agreeable," George immediately replied. - -"Suits me from the ground up," Herb put in. - -Three others added their voices after the same fashion, so that in this -amiable way the question was settled without the least friction. - -"That means another night of guard duty," mused Nick; whereupon Josh -burst out into a harsh laugh. - -"Hear him, comrades all!" he remarked. "The poor fellow is worn out with -his arduous work. No wonder he drops off into slumber-land when on duty. -He is so near a living skeleton that even a poor lone little minnow can -pull him and his boat along by the mile. Some of us ought to volunteer -to take Buster's place, and let him get about fifteen hours of sleep. He -needs it." - -Nick only grinned, not at all abashed. - -"Fine!" he exclaimed. "Suppose you start the ball rolling then, Josh. -How long will you carry me on your stretch--half an hour? That would -count for something. I think I might gain an ounce of flesh on the -strength of that extra sleep." - -"I think you would, all of it," said Josh. "The trouble with you, -Buster, is that you take life too easy. That's why you get so fat. Just -keep on and see where you land pretty soon. Remember Mr. Amos Spofford, -will you, and take warning." - -"Now, that's what I call a mean dig on your part, Josh," complained -Nick. "Talk to me about the strenuous life; did you ever know anybody -have a bigger job than I did today, landing that giant muskalunge? When -I go in for anything I do it with my whole heart, don't I boys?" - -"You sure do, Pudding," assented George, "and with your whole stomach, -too." - -Nick only gave him a reproachful look, as though it pained him to -receive this unexpected blow in the house of his friends. - -"Then it's settled we leave here tomorrow?" remarked Herb, meaning to -cast oil on the troubled waters; for Herb was by nature a peacemaker. - -"Unless something unexpected crops up that might hold us back," said -Jack. - -"What could do that?" asked Josh, uneasily, for he wanted to get away -from the vicinity of the haunted island as speedily as possible. - -"Oh! one of the engines might break down, for instance," laughed the -other. - -"Now I know that was meant for me," retorted George; "but, thank you, -the bully old _Wireless_ seems to be on her best behavior this trip. -Haven't had the least trouble up to now, and don't expect to. Wish I -could only get a chance to race that _Flash_ of Clarence's, though. -Never will be happy till I do, and find out whether his boat or mine is -the faster." - -"Look out yonder, fellows," said Josh just then. - -"A rowboat, and holding two men," remarked Jack. "Seems to me we've seen -those fellows before, eh, boys?" - -"We certainly have," George spoke up. "They are some of the ones who -passed here the other day and scowled to beat the band. They're doing -the same right now, as if they'd like to order us away, but don't dare. -Guess they've come around to see if we show any signs of leaving. Look -at 'em talking together, and shaking their heads. Perhaps it means more -trouble for us tonight, boys." - -"Mebbe the ould ghost has been patched up again for a sicond show!" -suggested Jimmie, grinning at Josh, who had turned a bit pale, and moved -uneasily. - -"Well, there they go off without saying a single word to us. Talk about -your good manners, these fishermen along the St. Lawrence are a lot of -soreheads," and George mockingly waved his hand after the retreating -boat, though Jack considered his act as bordering on the reckless. - -"George, suppose you and I go ashore after a while, and shoot at a mark -a few times with that rifle of yours?" Jack suggested later on. - -"Now you've got some notion in your head, or you wouldn't say that," -remarked George. "Tell us what it is, Jack." - -"Only this," replied the other, without hesitation. "Some of those men -may be hanging about within earshot. We don't know but what they have a -camp on the island here or some other close by. It might be as well to -let them know we've got a gun and can shoot if necessary. Is that -straight?" - -"It's what you would call good and sufficient warning, in law," George -replied. "And I call it a bright thought, Jack. Let's start now. I -challenge you to a trial of skill with my rifle. And Josh here can go -along to keep tally." - -"Please excuse me," retorted the party mentioned. "But I've got plenty -to attend to right here. Try Nick; the exercise will do him good." - -"All right!" exclaimed the fat boy, promptly. "I'm on deck every time. -You never knew me to shirk; even if some of you did allow terrible -suspicions to creep into your minds about my entire trustworthiness. But -in good time I expect to clear up that dark mystery of the past. I can -afford to wait my time; the triumph will be all the sweeter. Shall I -tumble into your dinky, Jack?" - -So the three went ashore, and for some time the rivalry was keen, the -sharp reports of the rifle sounding at intervals, accompanied by more or -less shouting and merriment. As Jack said, they might as well notify -everybody within earshot of the fact that even the appearance of a ghost -had not frosted their spirits to any appreciable extent. - -So the afternoon gradually passed away. - -Josh often cast apprehensive glances toward the silent shore of the -nearby island as the shadows grew longer, with night coming on. -Sometimes he fancied he saw something moving amid the thick brush, and -was almost inclined to tell his comrades; only he feared their shouts of -derision, and the accusation that he allowed memories of that silly -ghost to haunt him. - -And after all, it usually turned out that the moving object was some -innocent little denizen of the woods, a prowling 'coon perhaps, out -ahead of time in search of a supper; or possibly only a chipmunk -searching for tempting roots to satisfy its desire for food, while -waiting for the new crop of nuts to come along. - -Night settled down at last, and this time the boys were pleased to note -that the heavens were almost clear, so that the moon would have a fair -chance to play hide and seek with the few floating white banks of -clouds. - -Most of the boys seemed in high spirits. They laughed and joked as they -went about the usual duties of the evening hour. If Jack had anything -serious on his mind he failed to take his comrades into his confidence. -And yet, now and then he would smile, as though certain thoughts that -pushed themselves to the front amused him; and this seemed to be the -case more especially when he heard the others talking about the pleasant -professor from Ann Arbor. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI--JACK'S DARING VENTURE - - -Somehow no one suggested having supper ashore that night. There was -something chilling about the mysterious island that dampened the ardor -of the boys in this respect. Had it been anywhere else, they would have -looked upon the opportunity for having a jolly camp fire as too good to -be lost; but somehow all seemed satisfied that they remain aboard. - -Josh for one was just as well pleased. He even neglected several golden -chances to give Nick those customary sly digs; and this was a most -unusual thing for Josh. - -Nevertheless, even the proximity of a haunted island could not long hold -in check the natural bubbling spirits of a pack of healthy lads. After -supper, as they lay around in as comfortable attitudes as was possible, -some one started singing, and presently six voices took up the chorus, -so that a volume of sound welled up out of that cove calculated to -startle all the ghostly visitants that were ever known to gather there. - -No one seemed to be sleepy; for even when the hour began to grow late -there was little talk of getting out the blankets. Stories were told, -jokes flew around, and taken in all they were a merry group, apparently -without a single care in the wide world. - -George broke into this delightful harmony finally by saying: - -"Now, I guess you fellows will tell me I'm hearing things that ain't so; -but, honest, I believe that was the chug-chug of a motor that came down -the wind. It was just as Nick was singing that funny song of his about -the Dutchman who didn't know his own name, because he and his twin -brother got mixed in the cradle, and the other fellow died. Did anybody -else get the sound, or are my ears the only sharp ones?" - -"I thought I did," Jack spoke up; "but you see, Nick was leaning over -the side of his boat and sending his voice right at me, so I couldn't -make sure." - -Herb also admitted that he had heard something, he couldn't say what. - -"Now, don't laugh," George went on; "but it struck me I'd heard that -rackety chug before." - -"Meaning the noisy engine of that stubby little boat the Ann Arbor -professor came in?" asked Jack, quietly. - -"You hit it right at the first jump, Jack, for that was in my mind," -George said. - -"Well," remarked Nick, "don't you remember that he said he'd like to -spend one night with us here, in hopes of seeing our pet ghost. Perhaps -he's concluded to return and do it." - -"Oh, rats;" exclaimed Josh, "We ain't going to see any more ghost. -What's the use of keeping that silly idea up? But I reckon all of us'd -like to see that gentleman again. He was good company, and he knows boys -from the ground up." - -"He ought to, seeing that it's his business to be with boys and young -men all the time. I bet you he's a prime favorite at college," Nick -remarked; and then looked in surprise at Jack because the other actually -chuckled. - -"I don't believe Jack takes much stock in Professor Marshland," said -George, who had also noticed this little demonstration. - -"Oh; but you're very much mistaken there," the one indicated hastened to -say. "I admired him and hope some time to see more of him. I think we -shall before we leave the St. Lawrence cruising grounds." - -George shook his head. He seemed to guess that there might be a hidden -meaning back of these words; but if so, it was beyond his capacity to -fathom it. - -"But look here, if he's coming along, why don't we hear his old boat any -more?" Josh asked. - -"That's so," declared George. "I wonder, now, if the engine could have -broken down." - -At that everybody smiled, for in their Mississippi cruise it had been -George who was frequently in trouble through the inability of his motor -to stand the strain of great pressure. And consequently the subject was -usually one that was frequently on his mind. - -"Oh! the chances are that he was just going past, and has gotten beyond -hearing. You know sometimes a flaw in the wind will carry a sound for a -mile or two," Jack remarked. - -"That's so, on the water," George observed. - -A little later, while the others were engaged in some wordy dispute, -Jack quietly slipped into the little tender attached to the _Tramp_ and -paddled softly off out of the cove. - -"What d'ye suppose he's got on his mind?" asked George, looking after -the other. - -"Give me something easy," replied Nick. "Jack always is a puzzle for me. -He has such bright thoughts I don't just seem able to grapple with 'em. -But depend on it, he's thinking of something right now." - -"I guess he's worrying about those men," suggested Josh. - -"Oh! I don't think so," George hastened to say. "They wouldn't dare try -attack us here, you know. It would be a breach of the law for which they -could be sent to prison for years. Jack's got some other notion in his -brain, believe me." - -Meanwhile the object of all this speculation idly paddled a little -distance out on the moonlit water, and sat there in his small craft, as -though enjoying the silvery glow. - -He looked around him on all sides, and particularly in that quarter of -the wind from whence had come the faint "chug-chug" of a motor's -eccentric pulsations. But nothing could be seen save the dim outlines of -the next island. - -After a while, as a cloud covered the moon, Jack came back and clambered -aboard once more. - -"Here, is this an all-night session of the club?" he asked. "Already -it's ten minutes after eleven. If you fellows want to get any sleep -tonight, better be turning in right now. Josh and myself have the first -two hour watch, you understand." - -Accordingly there was a breaking up of the conference; goodnights were -exchanged, and those who had drawn the first spell of rest crept into -their comfortable blankets. - -Of late their sleep had been somewhat broken, as we happen to know, what -with the coming of specters and such things. On this account every one -of the four soon dropped off asleep. - -Jack could hear Jimmie breathing heavily in less than ten minutes. -Apparently Jack had something on his mind, for leaning over toward where -he could see Josh sitting he asked in a low tone: - -"How is it there, Josh; is Herb asleep yet?" - -"I guess he must be," came the answer; "because he's snoring to beat the -band, even if he don't make much noise." - -"That's where you made a mistake, for it's Nick doing that. Listen -again, and you'll see I'm right. And George was yawning when he turned -in, so I reckon he's gone over the border, too." - -"What do you want to know for?" asked Josh, aware that Jack must have -some reason for asking such a question. - -"I'll tell you, Josh. I mean to go ashore soon," replied the skipper of -the _Tramp_. - -"Thunder! do you really mean it, Jack?" queried Josh, taken aback; for -it would have to be something tremendous that could tempt him to set a -foot on that same island in the night time. - -"Listen, Josh," Jack went on. - -"I am, with all my ears, so go right on," the other sent back over the -few feet of water separating the two boats they occupied. - -"I didn't say anything about it to the rest, Josh, but I think I saw a -gleam of that lantern ashore a while back. And I'd like to investigate a -little." - -"Oh, my! you wouldn't catch me trying it," declared Josh, with an intake -of breath that told of suppressed excitement. "But will you take your -gun along?" - -"Perhaps I'd better, though I don't really expect to use it," Jack -replied. "Because, you see, ghosts can't be reached with common lead -pellets. But I want you to help me Josh." - -"Me? Oh! please don't ask me to go along, Jack. That lame foot of mine -has been hurting again like anything, and I'm that clumsy I might tumble -all over myself and give the thing away." - -"Oh, shucks! I don't mean that," Jack replied. "But when that big cloud -sails over the moon I want to slip into my little dinky here, and paddle -quietly ashore. I'll hand you the rope I've got tied to the stern; and -when you feel that shake three times, pull the boat out again, and let -it float with yours. Understand?" - -"Yes, yes. And I'll do it all right, never fear. If it wasn't for that -plagued lame foot, now, Jack." - -"Let up on that, please. Now, look out, there she goes under." - -Even as Jack spoke the moon said goodbye to the world for a short time, -and hid her smiling face behind a cloud that was darker than any that -had thus far sailed across the starry heavens on this particular night. - -Being all ready, Jack crept into the small tender, gun in hand. He -pushed alongside the Wireless and managed to pass the end of a rope to -Josh, who was waiting to receive the same. - -Gently the paddle was wielded, and the little "punkin-seed of a boat," -as the boys sometimes termed the dinkies, was noiselessly wafted -shoreward. Landing, Jack shifted his person to the sand, and then gave -the requisite number of tugs at the rope, after which he shoved the boat -off. - -He knew that Josh would attend to all that part of the business, and -gave it no further heed. Indeed, he had all he wanted to take care of in -following out the rather venturesome plan of campaign he had arranged. - -For somehow Jack was of the opinion that the mystery of the island was -to be revealed to any one daring enough to go ashore and investigate, -which was just what he had determined to do. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII--THE SECRET OUT - - -Out came the moon again, sailing into a clear field. - -But Jack no longer stood there on the little beach. He had taken time by -the forelock, and slipped among the rank growth; so that although Josh -strained his eyes to the utmost, not the faintest sign of his comrade -did he discover. - -Jack's idea, of course, was to reach the vicinity of that tumbledown -shack. In his mind, that must be the central point of interest in the -game. He fully believed, though he had not mentioned the fact to the -rest, that the attempt to frighten the boys off with such a ridiculous -show of a pretended spirit waving them away, was meant to cover this -cabin. - -What did it all mean? Why should any man, or set of men, wish to keep -others from prowling around that rickety building? Surely, any one with -common sense would hardly think to occupy it for a night's refuge. The -open air would be far more preferable in every way. - -Still, Jack was positive that there was something in connection with -this same cabin that moved the unknown parties to endeavor to influence -an early departure on the part of the motor boys. - -And he wanted to know what that mystery might be. - -That was why he had come ashore so silently. It also accounted for his -creeping along through the bushes as carefully as he knew how, avoiding -the trail which he and Josh had followed on that other occasion. - -It took him considerable time to draw near the vicinity of the cabin, -because he wanted to go without making any noise; and he was not -positive but that hostile eyes and ears might not be on the alert. - -Twice some sudden little sound close by had sent a thrill of alarm -through his heart. But nothing followed, and he realized that these -noises must have been made by some little animal, disturbed in his -retreat by the creeping past of the intruder. - -Jack had made a discovery before he was more than half way between the -beach of the cove and the cabin. There was a light inside the old -building! He could see little glimpses of it through what must be holes -in the walls, where the chinks between the logs were open, the mud -having fallen away in the process of decay. - -And as Jack said to himself with a chuckle, ghosts did not, as far as he -knew, need lanterns in their business. - -Finally the boy found himself close to the side of the cabin. With his -heart beating like a trip-hammer, he crept to the first little gap in -the wall, and glued his eyes to the aperture. - -What he saw was nothing so very astonishing. A man stood inside the -cabin, holding a lantern. He was not doing anything, and seemed to be -waiting for some other person. - -"One of the fellows in that boat today," was what Jack immediately said -to himself, as he fastened his eyes on the bearded face. - -Even inexperienced as he was, Jack fancied that there was something of a -desperate type about the man's countenance. He did not seem to be such a -man as one was apt to trust on sight--like that jolly professor from Ann -Arbor, for instance. - -But what on earth could the man be doing here? He did not seem to have -any sort of bundles with him, as might have been expected. Once Jack was -made to shiver just a trifle, when he saw the fellow take out a pistol, -and handle it with a grin of pleasure on his face. - -Jack was beginning to see light. This could not be simply the ordinary -desire of some fishermen who disliked seeing strangers occupying a cove -they had come to look upon as theirs by right of previous use. - -And this man he now saw had none of the characteristics of a rough -fisherman. He was rather nattily dressed, and would pass for a gentleman -in a crowd. The mystery seemed to grow more dense; but as it is always -darkest just before dawn, so Jack believed that he must be on the point -of seeing daylight appear in this matter. - -By chance he raised his eyes a trifle. Perhaps some little movement may -have attracted him--he never knew. But again he was thrilled to discover -a face pressed against the broken pane of glass forming the sole window -on the opposite wall. - -It was the strange gentleman who had claimed to be a college professor. -He did not wear his nose glasses now, and doubtless the look of culture -had given way to one of an entirely different nature; but Jack knew he -could not be mistaken. - -Nor was he so very much surprised, come to think of it. He had half -anticipated something of this sort, at the time he heard what seemed to -be the peculiar chug! chug! of the noisy motor belonging to that -snub-nosed boat. The professor had indeed come back to the haunted -island; nor had he thought it advisable to inform his new boy friends of -his return. - -Had Josh been there to see, he must have surely jumped to the conclusion -that it was his wild desire to set eyes on a ghost that had lured the -professor back. - -Jack looked at the matter from an entirely different standpoint. He, for -instance, did not believe that the gentleman was one-half so much -interested in mysterious visitations from departed spirits as he was in -the movements of certain persons who might be engaged in a trade that -shunned the light of day, because it was by nature evil, and in defiance -to the laws. - -And this party who stood there, holding that lantern and waiting, was -evidently something in the line of a leader. - -Only for a brief space of time did the so-called professor remain at -that broken window; then he vanished from the view of the watching boy. -But it gave Jack considerable satisfaction and confidence just to know -that Herman Marshland was near by. - -Already he had his hand upon the solution of the whole puzzle that had -been eluding his best efforts up to now. And just like Columbus -discovering America, it was so exceedingly simple, once you knew how, -that Jack silently laughed at himself for not having grasped the prize -answer before now. - -Smugglers, that was what the rough-looking men in the boats were! This -must be a central point with them, where for some time they had secretly -landed the goods ferried over from the nearby Canadian shore. Here on -American territory they were perhaps secreted until such favorable -opportunity arrived to send them further afield into the sovereign State -of New York, when all trace of them would be lost to any government -agents who might be prowling around on the lookout for such -law-breakers. - -Since coming to the St. Lawrence the boys had heard more or less about -such a class of persons, who made it their business to try and evade the -revenue men. In some cases it was Chinamen they shipped across the -border, receiving so much per head to get them into the protected -country. Then again it meant laces, diamonds, silks, anything that was -small in dimensions, but upon which the government at Washington levied -a heavy toll. - -Pleased with having guessed the secret, Jack could not think of slipping -away. It might be none of his business what these bold and bad men were -doing; but somehow he could not help feeling a deep interest in the -movements of the man who had visited them that very afternoon, and made -such a hit with the boys. - -Of course the pretended college professor must really be one of those -sagacious revenue men, engaged in running these rascals to earth. - -Besides, the "professor" might need help, and Jack was of a mind to -render such a service if the chance came. A strange freak of fortune -seem to have thrown them in contact with these warring factions; and -while some timid people might consider it the height of folly for any -one of the boys to take sides, Jack's bold spirit would never allow of -his standing there and seeing the man who represented law and order -outclassed. - -He half expected to see the "professor" step into the cabin through the -doorway, and call upon the unknown man to surrender. But then, as there -was as yet no evidence of crime, possibly a cautious revenue agent would -be apt to hold his horses and await further developments. - -A sound came faintly to the ears of the crouching lad--voices of several -persons, and approaching the cabin at that. - -Jack dared not keep his position, with his eye glued to the crack; there -was a chance that he might be discovered; and so, although he wanted to -look more than ever, he dropped flat upon the earth and waited. - -At any rate, he had made no mistake about others approaching, for -presently he knew they had entered the cabin. After that he ventured to -look again. Yes, two rough-looking fellows had entered, and were already -conversing in low but eager tones with the one who had waited for their -coming. - -Seeing was all very well, but just then Jack thought that if he could -only hear what was passing between these fellows he would have the last -bit of fog cleared away. To this end he clapped his ear against the side -of the cabin at the very point where the mud had fallen, leaving a hole -in the chinks between the logs. - -Nor was he mistaken when he believed he might pick up some of the words -passing between the men. The two newcomers seemed more or less worried -about something, and kept urging delay; but the leader would have none -of it, apparently. - -"Antoine," he said, gruffly, "you go and watch the three boats lying in -the cove. If there's any sign of life about them, come back and warn us. -We must get those goods ashore tonight. It's too risky holding them any -longer. And one of the cubs might break away, to inform on us. That -would ruin all. Bart, you be off and start things moving this way. I -know the new trail is rough and long, but it can't be helped. Next time -we'll have things back the old way again. These kids ain't going to hold -on much longer. Now, both of you be off!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII--THE ESCAPE - - -When the tall leader spoke in that stern voice, evidently his men knew -better than to put up any further complaint. They both passed out, and -Jack could hear Antoine making his way down the broad trail to gain a -point where, hidden himself, he could still watch the trio of modern -motor boats, and discover the first indication of any desire on the part -of the crews to come ashore. - -It was surely growing very interesting. Jack felt that he was being -treated to a real life drama of the most thrilling description. When the -boys decided to come to the St. Lawrence river for their summer outing, -not one among them dreamed that before they left that region of many -islands they would have run up against a series of strange adventures -well worthy of being given a place in the log of the motor boat club. - -Indeed, all the trouble they had anticipated was possibly frequent -ructions with Tricky Clarence and his side partner, Bully Joe Brinker. - -At thought of the two a sudden idea seemed to flash through the mind of -Jack. He remembered the event of the dark boat, when Herb and Dick were -given such a fright. At the time he had wondered whether Clarence, on -his own account, could have ventured to dash by at full speed, and come -within an ace of smashing into the Comfort. The new idea was along the -line that perhaps the two boys might have fallen into the hands of the -smugglers, who were using the Flash to suit their evil purposes! - -It was so stunning a thought that Jack felt his very breath taken away. -Yet after all was there anything utterly improbable about it? These men -must be daring after their fashion. They were being hunted all the time -by shrewd government agents; and consequently must adopt new methods of -carrying on their business. - -And if it were indeed true, would it not account for many things--the -white face of Clarence at the time he passed the boys who were -fishing--his refusal to even answer the wave of the hand they gave -him--he may have been in no position at the time to appear jovial, or -even half-way friendly. - -Voices again! - -Jack moved up to his crack, prepared to see all there was going on. Such -a glorious opportunity did not come across the path of most fellows, off -on their summer vacation; and he ought to improve the golden chance to -the limit. - -It would be folly not to admit that the boy was trembling as he crouched -there, for he never denied the fact himself. But after all it was more -the excitement of the adventure than any bodily fear on his part that -caused this. - -He had hardly settled himself comfortably when through the doorway came -a stooping figure. It was a man bearing a package on his back. This he -deposited on the earthen floor, and turned to assist a second fellow -whose bundle seemed of even larger dimensions than the first. - -One of them had also fetched a shovel along, which had a long handle. -This the leader seized upon eagerly, and commenced digging in a certain -corner, first removing the accumulated straw, which was apparently used -as a means for hiding signs of recent disturbance. - -Jack's eyes grew hot with straining at the little crack; but he could -not draw himself away; it was all so thrilling, so picturesque, that he -must continue to look, no matter what the discomfort. - -Now, the man with the shovel had succeeded in arriving at what seemed to -be the lid of a large box. He lifted this, and one of the men tossed his -bundle into a yawning aperture. - -Here the stuff would lie unsuspected, until some time when the -opportunity seemed ripe to dispose of it, when the deal would be -completed. - -Jack wondered what could be in those packages; undoubtedly something of -particular value, since these men would never venture to take such -chances of capture for a trifling gain. - -He also found himself guessing whether the strange "professor," whom he -now knew to be a government agent, could be watching all these -operations from some other friendly crack across the way. - -What would he do? Having witnessed all he wished, would the other -attempt to arrest these fellows? Since there seemed to be something like -half a dozen of the smugglers it hardly seemed likely he would go to -such extremes. Possibly he might be satisfied to capture the spoils, -after the men had departed; and trust to future good fortune to arrest -the delinquents later on. - -One of the men left the cabin, probably to return to the upper end of -the island, where the boat lay from which these packages of goods had -been carried. He was in an ugly humor, judging from his manner. The -stubborn way in which the motor boat boys stuck to that cove was giving -these worthies a tremendous lot of unnecessary work; and it was no -wonder they felt badly disposed toward Jack and his chums. - -Five minutes later the second man was sent off, leaving the leader there -to finish up the job of smoothing off the earth and replacing the broken -straw as before. - -When he had finally completed his task it would require a practiced eye -to notice anything queer about the floor of the cabin. - -Then he, too, prepared to depart. Jack saw him stoop down and take hold -of the lantern, which had all this while been resting on the ground. In -his other hand he carried the long-handled shovel with which the digging -had been done. - -The tall man straightened up suddenly, and his manner was that of one -who had been startled. Jack knew why he should act in this way, for the -same sound that had come to the man's ears had also reached his. - -It was a shrill whistle, twice repeated, and it came from the same -direction in which the two men had gone a short time before. - -Undoubtedly it was a signal denoting urgent need of haste. The actions -of the tall smuggler would indicate as much; for he dashed out of the -cabin like a shot, and Jack heard the thud as he threw the shovel into -the shrubbery surrounding the lone hut. - -Then followed the crashing of bushes as the man started by a circuitous -route toward the upper end of the island. He must know every foot of the -ground, and by taking to the open beach, could gain a given point much -sooner than one who kept to the thick undergrowth. - -Jack saw the lantern had been hastily dropped, though it was still -burning. He was trembling with excitement, and feeling very much as -though he wanted to yell at the top of his voice as he picked up this -abandoned tool of the discovered smugglers. - -He could hear the boys talking down there where the trio of motor boats -were anchored; and could imagine how they must be wondering what all the -racket on the island meant; while Josh would doubtless start in to tell -them how he, Jack, had persisted in going ashore. - -Some one was coming, for Jack could hear quick footsteps near by. He -still held his Marlin gun, but was loath to even threaten to use it. Nor -was there any need, for a moment later the moving dim figure took form, -and proved to be no other than Professor Marshland. - -At sight of Jack standing there, lantern in one hand and gun in the -other, the gentleman allowed something like a grim smile to creep over -his face, even as he came hurrying up, almost out of breath from his -exertions. - -"Do you know what it all means, Jack?" demanded the other, as soon as he -reached the side of the boy. - -Jack nodded his head eagerly. - -"I was looking in through a crack, and saw what that man did. But I'm -sorry he got away from you, sir," he replied. - -"I managed to capture the two fellows who left the hut!" the government -agent exclaimed. "My Indian has meanwhile overcome the chap who was sent -to watch your boats. But unless I can overtake the ring leader of the -bunch, I shall feel that my work has not been wholly a success." - -"He headed for the upper end of the island," Jack put in. - -"Yes, and I have reason to suspect that the other two men are there with -the boat. You will be surprised when I tell you that they actually -turned pirates and captured the speed launch which you told me belonged -to an acquaintance of yours." - -"The _Flash_," echoed Jack. "No, I am not surprised, for I had begun to -suspect something like that. They must have made Clarence threaten to -run us down, hoping we would pull up anchor, and get away. But if that -is so, you could never hope to overtake them in that slow little boat of -yours." - -"Well, I should say not!" declared the other. - -"Now, if it were the _Wireless_, for instance, you might have some -chance," Jack went on. - -"Which is just the point I wanted to put up to you boys," cried the -government agent, eagerly. "Would you be willing to assist me run that -clever scoundrel down? Do you think George would care to try conclusions -with the _Flash_?" - -At that Jack laughed. - -"Why, sir," he declared, "he's been just wild for the chance, ever since -we first set eyes on that narrow boat. He believes he can beat her out -in a race. Suppose you come down with me right now, and we'll ask him." - -"Thank you, Jack; it was a lucky day for me when I ran across you boys. -But let us lose no time; for doubtless they'll be off as soon as they -can, knowing that the game is now up, and all that remains to them is -escape." - -Nothing loth, Jack accompanied him as he started along the broad trail -leading down to the cove. He could readily understand now that the -revenue man must have investigated to some purpose that day while at the -cabin; and knowing there were no smuggled goods in the cache then, had -laid his plans to come back in the night, in the expectation of catching -the rascals in the act; which was just what he had done. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX--A RACE IN THE MOONLIGHT - - -"Hold on!" said the agent abruptly. - -A dark figure had risen up before them; and as the moonlight fell upon -the man Jack saw that it was in truth the Indian guide who had been with -the "professor" in the noisy motor boat. - -"Did you get him, Josh?" demanded the employer, eagerly. - -"He lies under hemlock, tied hand and foot. No danger he get away," came -the confident reply. - -"All right," said the other. "Come along with me, John. These boys will -guard the cabin and not let any one steal the hidden goods. We have -other work cut out for us. We want to get our hands on that head man, -Glenwood. So long as he is at large there can be no peace on the -border." - -Great was the astonishment of the five boys when Jack and his companions -made their appearance on the shore, and the former called to have the -small boats pushed in, so that they might come aboard. - -"Jack, what's all this mean?" asked George, greatly excited. - -"Can't tell you everything just now, fellows," the other replied. "This -gentleman is a government revenue agent, and he's on the track of a band -of smugglers who have been using this island as a place to land goods -brought over from Canada. He captured three, but the leader got away. -George, he wants to borrow your boat." - -"What?" gasped the other, astounded beyond measure. - -"He and his man and myself will go with you, Josh changing over," Jack -continued. "While we're gone the rest of you keep on the watch and don't -let anybody come aboard, no matter who he is. These scoundrels have -captured the _Flash_." - -"Now, what d'ye know about that?" exclaimed Nick, as he helped Josh over -the side of the big _Comfort_, so as to make room for the others who -were to go in the speed boat. - -"But George, you haven't said yet whether you are willing to chase the -_Flash_, and try to overtake her?" said the energetic agent. - -"Sure I am," came the ready response; "and I believe we can get her, if -nothing happens to my motor. I've had some hard luck with it when I -tried to push the thing to the limit. But tumble in here, and we'll be -off." - -George was trembling with delightful anticipations. If anything in all -the world appealed to him it was a race. None of the others had the same -feeling, and, like Jack, they preferred comfort in a boat beyond speed, -though none were averse to making good time. - -Everybody wanted to help, and as many hands make light work, the -_Wireless_ was in condition to start almost as soon as the two men -climbed aboard. - -"Sit as near the middle as you can, please, to balance her," the others -heard the skipper say, as she shot away. - -"Yes," called out Nick, derisively, "and be sure your hair is parted in -the middle, or it's all up with you. I know, because I was there for -some four weeks." - -"Which way, sir?" asked George, wisely paying no attention to this -shout, which, after all, was Nick's only method for getting even, after -all the agony he had endured in that cranky narrow motor boat. - -"Turn to port, and head for the upper part of the island. We haven't -wasted much time, and I hope to discover that boat somewhere," replied -the agent. - -"If we do," said George, with firmness, "make up your mind the good old -_Wireless_ is going to hang on like a bulldog till she cuts down the -lead, and overhauls that _Flash_. Always said she had the look of a -pirate, and others thought the same thing, it seems, since those men -picked her out as the boat they could use." - -"Just think of Clarence and Joe being in their hands all this time," -remarked Jack, as they tore through the water. "Must seem like a pretty -tough vacation for those boys, all right." - -"Oh! I don't suppose Glenwood has really harmed them," said the agent; -"but he's a hard man to deal with; and unless they knuckled down to him -perhaps they've felt his fist before now. I'm hoping that, perhaps, when -Clarence sees who is after him he may find some way to slow down and let -us overhaul him." - -George only laughed at this and remarked: - -"That's because you don't know Clarence, sir. He hates me like poison, -and sooner than have me beat him with my boat I believe he'd take the -chances of staying in the power of those smugglers for a month. Oh! no, -when he sees who is after him he'll put things at top-notch speed, and -try every trick he knows how to win out. But I'm not afraid, if only -things go right with my engine." - -"Look yonder!" cried the eagle-eyed agent just then, the Indian having -pulled his coat sleeve and pointed ahead. - -"Say, that's her, as sure as fate!" cried George, as he altered the -course of his own boat a little. - -"And they know we're after them, too," remarked Jack. - -"Then the race is on; and good luck attend the better boat," said the -government agent, coolly taking out a cigar, biting off the end, and -proceeding to apply a lighted match to the same. - -They were fairly flying through the water. On either side the waves -parted, and rolled over smothered in foam; while in their wake a roller -kept following close on their heels. - -"Twenty miles if anything?" the gentleman guessed. - -"More than that, sir," replied the skipper, proudly; "but she can do -better still. I've got another notch to let out if I have to. Don't want -to take the chances unless it's positively necessary; because you see -the quivering rattles her so much. Are we holding our own, do you think, -Jack?" - -"I am sure of that," came the reply. "And if you asked me again I'd say -we are gaining a little all the while." - -"Bully old _Wireless!_" exclaimed George, his voice filled with pride. -"She can do the stunt all right if only something don't happen to throw -us out of our gear. She's a wonder, that's what, and I've always said -so. Talk about sprinting, did you ever go as fast as this in a small -boat, sir?" - -"I certainly never have," replied the government agent; and from the way -he was staggering around, clutching hold of every object that promised -to keep him erect, it looked as though he might just as well have added: -"and Heaven deliver me from ever experiencing it again." - -"Everybody keep a sharp lookout for rocks or anything of the sort," said -George; "because those men must know this region like a book, and it -would be just like 'em to lead us in a trap, so we'd be wrecked." - -"Yes, you're correct there, George," observed the agent, "and I give you -credit for having a long head. That's the kind of chaps you're up -against right now, full of trickery; desperate men, whose one idea is -escape." - -"This moonlight is all right as long as the other boat isn't any further -away than she is," remarked George a minute or two later. - -"I'm sorry to state that you can't count on the candle up in the sky -much longer," remarked the gentleman; "for there is a suspicious bank of -black clouds hovering near, and at any time she's apt to be eclipsed." - -"All right," and George laughed a bit hysterically, since he was -laboring under so great a strain of excitement. "Jack, would you mind -attending to my searchlight. Then we'll be ready for the trouble when -she comes." - -And a couple of minutes later, when the dark mask did cover the face of -the moon, a long vivid white gleam reached out from the brass -searchlight on the forward deck of the quivering speed boat. It widened -as it extended in the distance; and plainly seen was the flitting craft -they pursued. The position of the _Flash_ could be detected better by -means of the white foam-tipped waves thrown aside by her swift passage, -rather than by viewing the boat itself. - -"That's splendid!" remarked the government agent, as he looked along -this lane of illumination, and watched the desperate struggles of the -_Flash_ to outrun her determined pursuers. - -"Still picking up on her, ain't we, Jack?" asked George, after a little. - -"No doubt about that, I think," came the reply. "And I guess you were -right when you declared the good old _Wireless_ was the better boat. She -can certainly walk over the water some. I would enjoy this more if it -was day-time." - -"I guess we all would," laughed the gentleman, still gripping hold of -the brass rail to make sure he might not be plunged overboard should -anything suddenly go wrong. - -"If only the engine behaves half-way decent," sighed George. "She's -doing nobly right now, though, ain't she, Jack? But I hope they don't -toll us in among the rocks. If we ever come slap up against one at this -rate there's going to be some high vaulting, I tell you. Whew! did you -see that one sticking out of the water? I just swerved in time, though. -Keep watching, everybody, and tell me quick if you see anything ugly -ahead!" - -Their pace was not abated a particle, even though George knew that new -perils were strewn in their course. If that other boat ahead could speed -through this same tortuous channel he believed he dared take the same -chances. And George had always been reckoned a daring boy by his -schoolmates, in football games or on the diamond; so that this -venturesome spirit was no new freak on his part. - -It was only by the greatest effort that he refrained from throwing on -the last atom of speed, and hastening the overtaking of the fugitive -motor boat. - -They were rushing on at this tremendous pace, and constantly gaining, -when George gave vent to a sudden loud exclamation. - - - - -CHAPTER XX--OVERHAULED - - -Jack had seen the same object that had given George such a start. Across -the white path of illumination thrown forward by the powerful little -acetylene searchlight, a shadowy, moving thing suddenly appeared. - -It was a sailboat, beating up against a head wind, and aiming to reach -its home port while the possibility of moonlight lasted. - -Whatever tempted the man at the tiller to try and cross between the -swift moving motor boats no one might ever know. But it was the nearest -to a collision, without an actual calamity, Jack had ever experienced. - -He instinctively understood that the only thing that would prevent the -_Wireless_ from plunging into the luckless sailboat would be a prompt -reversal on the part of the skipper at the wheel. And such an action was -apt to endanger the working abilities of the _Wireless'_ engine, never -too trustworthy under a strain. - -Had George failed, Jack stood ready to butt in and execute the speed -maneuver; for this was a case that would admit of no ceremony. Life and -death might be in the balance. - -But, fortunately, George kept his head. He instantly did what was -necessary, and the tremendous forward movement of the rushing speed boat -was instantly checked. - -Indeed, so astonishing was the change that the government agent came -near plunging headlong over the rail into the river. Jack stretched out -a hand and caught him just in time. As for the Indian, he sprawled on -all fours in the bottom of the craft, trying to keep his head from -bumping against some obstacle. - -But Jack was delighted to see that the engine had actually redeemed -itself; for it still continued to work at the old stand. - -The adventurous sailboat glided out of the way, so close that the sharp -bow of the _Wireless_ almost touched the boom that was hauled well in -during the tacking process. A couple of white, scared faces could be -seen for two seconds; and then the sailboat was engulfed in the shadows -that lay on either side, out beyond range of that searchlight radius. - -"Bully for her!" gulped George, almost unable to articulate under the -tremendous strain, yet thinking only of the able work of his engine. - -"Speed her up again, George; but not with a rush!" called Jack. - -Looking ahead he saw that, just as he expected, the _Flash_ had managed -to take advantage of the momentary detention of her rival, and increased -the distance separating them. - -"That was tough luck!" said the government agent; "but I owe you thanks -for saving me from a wet jacket, my boy." - -"I guess we're fortunate not to have smashed into that silly crowd, and -played hob with everything," Jack remarked. - -"But look where they are," groaned the anxious George. "Just about as -far ahead as in the start; and it's all got to be done over again. Oh; -what fools some men are when they get in a boat. All they had to do was -to come up in the wind till the procession passed. Instead, they tried -to butt in, and came near spoiling the whole game. What shall we do, -Jack?" - -"Do you want me to say what I'd do if this was my boat?" asked the -other. - -"Sure I do," George spoke up. "They've got some clever trick ahead, and -may lose us yet. You notice that they hardly make any noise, even while -the muffler isn't working. That boat was just made for a smuggler, or a -pirate. But go on, Jack, tell me." - -"All right," said the other. "You see how well your engine is going. -She's had all the freak rubbed off her, I guess, and is now buckling -right down to business. And honestly, George, I believe you can trust -her with that reserve notch of speed! I'd try it, if I were you." - -"Now, I'm glad to hear you say that, Jack," exclaimed the skipper, -eagerly. "For during that other trip my engine played so many pranks -that she got a black eye among my chums. If so be she's settled down to -a steady stage, the sooner I know it the better. I'll be delighted to -find it out. So here goes. Steady, all; hold on tight!" - -The government agent, not knowing what to expect, for they were as near -flying now as he ever expected to get, thought the policy of his crafty -Indian helper worth imitating. So he simply dropped down in the body of -the boat and braced himself against a shock. - -But there was none. When George applied that last little reserve bit of -power a slight jump forward resulted; and then after that the only -difference seemed to be that they drew up on the fugitive _Flash_ hand -over hand. - -George was nearly wild with delight. To him the fact that his cranky -engine had finally determined to be good and do the duty which her -makers had meant she should, far outweighed all else. So far as he was -concerned it did not matter much whether the three men in the _Flash_ -were captured or not; but it was an affair of exceeding importance that -the good, reliable old _Wireless_ should overhaul its rival in this -masterly manner. - -"See her hump herself, Jack!" he ejaculated, as he balanced himself in -the swaying craft, and peered eagerly ahead toward the other boat. -"Ain't she coming up nobly, though? Talk to me about the _Flash_ making -circles around us; why, she ain't in the same class with this same old -_Wireless_. Oh! but this pays me for all the troubles I've had in the -past. I can hardly keep from yelling, Jack!" - -"Better quit that monkey business, then," cautioned the other. "You need -all your wind and eyesight and everything else right now in handling -such a greyhound." - -That just about finished George. - -"Thank you, Jack, for giving her that fine name. But she deserves it," -he said. "I understand what you mean; and, believe me, I'll try to hold -my spirits in check until the game is won. I'd hate to have any accident -happen now, I tell you." - -And he did buckle down to business with new determination and grit, -grasping the vibrating wheel with all his strength, and watching to see -just what the tricky skipper of that other craft might do. For George -knew Clarence only too well, nor would he put anything past the other -when it came down to cunning. - -They were now so close that it was easy to see everything taking place -on board the fleeing _Flash_. Clarence was at the wheel, and several -figures crouched along either side, evidently holding on for dear life. -One was in the stern, and Jack had little difficulty in making him out -as the tall man he had first seen in the old cabin, and whom the agent -had called Glenwood. - -"Looks like we would run alongside in less than five minutes, sir," -observed George, trying to steady his voice, but hardly succeeding, for -his nerves were tingling in a manner he had seldom if ever experienced -before. - -"Keep just a little to the left, then," answered the agent. "And watch -out, for it is barely possible they may try to foul us at the last, -hoping to escape in the confusion." - -Jack was changing his mind now about that same thing. He had an idea -that perhaps Clarence had played a trick on the men who held him in -custody; he may not have let out all the speed of which the _Flash_ was -capable. Besides, now that the race seemed virtually over, and the -_Wireless_ had proven the superior why should he want to bring about a -collision that would wreck both boats, as well as endanger the lives of -all the occupants? - -"Steady, George, steady!" Jack cautioned, as he thought he saw a slight -change in the course taken by the boat ahead. - -"Duck down, boys; he's going to try and scare us by firing!" suddenly -said the keen-eyed government agent. - -Even George managed to partly drop, so as to be shielded by the forward -deck. And that the revenue man had guessed correctly was made evident -when there broke out the sharp report of a revolver. Jack even believed -he could hear the peculiar whine of the flying bullet as it passed over -the boat. - -"Stay where you are!" cried the agent; "that was only one. He's got a -few more of the same kind to follow!" - -There came other shots in rapid succession. Really, it would not be -surprising if George lost his head under such circumstances, for usually -it takes a veteran to preserve his coolness under fire. But, singular to -state, the nervous one of the motor boys now proved that he could shut -his teeth together and hold on tenaciously with bulldog courage. - -The _Wireless_ may have wavered just a little, but still kept swiftly -on, diminishing the narrow lead of her rival with constant rapidity and -steadiness. - -"That's all!" called the revenue man, as the sixth shot sounded; and -every one felt a perceptible thud, telling that this time the desperate -smuggler had lowered his aim, and that the bullet had struck the boat -somewhere. "And as it's a poor rule that won't work both ways, perhaps I -can have a little better luck in scaring some one. Watch out, George, -and be ready to stop short if he does!" - -With that he threw out his arm, and instantly there was a flash and a -report. - -"Oh!" exclaimed George, startled in spite of the warning. - -Jack's heart was fluttering with excitement. He also felt something like -regret that Clarence was there in line with the fire. Though the agent -might be only seeking to frighten the boy at the wheel of the _Flash_, -still something serious was apt to happen. Jack wished in his soul that -it was all over and nobody injured. - -The _Flash_ began to wabble badly, showing that Clarence was trying to -shield himself from the battery in the rear, something which he would -find it hard to do. - -Jack stood ready to lend a hand in case of an emergency that George -might seem unable to manage alone. - -And it was right at that critical moment, just when light was needed -most of all, that the fickle moon shot out from behind the bank of -clouds, illuminating the surface of the broad St. Lawrence, dotted still -with islands, upon which in many cases cottages could be seen. - -Jack thought that was a good omen; but there was no time to spend in -reflection. Another sharp report close to his ear told that the revenue -man believed in following up a good thing. He knew that Clarence was on -the point of surrender, and intended to strike while the iron was hot. - -"Look out, George!" - -Jack shouted this warning in the ear of his chum, for the leading motor -boat had suddenly slackened her speed, the quick pulsation of her engine -having ceased to beat upon the air. - -Instantly the motor of the _Wireless_ followed suit; and driven forward -by the impetus of her "push," she shot alongside the other craft, not -three feet away. - -Jack breathed easier, for he saw now that a collision was not to follow. -The nerve of Clarence had possibly failed him at the climax; and his -last move had been to stop his engine, before dropping flat in the -bottom of his boat. - -"Over into her, John! We must make prisoners here!" shouted the agent, -as he balanced on the rail of the _Wireless_, and in so doing almost -brought that side of the narrow-beam boat awash. - -"There he goes, sir!" called Jack. - -A big splash followed, as a figure sprang from the opposite side of the -other boat. Evidently the desperate smuggler, as a last resort, had -taken to the water, in the hope that he might yet baffle his pursuers, -and escape to the Canada shore. - -Jack had snatched up a boathook with a brass knobbed end. This he -fastened to the rail of the _Flash_, and exerting all his strength, -began to draw the two boats closer together, so that the revenue agent -and his assistant might make the transfer safely. - -He saw them leap across, and felt the boat rock violently under the -strain; but not for an instant did he let go his hold. There was -something of a rumpus going on aboard the _Flash_, as though the -government men might be struggling with the two smugglers whom they -found there, lacking in nerve to follow after their leader, or else not -knowing how to swim. But in another minute these sounds ceased, from -which he guessed that the pair had been subdued. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI--A CLEAN SWEEP - - -"Jack!" - -It was the revenue man calling, and he appeared at the side of the other -boat. - -"Yes, what is it, sir?" replied the lad who held the boathook. - -"I'm coming over again," continued the other. "I hate to let that clever -rascal get away; and we must try to pick him up. Hold steady now." - -The transfer was made without any accident, though both boats careened -wildly under the strain, thanks to their sharp keels, fashioned only -with an eye to making speed. - -"I see him, sir!" cried George, as he once more started his engine, and -began to curve around the now stationary _Flash_. - -Jack could also readily pick up the swimmer. Evidently Glenwood must -have kicked off his shoes, and divested himself of coat and vest, before -jumping overboard; for he was making splendid progress through the -water, using a hand-over-hand stroke. - -This necessitated more or less churning of the water, however, and since -the moon persisted in playing into the hands of his enemies by staying -out steadily, his course was readily seen. - -They bore down rapidly upon him, once the boat had been turned around. -But Jack knew only too well that a strong and desperate swimmer would be -apt to give his pursuers a hard pull before they could get him. If -Glenwood knew his business, as seemed evident, he would hold himself in -readiness to duck under, just when they thought to reach over and grasp -him. - -"Now, steady while I nab him!" said the revenue man, leaning over the -bow. - -"He's gone under, sir!" cried Jack, who was holding on to that -serviceable boathook, with the idea that possibly he might find a chance -to get it fast in the garments of the man in the water. - -"Yes, I expected that," replied the other. "And of course we don't know -just where he'll come up again. Our only chance is to keep him going -until even his iron muscles weaken. We hold the advantage, boys. Look on -that side, Jack, and I'll take care of this. George, be ready to work -around or back up, as the case may be." - -Ten seconds later and Jack called out: - -"Here he is, on this side, George!" - -Then began one of the queerest experiences Jack had ever participated -in. All of his hare and hound and paper chases must sink into -insignificance after this hunt; for a desperate man was seeking to -effect his escape. - -Glenwood would wait until they were close upon him, meanwhile trying to -recuperate. Then, at the critical instant, he would sink out of sight, -and swim under water to the other side of the boat, or the rear, never -ahead. In this way he kept them guessing; and besides, after the boat -was started it was necessary for them to make more or less of a circuit -before they could bear down on the fugitive again. - -"What does he hope to gain by all this, sir?" asked George, when they -had missed the swimmer for the fourth time, and were waiting for him to -appear again. - -"Oh! Glenwood is a keen one," replied the government agent. "Depend on -it he has several irons in the fire. Perhaps he expects to get a chance -to land on the Canadian shore, where I could not very well chase him. -Then again he keeps hoping that our good friend, the moon, will kindly -hide again. That would give him all the opportunity he wants to come up, -get a breath, and vanish without being seen. There he is, George; back -up this time!" - -So the merry chase continued--at least it may have seemed that to the -two boys, but must have assumed a more serious aspect with the man they -were after. Jack could not but admire the nerve and audacity of the -swimmer. He even secretly began to hope Glenwood might get away; for -after all it was none of their business, though the fellow was really a -criminal, in that he was breaking the laws of the land. - -But George had entered heart and soul into the game, and was determined -to do all he could to assist the revenue man. He backed the boat so fast -that soon the swimmer had to duck again. - -"He's getting weaker all the time, boys," remarked the agent, in a -satisfied tone. "We have only to keep this system of tactics up a little -longer, and Glenwood will be only too glad to come in out of the wet, or -drown." - -"Oh! I hope that doesn't happen," said George. - -"Little fear," replied the other. "Like most of us, Glenwood clings on -to life, and always has hopes of escaping. Do you see him yet, either of -you?" - -"Not on this side," replied Jack. - -"And I don't glimpse him here," George went on. - -"But he's been under almost a full minute now, and that's a long time -for one as exhausted as he must be," the agent remarked, seriously. - -"Oh! I hope he hasn't acted like I've known wounded ducks to do," said -George, "go to the bottom, and hold on to the eel grass until they -drown. That would be terrible." - -"And if he'd only held out a few minutes more he might have had the -chance he was looking for, sir," said Jack; "for there's another bunch -of clouds making up toward the moon." - -"Just so, Jack," remarked the revenue man, glancing aloft; "and I wager -Glenwood knew that fact, too." - -"But where can he be, sir? It would be impossible for any one to stay -under so long. I'm something of a swimmer myself, and I know I -couldn't," George went on, anxiously. - -"Sure he didn't bob up quietly, take a breath or two, and sink out of -sight again?" asked the other. - -Both boys declared they were positive that such had not been the case. -The revenue man remained there for another minute, as though pondering. -Then Jack saw him look up and smile. He did not call out, but made a -mysterious motion with his hand that seemed to call for silence. - -Then Jack saw him creeping slowly and cautiously toward the stern of the -boat. George stared with wide open eyes, as though the startling thought -had come to him that their passenger had suddenly gone crazy. But if so, -there was a method in his madness, and Jack had guessed it. - -The stern of the _Wireless_ was not an over-hang, but the customary -square one of a speed boat. Still, any one in the water could hang on to -the rudder, keeping clear of the propeller; and while the boat was -stationary, be concealed from the view of those aboard, unless indeed, -some inquisitive person thrust his head far out over the edge. - -Undoubtedly the cunning Glenwood had conceived this to be a good plan, -to rest, and wait for the cloud to cover the face of the moon, when he -could dip again, and pass away under the water beyond reach of their -limited vision. - -Jack almost ceased to breathe, so intensely interested was he in -watching the advance of the revenue man. It was a case of diamond cut -diamond, apparently, and victory would go to the keener mind. - -Now the agent was crawling over the stern, and evidently getting in -readiness to suddenly swoop his arm down, with fingers extended, to -clutch anything he might come in contact with there. - -He made the movement with a celerity that reminded Jack of the swoop of -a hawk on a pigeon. And apparently he must have gauged his action -nicely; for immediately there arose a yell, and a threshing of the water -followed; while the agent held on desperately, calling to the others for -assistance. - -Two hands were seen to clutch the brass rail; and then a head came into -view. - -"No need to yank my hair out; I'm coming aboard all right, Carson!" -gasped the exhausted swimmer; but the government agent evidently looked -upon him as a slippery customer, for he declined to release his clutch -until the man had been pulled wholly into the boat, and stretched on his -back in the bottom. - -Jack felt a queer chill when he heard something "click," and realized -that for the first time in all his life he saw a prisoner hand-cuffed. -But Glenwood did not appear to be very much cast down. He had faced this -situation a long time, and evidently discounted all its terrors. He even -laughed as soon as he got his breath. - -"It was some fun while it lasted, Carson," he said. - -"And you came near playing it on me for good," replied the other, -laughing in his turn. "I only fell to your smart trick by accident. -Seemed to me I felt something bump against the side of the boat, when -none of us chanced to be moving. And then I figured what I would do -myself in a similar case. That was how I came to hit on your game, -Glenwood." - -"How about my friends; did they get away?" asked the other. - -"George," the agent went on, "turn around, and we'll head back; if -you're in doubt I can tell you just where we'll find the other boat, -first of all, and then the island where your comrades are waiting." - -Then he turned to his prisoner, saying: - -"Neither of them took the dare you set, Glenwood; and we got the upper -hand of both in short order. Besides, there are three chaps with their -legs tied up, on the island." - -"A clean sweep, you've made of it, then," remarked the smuggler, -disconsolately; "bagged the whole lot, and the stuff in the bargain. -Well, I knew how it would be when I heard they were sending you up here, -Carson. Sooner or later I guessed we'd be up against it, and meet with -our finish. But it came quicker than I expected." - -He said nothing more, nor did the government agent seem disposed to -enter into further conversation just then. Keeping at the elbow of the -pilot, he watched him head the boat along toward where George thought -the _Flash_ would be found. And that his judgment was good they -presently saw, when in the moonlight the other motor boat was discovered -quite motionless on the river. - -George gave a signal, which was immediately answered. When they drew -alongside it was to find that both Clarence and Bully Joe were awaiting -their coming with more or less eagerness. - -"Thank goodness!" said the owner of the _Flash_; "now we'll get rid of -these ugly fellows. They just pounced down on us several days ago, and -we've had to do what they wanted ever since. I hope, sir, you won't -bother taking us along with you, because we've had nothing to do with -their games. We were prisoners, that's right. I was threatened with all -sorts of terrible things if I refused to run the boat as that man -wanted." - -"Oh! I understand that, young fellow," said Mr. Carson, pleasantly. "All -I want you to do is to accompany us back to the island, carrying those -you have aboard. I'll relieve you of them there, and you can go about -your business. I have no call out for you. But next time I advise you to -be a little more careful whose company you accept. It got you into -trouble once, and may again." - -"I declare I have no idea where our blooming old haunted island lies," -admitted George, frankly; "and I'll have to ask you to stand by sir, to -tell me how to steer." - -"That's easily done, George;" laughed the other. "And you've been a big -help to me, something I'll not soon forget either. Clarence, keep as -close by us as is safe; and we'll have no more racing as we return, -remember." - -Clarence had something on his mind, nor could he keep from saying what -it was. - -"Think you climbed up on me hand over fist, don't you, George," he -remarked, as the two speed boats got under way once more. "Well, you've -got another think coming, that's what. He ordered me to hit up my -hottest pace, and I told him I was doing it; but all the same I kept a -bit in reserve. The _Flash_ can do better; and some fine day you'll all -get your eyes opened, perhaps. I played my little game to get rid of -unwelcome passengers, leaving the question about which was the faster -boat to be settled some other time. See?" - -"That's a likely story," sneered George, who would not think of letting -any one dim the glory that the dashing _Wireless_ had so gallantly won; -and least of all Clarence Macklin. "Tell that to the marines, will you? -But if the chance ever comes I'll try it all over with you for fair. -Meanwhile don't bother yourself boasting how you're going to cut figure -eight's around me, with that pirate boat of yours. She looks dangerous; -but in a race something besides looks counts. I've got it right here. -That'll be enough for you, Clarence," and George declined to exchange -any further words with the skipper of the defeated motor boat. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII--BUSTER'S HOUR OF TRIUMPH - - -It proved that Mr. Carson knew his St. Lawrence in the neighborhood of -the Thousand Islands by heart, so that even in the misty moonlight he -was able to guide the two speed boats back to the haunted island. - -Their arrival was the signal for an outburst of cheers from those of the -motor boat boys who had been left behind. - -Great was the excitement that took possession of the four when they -discovered that it was Clarence and Bully Joe who were now in charge of -the mysterious dark speed boat; and after finding out that three -smugglers lay in the bottom, with their ankles tied, and steel bracelets -on their wrists, Nick and Josh were so overwhelmed with amazement that -they could hardly speak for a brief time. And as the others realized, -when the tall lad lost his voice it must be something wonderful indeed -that had happened. - -Mr. Carson meant to lose no time. He sent his Indian assistant across -the island to take the little canvas collapsible canoe, and cross over -to a neighboring piece of land, where their noisy motor boat had been -concealed earlier in the evening. - -Of course the boys now understood that it had been this river craft -whose loud, rattling pulsations they had caught at the time George first -mentioned hearing the sounds. - -When, a little later, the pilot returned, bringing the snub-nosed boat -with him, the three prisoners were transferred without much trouble. -After that the revenue man and his helper went ashore to complete the -job. One by one they brought off the trio of prisoners who had been left -there helpless. - -Finally they carried aboard the large packs that Jack had seen hidden in -the cavity under the old straw in the cabin's earthen floor. - -"I think that finishes the job," remarked the energetic agent, as he -wiped his wet forehead. "And I must admit that, taken as a whole, it's -about the most satisfactory piece of business I've handled for a long -time." - -"Did you get them all, sir?" Josh asked, filled with admiration for the -man who could engineer a big scheme like this and bring it to a -successful close. - -"The entire working force is now in custody, I believe," replied Mr. -Carson. "To be sure there are probably some persons connected with the -band whom we will never lay hands on; such as those who supplied the -funds, and shipped the goods across the border. But it may be possible -to catch some of the guilty receivers over on our side of the river. -When rogues find themselves fast in the toils, they frequently offer to -confess all they know in order to curry favor with the authorities. And -secretly, between us, I imagine Glenwood may yet be induced to turn -state's evidence." - -"Are you going to leave us now, sir?" asked Jack, seeing that the other -was evidently preparing to cross over to his own well laden motor boat. - -"Yes," came the reply. "The sooner I get this cargo behind the bars, the -better. But I want to shake hands with each one of you, and thank you -again most heartily for the assistance you have given me in this matter. -I don't mean to let it drop there; and you may expect to hear from me -again, since Jack Stormways has given me his address. Good night boys, -and may the balance of your vacation be as peaceful as the beginning has -been stormy." - -"Oh! well, we've sure enjoyed it, Mr. Carson," said George, "and it was -worth a heap to me to have that chance to try conclusions with the -_Flash_." - -"I've no doubt of it, George," laughed the agent, as he clambered over -the side of his stubby little launch. "And since I miss that same evil -looking boat, I surmise that our friend Clarence did not care to stay -here in your company any longer than he could help." - -"He scooted off as soon as you had gone ashore for the prisoners, sir," -observed Nick, who wanted to have a last word with the man he admired so -much. - -And in another minute the Indian pilot had set his chatterbox of an -engine to beating a lively tattoo, upon which the stub-nosed launch -began to draw away. As long as it remained in sight in the moonlight the -boys cheered, and called goodbyes, so that if there chanced to be any -more ghosts lingering about that haunted island they must have taken -this for a clear defiance of their power, and concluded to remain in -hiding during the balance of the stay of the motor boat boys. - -"Think we can pick up a few winks of sleep, fellows?" asked George, when -the clatter of the loud-voiced engine had been mellowed by distance. - -"We ought to try, anyhow," said Jack, "Seems to me we've had our rest -pretty badly broken up lately. For one I'm going to forget it all for a -while." - -But the chances were that none of them got any satisfactory sleep during -the balance of that eventful night. - -On the following morning they prepared to vacate the cove that had been -their anchorage for so long. All of them first went ashore; for Nick and -Herb were very anxious to see the cabin, and the hole in the floor were -the smugglers kept their goods concealed after secretly bringing the -stuff over from the Canada mainland, waiting until a good chance opened -to scatter it through the state, free of duty. - -"Well," declared Nick, as they prepared to get underway later in the -morning; "this has been a great experience all around, sure enough. And -it ended fine--that is for us boys, though I guess poor old Glenwood and -his fellow conspirators don't feel so very gay over it." - -"And don't forget our friends, Clarence and Bully Joe, while about it," -spoke up George. "Just stop and think what Macklin went through--held a -prisoner by those reckless men, and threatened with all sorts of trouble -if he so much as squeaked on 'em. Then forced to do whatever they -wanted. And last, but far from least, beaten in a fair race by this -dandy little meteor boat that he once sneered at. That's glory enough -for me, I'm telling you, shipmates." - -"I guess we all enjoyed it," remarked Josh. - -"Yes, so far as I'm concerned I'd be quite contented and happy right -now, if I only knew one thing," remarked Nick, looking doleful again. - -"Here, don't you go to starting up your tune about that break," said -George, "we all agreed long ago that if you _did_ leak to Clarence, you -never would have done it on purpose. So forget it." - -"But I tell you I can't," flashed back the fat boy. "I feel sore about -it; and I want to find out the truth so that every one of you'll get -down on your marrow-bones and ask my pardon. And something tells me the -time ain't so far away when that very thing is going to happen." - -"Then speed the hour," grinned Herb; "after you've seen us in a row -asking forgiveness, perhaps we'll have peace, and you'll forget the -incident." - -"Don't count too heavily on that," George said. "You don't know Buster -as well as I do. Just as like as not he'll turn out to be made up the -same way as that thirsty young woman in the sleeping car, you know." - -"But perhaps we don't know, so suppose you tell us," Nick himself burst -out with curiosity consuming him. - -"Oh! I thought it was a chestnut; but if you will have it, listen. A -traveling man, trying to go to sleep, heard some woman keep on saying -out loud in the berth next to him 'Oh! I am so thirsty! Oh! I am so -thirsty!' When he couldn't stand for it any longer he got up, went and -fetched a glass of water, and begged her to accept it. Then he went back -to his berth, thinking he would have peace. But soon he heard the same -woman saying over and over again: 'Oh! I was so thirsty! I was so -thirsty!' So look out Buster don't play that game on you, Herb." - -There was a shout at this, in which Nick joined; for being a -good-natured chap in the main, he could take a joke that was leveled at -himself. - -About nine o'clock the signal was given, and the three motor boats -forming the cruising fleet pulled out of the friendly cove. Those on -board looked back with more or less rejoicing and regret at the scene of -their recent adventures. They would not soon forget all that had -happened since first they dropped in there for a night's stay. And -Jack's entries in the official log would doubtless prove very -entertaining reading for the folks at home. - -Upon examining the bow of his speed boat George had found where that -bullet had struck, that was fired last of all by the desperate smuggler, -in hopes of frightening the boy at the wheel of the pursuing craft. - -It had made quite a hole, though fortunately doing no real damage. Later -on he could of course, have the aperture plugged; but for the present it -would stand as a mute witness to the truth of the adventurous story the -boys had to tell. If any one of their mates at home ventured to scoff at -the idea of their having been actually under a hot fire, he stood ready -to pry that bit of lead out of its lodgings, and thus confound the -skeptic. - -They were now on the second week of their vacation, and of course had -lots of territory to cover still, before they could say they had -exhausted the pleasures of this wonderful cruising ground. But already -the motor boat boys were looking forward to another daring venture, and -all of them had written home to gain the consent of those who must be -consulted ere determining positively on their plans. - -This included a long trip through lakes Ontario and Erie, up past -Detroit into Lake Huron, along the shore of this great body of water -until the wonderful Soo was reached at the head of the St. Mary's river; -and then possibly into Superior; winding up with a run down Lake -Michigan to Milwaukee, where the boats could be sent home the same way -they had left, via railroad. - -Of course, being real boys, once a great undertaking like this had -formed itself in their minds they could talk of little else. And Jack -knew very well that if any determined opposition developed at home, that -would put a damper on the grand scheme, there would be a feeling of -gloom settle down over the whole expedition. - -After leaving the haunted island the first object of the boys was to get -back to Clayton, and not only replenish their depleted supplies, but -gather up any mail that would, according to orders, be held for them at -the post office there. - -Josh went ashore to get the mail, while Jack looked after the supplies. -Nick seemed unusually uneasy all the time they were gone; and upon their -showing up he demanded shrilly that the letters be distributed without -delay. - -"Only one for you, Pudding," jeered the letter carrier, as he held it -up; "and seems to me I smell violet perfume on that. Must be a dainty -billet doux from Rosie Sinclair; but here, take it and go off by -yourself. It would make us all die of envy to see you reading such sweet -stuff, when we are forgotten by our best girls." - -Nick eagerly snatched the missive from his hand, and with trembling -fingers tore it open. A minute later the others were astonished to hear -him give a loud whoop. - -"What did I tell you, fellows?" he exclaimed, trying to dance around -like a wild Indian, and waving the open letter. "Mebbe I ain't something -of a detective myself? Come around here, every one of you now, and get -ready to do that marrow-bone act you promised." - -"What's all this mean? Has he gone out of his mind?" asked George. - -"Tell us, Buster," said Jack, who could suspect something of the nature -of the communication Nick had received. - -"His dad has said he can take the northern cruise, that's what!" -remarked Josh, a bit enviously. - -"Oh! you're away off there," cried the fat boy, derisively. "Why, you -couldn't guess the truth in a month of Sundays, Josh. It takes real -brains to figure out a solution to a mystery like that. And I did it, -all by my little self." - -"Great governor!" ejaculated George, "listen to him, would you, fellows? -Honest now, if it don't sound as if he'd found out where that leak lay. -Here, Buster, it isn't fair to keep us on the ragged edge so long. Open -up now, and explain. Did anybody talk in their sleep? Who told Clarence -our plans?" - -"You did, George; yes, and so did Jack and Herb and Josh--I guess Jimmie -and myself had a hand in it too!" laughed the fat boy, to their great -mystification! - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII--HAPPY DAYS--CONCLUSION - - -"Poor old Buster! He's sure getting weak in the upper story," said -George. - -"It's going to be a strait-jacket for him before long!" sighed Josh. - -But Jack spoke not a word; for he could somehow see further than the -rest of the boys, and understood that Nick held a strong hand. - -"Oh! is that the way you're thinking?" said the fat boy, still trembling -with the violence of his excitement. "Just wait till I read this little -letter, and then if you're honest you'll do the right thing by poor old -Buster." - -"He's going to read Rosie's little note to us, fellows!" cried Josh, -pretending to be horror-stricken at such a base betrayal of confidence. - -"Who said it was from Rosie, or any girl at all?" demanded Nick, -indignantly. "Look at the name signed at the bottom, and you can read -Aleck. Yes, it's from my old friend, Aleck Sands. I wrote him a week -ago, when that bright thought first dazzled me. And you remember, when -Josh here gave me that start by talking through that old rusted tin -water pipe? Well, that made me believe harder than before that I'd got -on the track." - -"Read the letter, plague take you, Nick!" roared impatient George; -"don't you see you're giving some of us heart disease right now, with -your everlasting slow way of getting at things." - -So Nick, assuming a posture that, according to his mind signified the -attitude of a victor awaiting the laurel wreath, began in his slow way. - - "Dear Buster: - - "As soon as I got your interesting letter I hit it up for the - school house. Found old Crusty Bill Edwards hard at work, and - had to bribe him to let me get in. Went up to the little room - where we hold our club meetings. Yes, you were right, Buster; - the register from the furnace in that room does back into the - cloak room. Found both of 'em shut, but got old Bill to stand in - the club room while I opened the registers, and then listened in - the cloak closet while he talked to himself. And Buster, why, - say, I could near hear the old man _think_, every sound came - through that hole so plain. If you fellows talked about your - plans that day you were there, and Clarence was hiding in the - cloak room, make up your mind, old chap, he heard every word you - said; In a hurry so I'll ring off. - - - "Yours, Aleck." - - -As Nick read the last word he paused and looked expectant. His -motor-mates stared at one another as though for the moment rendered -incapable of speech. The cleverness of the fat boy's deduction was -stunning; had it sprung from Jack, now, they might not have considered -it so very wonderful; but to think that Buster, always so slow to grasp -anything, could have done it, fairly staggered them. - -Jack was the first to recover. Laughingly he dropped on one knee beside -Nick, and seizing the fat hand of the victor he pretended to kiss it -with due humility. - -The others entered into the spirit of the occasion; and right there on -the dock, regardless of the stares of passersby, the five clung around -the grinning Buster, begging him to forgive their thick-headedness, and -restore them to favor. - -Nick of course, enjoyed the game most heartily, and laughed himself into -a fit of choking, as he raised his chums, one by one, and tapped them on -the head in token of his pardon. - -"However did you come to think of it?" asked George, a little later, as -they were once more aboard their boats, and ready to start forth in -search of new adventures. - -"I dreamed about it, and that's the truth," declared Nick, solemnly; nor -could they ever get him to change his assertion. "Woke me right up in -the middle of the night too. Thought I saw Clarence peekin' through a -hole, and laughing to beat the band; and then I saw the silly crowd in -the next room. That gave me an idea, and started me to thinking. I -believed I remembered that register, and had an idea there was another -one just back of it opening into that cloak room. Now you don't blame me -for wanting to get that letter, do you?" - -"I should say not," declared George frankly. "Why you've just covered -yourself with glory, Buster. After this, when anything mysterious -happens, we'll turn to you to guess the answer. You ought to be a -lawyer, sure." - -"Or a revenue man," suggested Herb. - -"Guess Buster'd like to be the head steward on a big Atlantic liner best -of all," was the wicked remark of the envious Josh. - -But the fat boy was in a jolly frame of mind, and could not be provoked -by any sort of fling just then. He turned to his tormentor, and smiling -sweetly, remarked: - -"Josh knows my weak point; but then you fellows understand that it's -only green envy that makes him say such things. Right now he'd give -almost anything if only he had my honest appetite. I never make faces at -my meals. Why, I'm ready for one right at this present minute, fellows." - -"Well," said Jack, "let's get off a few miles from Clayton before we -think to start the stoves going. Perhaps we'll find a nice quiet place -where we can go ashore, and do the cooking stunt. This place is too -thickly populated to make a show of ourselves to the gaping natives." - -"Now, I know you mean me when you say that, Jack," observed Nick, -reproachfully. "But while I confess that I've got a bully good appetite, -I hope I don't disgrace the bunch when I join in the eating game. Herb, -are we ready to start? While we are moving along I'll try and hatch up a -new dish out of my new book here, that will make your mouths water." - -"If Herb was wise he'd have drowned that cook book long before this," -muttered Josh, as George gave his engine a fling and immediately started -away in the lead. - -The three motor boats kept close company. George had apparently -experienced all the running on ahead he wished, during that previous -memorable cruise down the Mississippi; and was content after rushing -half a mile in the lead to slow down and let the others catch up with -him. - -He was in great spirits this morning. That wonderful little race in the -moonlight on the preceding night, with its successful termination, had -made him fall in love with his cranky speed boat more than ever. He -could hardly talk intelligently about anything else; and finally the -others declared that he was even a worse sinner in that respect than -Nick had ever been. - -The day was sunshiny, and everything around them seemed joyous, so it -was not to be thought strange that the motor boat boys were every little -while bursting out in snatches of song, or exchanging joking remarks as -the boats chanced to close up. - -"Wonder if we'll ever hear from the gentleman again?" Herb was saying, -as they later on headed for a bit of lonely shore, where it seemed -inviting to campers. - -"If you mean Mr. Carson," Jack replied, "I'm sure we will, for he gave -his promise; and a man like him never goes back on his word. I've an -idea he means to send us some little thing to put in our clubroom, to -remember the adventure by." - -"As if we'd be likely to ever forget it?" laughed George, patting his -throbbing motor affectionately. - -"I've thought up that new mess, fellows!" called out Nick, just then. - -Everybody groaned in unison. - -"You know we've always had Boston baked beans and coffee for lunch -whenever we got a chance to go ashore at noon. All right. I'm for -progress. I like to vary our meals some. Let's turn things upside down, -and right around. If you agree, then today let the bill of fare be -coffee and Boston baked beans." - -"Bully for Buster! He's the one bright mind in the bunch!" laughed -George. - -"We can have a new dish every day at that rate, fellows!" sang out Herb. - -And so, joking and laughing in this way, they ran close in, found a deep -place to anchor the three motor boats, and began to get ashore with such -things as they needed for the meal. - -The future looked very bright to those six jolly fellows just then, with -never a cloud in sight. Presently they hoped to be hearing the returns -from home, when they would know whether their plan for an extended -cruise was looked upon favorably by the powers that controlled their -destinies. - -But no matter what the outcome of that proposition might be, they did -not mean to worry over anything. The great St. Lawrence was an ideal -cruising place, and doubtless if they were forced to stay there during -the balance of the summer they could find plenty of amusement in the way -of fishing, racing, and exploring. - -Only Josh solemnly expressed the hope that in their "nosing around," as -he called it, they might not happen upon another haunted island. Once -spelled enough for him; and there was no telling but that on another -occasion the ghost might prove to be more real than the one manufactured -by Glenwood and his fellow smugglers, to frighten the owners of the -three motor boats away from their pet cove. - -There was always the chance that sooner or later they would again run -across Clarence Macklin and his crony, Bully Joe Brinker. George would -be only too glad of another opportunity to test his beloved _Wireless_ -against the very best that the _Flash_ could put forth. - -"Make up your mind, George," said Jack, when his chum was mentioning -this thing one day. "You never would get that tricky Clarence to -acknowledge your boat to be better than his. If you beat him six times -he'd have six good excuses ready, and each one different from all the -rest. Whoever caught him with the goods on, and made him confess? A -fellow he didn't know stopped him and stuck the things in his pocket. He -was right then on the way to hand them over to the police. Don't you -remember when he said that? Well, you may have your race, and win out -handsomely, but don't expect Clarence to hand you an honest admission -that his boat ran second." - -"I don't," grinned George; "but I'd like to race him all the same; and I -only hope the chance comes along, sooner or later." - -Perhaps it would, for stranger things were likely to happen to the motor -boat boys than that they would run across Clarence again during their -outing days. - -"I saw him in Clayton when ashore," remarked Jack. "He was talking with -a man who, from his soiled clothes, I'd take to be an engineer, or -something like that." - -"Sure," laughed George, evidently pleased. "Knowing that in her present -condition the _Flash_ is no match for my bully boat, he's going to see -if she can't be improved somehow, so as to squeeze just a little more -speed out of her. Huh! perhaps I might do something of that kind myself. -But just wait and see, fellows. If there is another race between us it's -going to be for keeps." - -When some time later their mail began to arrive from home it might be -judged from the excitement and congratulations to be heard that -favorable replies were coming in from headquarters. And that this was -really the fact, the reader who has been interested in the fortunes of -Jack and his chums thus far, will take for granted, when he learns that -the title of the next volume in this series, already published, and -ready for his enjoyment, is: "The Motor Boat Boys on the Great Lakes; -or, Young Pilots to the Rescue." - - - THE END. - - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. -LAWRENCE *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35728 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. 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LAWRENCE</h1> - -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="class container pgheader" id="pg-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the <a class="reference internal pginternal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a> -included with this eBook or online at -<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a>.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<div class="container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst">Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence</p> -<p class="noindent pnext">Author: Louis Arundel</p> -<p class="noindent pnext">Release Date: March 30, 2011 [EBook #35728]</p> -<p class="noindent pnext">Language: English</p> -<p class="noindent pnext">Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pnext" id="pg-start-line">*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE ***</p> </div> <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> </div> @@ -6796,340 +6778,6 @@ Young Pilots to the Rescue.”</p> </div> <div class="vspace" style="height: 5em"> </div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line">*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. 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-
-.. meta::
- :PG.Id: 35728
- :PG.Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence
- :PG.Released: 2011-03-30
- :PG.Rights: Public Domain
- :PG.Producer: Roger Frank
- :PG.Producer: the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
- :DC.Creator: Louis Arundel
- :DC.Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence
- :DC.Language: en
- :DC.Created: 1913
- :coverpage: images/cover.jpg
-
-===================================
-MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE
-===================================
-
-.. _pg-header:
-
-.. container::
- :class: pgheader
-
- .. style:: paragraph
- :class: noindent
-
- This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
- almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
- re-use it under the terms of the `Project Gutenberg License`_
- included with this eBook or online at
- http://www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-
-
- |
-
- .. _pg-machine-header:
-
- .. container::
-
- Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence
-
- Author: Louis Arundel
-
- Release Date: March 30, 2011 [EBook #35728]
-
- Language: English
-
- Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
- |
-
- .. _pg-start-line:
-
- \*\*\* START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE \*\*\*
-
- |
- |
- |
- |
-
- .. _pg-produced-by:
-
- .. container::
-
- Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net.
-
- |
-
-
-
-
-.. role:: small-caps
- :class: small-caps
-
-.. role:: xl
- :class: x-large
-
-.. role:: lg
- :class: larger
-
-.. role:: sm
- :class: smaller
-
-.. figure:: images/motor-fpc.jpg
- :align: center
-
- “Promise to read to me the log of your last trip, when you
- went down the big river.”
-
-.. class:: center
-
- | :xl:`MOTOR BOAT BOYS`
- | :xl:`ON THE ST. LAWRENCE`
-
- OR
-
- :lg:`Solving the Mystery of the Thousand Islands`
-
- By
-
- LOUIS ARUNDEL
-
- | Chicago
- | M. A. DONOHUE & CO.
- |
- | COPYRIGHT 1913
- | BY M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
- |
- | Made in U.S.A.
-
-.. contents:: Table of Contents
- :backlinks: entry
- :depth: 1
-
-..
-
- |
- |
- | MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES
- |
- | THE MOTOR CLUB’S CRUISE DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI
- | THE MOTOR CLUB ON THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER
- | THE MOTOR CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES
- | MOTOR BOAT BOYS AMONG THE FLORIDA KEYS
- | MOTOR BOAT BOYS DOWN THE COAST
- | MOTOR BOAT BOYS RIVER CHASE
- | MOTOR BOAT BOYS DOWN THE DANUBE
- |
- | List Price 60c Each
- |
- |
-
-.. class:: center
-
- | :xl:`THE MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE;`
- | or
- | :lg:`Solving a Mystery of the Thousand Islands`
-
-CHAPTER I—AFTER THE GAME
-========================
-
-“That was a hard game for Macklin to lose,
-fellows!”
-
-“I should say it was, Herb.”
-
-“He nearly pitched his head off, too. Wow!
-how they did come in like cannon balls!”
-
-“And talk about curves and drops, Little
-Clarence was roight there wid the goods,” said
-a stout boy; whose freckled face, carroty hair
-and blue eyes, as well as the touch of brogue
-to his voice, told of Irish blood.
-
-“But Jack met his hot pace, and went him
-one better. Clarence may be a cracker jack in
-the box, but he can’t *just* come up to good old
-reliable Jack Storm ways, of the high school
-baseball club.”
-
-“Oh, shucks! enough of that taffy, fellows,”
-laughed the object of this praise, as he swung
-the bat he was carrying; “why, you know right
-well I was up against the fence when they made
-that ninth inning rally. They had found me
-with the goods on. And you know who won
-that game for us—our never failing, heavy
-pinch-hitter, Buster Longfellow. When his
-bat got up against the horsehide I knew it was
-all over but the shouting for Clarence.”
-
-“Wasn’t he mad, though? Hurrah for Buster!
-He’s not built for a runner, they say,
-but he’s got the batting eye. That hit was a
-peach!”
-
-“Thanks, George. I believe I did help
-Brodie dash home with the winning tally. It’s
-awful nice of you fellows to appreciate talent!”
-
-The boy called Buster made a mock bow as
-well as he was able. He was fat and chunky,
-so that his baseball suit seemed moulded to his
-figure. While his name was understood to be
-Nick Longfellow, he seldom heard it save at
-home or in school. To his fellows he was
-known by such significant names as “Buster,”
-“Pudding,” and “Hippopotamus.”
-
-There were just five in the bunch, dusty,
-tired fellows, all on the way home from a most
-exciting game with a rival team, and the most
-bitter rivals for supremacy in the little river
-town along the upper Mississippi.
-
-Besides Buster and Jack, there were the
-Irish lad, Jimmie Brannagan, who lived with
-the Stormways, being something of a ward of
-Jack’s father; Herb Dickson, and George Rollins,
-all of them members of the high school
-team.
-
-These five boys, with the addition of another
-who was not present just then, composed the
-membership of a motor boat club, and between
-them owned three very clever craft. George’s
-was a narrow speedboat, called the *Wireless*,
-the powerful engine of which had a faculty
-for getting out of order just when most
-wanted. The one of which Jack was skipper
-was named the *Tramp*, and while not so fast as
-its dangerous competitor, could still make
-great time. Herb possessed a commodious
-launch, which he had very wisely christened
-the *Comfort*, for she was as staunch and reliable
-as a houseboat.
-
-During the preceding autumn, taking advantage
-of the school being closed until New
-Year’s because of an epidemic in the town,
-these boys had made a long trip down the Mississippi
-river to New Orleans, being given permission
-by their parents or guardians.
-
-To make the run more interesting Jack’s
-father had contributed a silver cup as a
-trophy; and the annals of that adventurous
-race have already been given in the first volume of
-this series. The boys for some time
-had been laying their heads together and planning
-another outing for the coming vacation;
-but for various good and sufficient reasons
-they were keeping their intended cruising
-ground a dead secret from everybody.
-
-“Where’s Josh Purdue?” asked Herb, as
-the party swung into the main street of the
-town. “We want him along when we talk
-over that letter Jack had from Clayton, where
-our boats are going. What did you do about
-hiding their destination, Jack?”
-
-“Yes,” said George, quickly. “You know
-we agreed that those chaps were nosing all
-about, trying to get a clew. Clarence has ordered
-a rattling motor boat from some eastern
-maker, and if he could only learn where we’re
-going to hang out this summer, wouldn’t he
-just try to make it warm for us, though? Ten
-to one you hadn’t left the station five minutes
-after fastening on the tags before he was reading
-the same.”
-
-“I expected that, fellows,” laughed Jack,
-“and did the best I could to fool him. The
-boats are only sent to the address in Milwaukee.
-From there they will be rebilled to Clayton
-and shipped on a steamer through the
-lakes.”
-
-“But he might even have the nerve to write
-to that agent and make some excuse for asking
-where they were sent. How about that, Jack?”
-asked Herb.
-
-“I even thought of that,” replied the other.
-“You see, when you’re dealing with wide-awake,
-unscrupulous fellows like Clarence
-Macklin, and his toady, Joe Brinker, it pays
-to insure against trouble. And I’ve done it as
-well as I knew how.”
-
-“Tell us about it, please,” asked Buster,
-anxiously.
-
-“Well,” replied the one addressed, “I wrote
-the agent in Milwaukee, stating the circumstances.
-He turned out to be a jolly good chap;
-for he answered me and promised that if Clarence
-or Joe make inquiries he’ll put them on
-the wrong track.”
-
-“Bully for him!” ejaculated Nick. “We’ll
-vote him thanks at our next meeting, fellows,
-that’s what, and call on him in a body as we
-go through to the steamer when on our way.”
-
-“I wish the time was two weeks later,” remarked
-Herb. “I don’t see just how I’m going
-to stand it until after the exams are over.”
-
-“Oh, well, the days manage to pass along;
-and this glorious victory ought to make you
-feel that life is worth living,” remarked Jack,
-with mock seriousness.
-
-“As for me,” remarked Buster, taking in a
-long breath, as if in anticipation. “I just
-dream of the bliss of cruising aboard a steady,
-roomy boat like the *Comfort*. You can talk
-all you want, George, about the delights of
-flying through the water at the rate of twenty-five
-miles an hour; but me to the cozy home-like
-cruiser every time. Once is out for me,
-you remember.”
-
-“Do we, boys?” jeered George, looking at
-the rest. “Well, will I ever forget how Buster
-used to sit there in the stern of my flier, looking
-like a stuffed pillow, with a cork life preserver
-belted around him all the time, and trying
-to keep his balance. And the less said
-about his cooking the better. It haunts me
-still.”
-
-“Oh! but I’ve improved in that respect,
-George, very much,” the fat boy hastened to
-exclaim. “Don’t you worry about it, Herb.
-I’m taking lessons from our colored cook right
-now, and expect to branch out as a real prize
-box. You know when I once set my mind to a
-thing I generally get there, even if it does take
-time. Great bodies move slowly, they say.
-Didn’t I learn to swim after all my disappointments;
-tell me that, George Rollins?”
-
-“Sure you did, thanks to Jack here,” replied
-the other. “But all through that trip you
-gave me the nightmare because you had lost
-some silly——”
-
-“Hold on! you solemnly promised you’d
-never say another word about that business
-and I’m going to keep you to it, George,” cried
-Buster. “We did have a glorious time of it,
-you know. And I can do a little once in a
-while to help the crowd forget their troubles,
-can’t I?”
-
-“Why, to be sure you can, Buster, and I’m
-the last one to deny it,” declared George. “I
-don’t mean half I say. You know my weakness
-is a quick tongue. And after the grand
-way you belted that ball today, I’d be willing
-to forgive almost anything you’d ever done.
-Shake on that, old partner of my joys and
-woes.”
-
-“The boats got off all right, that’s a comfort,”
-observed Herb.
-
-“How do ye know?” demanded Jimmie.
-
-“I saw them on the cars, and moving out of
-town, just in that ninth inning, when things
-looked so black for us,” was the reply. “You
-know my position out in right gives me a
-chance to look across the big field to the railroad.
-And as I was getting my breath,
-after chasing that tricky ball Carson Beggs
-whacked out, with two on bases, I had a
-glimpse of a freight passing, and counted all
-three boats on gondolas, fastened up in their
-waterproof covers. It just seemed to give me
-heart to go in and root harder than ever. It
-was a lucky omen, too, fellows.”
-
-“Well,” Jack said, “of course they’ll be waiting
-for us at Clayton when we get there. And
-although we talked of taking the steamer ourselves,
-I think, on the whole, it would be wise
-to go by train. In that way we’ll save a couple
-of days. Besides, some time we mean to cruise
-all through the great lakes, and we’d better
-keep the trip until we can do it in our own
-motor boats.”
-
-“That sounds good to me!” cried Nick.
-
-“And I’m sure it hits my case to a dot, because
-it means less time to wait,” and Herb
-nodded his head in a way that plainly told
-how his mind was made up.
-
-“That settles the lake trip, then,” laughed
-George, “because I never did care much about
-going that way. Jimmie, how do you stand
-on it?”
-
-“Wid both feet,” replied the party addressed,
-emphatically. “The sooner we kin
-arroive at the Thousand Islands, the better
-I’ll be plazed.”
-
-“Oh! well, let’s forget we ever mentioned
-going the other way,” said Jack. “But that
-won’t prevent our passing through Milwaukee,
-stopping to shake hands with that obliging
-agent, and finding if the boats got off all
-right.”
-
-“You can learn that by writing in a few
-days, Jack,” observed Herb, sagaciously. “I
-only hope Clarence doesn’t have a friend in
-Milwaukee who would spy around and discover
-the truth, that’s all.”
-
-“If he writes the agent you can make up
-your mind he hasn’t,” said Nick, as the party
-came to a pause on a corner, where, as a rule,
-they were accustomed to separating, each one
-heading for his own home.
-
-“Wait a little, boys. I think I see Josh coming
-away back there,” remarked Jack, when
-one of the others made some remark about
-“seeing you later, fellows!”
-
-“Looks like he was in a big hurry, too?”
-suggested Nick.
-
-“Well, he is half running, to be sure,” admitted
-George.
-
-“And there he goes waving his hand to us,”
-mentioned Herb. “I guess Josh wants us to
-wait up for him here. Perhaps he’s got something
-to tell us.”
-
-“Or it may be he just wants to wring the
-hand of our friend Buster, and tell him, with
-tears in his eyes, how delighted he was to have
-him save the day for our team,” and Jack, as
-he said this, winked at George; for it was a
-notorious fact that Josh and the fat boy were
-forever playing pranks on each other, and
-often saying disagreeable things; that, however,
-ended in nothing harder than a little
-froth and bubble, since it was only surface and
-make-believe animosity after all.
-
-“Don’t you believe it,” declared the hero of
-the late game, shaking his head in an aggressive
-way. “Josh was the next batter up, and
-I just know he thinks I swatted that ball to
-cheat him out of the glory. For he had his
-mind made up to send the horsehide over the
-fence for a home run.”
-
-“Well,” laughed Jack, “never wait to see
-what the next batter is going to do. When the
-chance comes you just poke that ball out into
-deep center, and then roll down to first as fast
-as you can. Then perhaps he’ll bring you
-home with his big hit. But Josh is getting
-here, and we’ll soon know now what ails him.”
-
-“Don’t you go to borrowing trouble too
-soon?” warned Herb. “I know Josh pretty
-well, and how he likes to joke. He’s a false
-alarm, that’s what.”
-
-“But he looks serious enough right now,”
-said George, with whom the runner was to
-keep company on this new cruise they had
-planned; and who, therefore, felt an especial
-interest in Josh.
-
-The newcomer was a rather slender fellow,
-taller than any of the others, and the best runner
-on the team. In times past Josh had been
-troubled with indigestion; but the month and
-more spent during their memorable Mississippi
-cruise had about cured him of this, so
-that he was looking better than ever before in
-all his life. That was one reason why his
-parents were only too glad to allow him the
-chance of getting in the open again during the
-coming vacation; for they believed it would be
-the making of the lad.
-
-Josh stopped running when close to the
-others, as though husbanding his wind so that
-he could communicate the news he bore.
-
-“It’s all up, fellows!” he cried, as he finally
-reached the corner, where the other five gathered
-around him.
-
-“What do you mean?” asked Jack, anxiously.
-
-“Yes, explain, Josh. What’s up?” demanded
-George.
-
-“They know where our boats have gone!”
-gasped Josh, excitedly. “Somebody must
-have leaked, that’s what. And they’re going
-to have their new motor boat shipped to the
-Thousand Islands, too. Now, see what a
-peck of trouble we’re going to have this
-summer!”
-
-CHAPTER II—CHUMS, TRIED AND TRUE
-================================
-
-“Josh, hold up your hand, and look me in the
-eye!” said Jack, sternly.
-
-“Oh! you don’t believe me, do you? But I
-never was more serious in my life!” exclaimed
-the newcomer, meeting Jack’s look squarely.
-
-“Then I’m sorry, that’s all,” declared the
-other. “If Clarence Macklin has found out
-where we expect to cruise this summer, he’ll
-lie awake nights trying to lay plans how to
-give us all the trouble he can.”
-
-“How d’ye know all this, Josh?” demanded
-Nick, rather tremulously.
-
-“I just happened to be near where Clarence
-and Joe were having their heads together, and
-the idea came to me to listen. I only thought
-they were explaining how the game was lost,
-and I wanted to hear Clarence say how somebody
-sent a ray of sunlight into his eyes with
-a pocket mirror, just when he was handing out
-that ball Buster knocked out in deep center.
-You know his way, fellows, and how he squirms
-out of every hole so smoothly?”
-
-“Yes, yes, of course we do, Josh; but go
-on;” cried Herb.
-
-“Don’t you see you’ve got us keyed up to
-the breaking pitch? Let loose, and tell what
-you heard!” exclaimed George, always nervous
-and anxious to make speed.
-
-“Well, it wasn’t much, but it counted for a
-heap,” replied the narrator. “About as near
-as I can remember, and repeat, this was what
-Clarence said: ‘Never mind, Joe, we’re going
-to get even soon. Wait till our dandy boat
-gets to Clayton. Say, mebbe there won’t be
-a lot of surprised fellows then, as we cut circles
-around ’em, and make ’em wish they hadn’t
-blackballed us. You wait and see, that’s all.’”
-
-Various exclamations broke out from the
-other boys.
-
-“Oh, yes, they must know, all right!” said
-Herb, bitterly.
-
-“All I can say is it’s mighty queer, after
-we’ve taken such pains to keep everything a
-dead secret, so even our folks don’t know yet
-where we’re going,” Josh continued to say,
-meaningly.
-
-Somehow or other, as if by mutual arrangement,
-every eye seemed to be gradually focussed
-on poor Nick, who turned as red as a
-turkey cock.
-
-“Oh! yes, look at me, won’t you?” he exclaimed,
-spluttering more or less as was his
-habit when unduly excited. “You think I’m
-the one who leaked, just because I stopped to
-talk with Clarence the other day on the street,
-and George saw me. He never even said a
-single word about boats, but asked me something
-else. Look all you want too, but I tell
-you, once for all, that if there *was* a leak, it
-didn’t come through me! I never told a single
-soul!”
-
-“Oh! nobody has accused you, Buster,” said
-Jack, soothingly, for he was fond of the good-natured
-fat boy.
-
-“That’s all right, but I guess I’ve got feelings,
-and I can tell what every one of you is
-thinking,” the other went on, in an aggrieved
-tone.
-
-“Just forget it, Buster,” Jack continued,
-for he knew only too well how the fat boy liked
-to harp on anything that worried him, and in
-this way make life miserable for the others of
-the club. “The mischief is done. Like as not
-we may never know how it happened. And
-there’s no need of our bothering our heads now
-about spilt milk. The question is, shall we
-change our plans, and go somewhere else this
-summer?”
-
-“I say no!” exclaimed Herb, immediately
-and with firmness.
-
-“That’s my case, too,” Josh echoed. “After
-we’ve made all our fine arrangements, it would
-be cowardly to back down just because those
-two mean skunks choose to tag after us and
-try to give us trouble.”
-
-“Niver give up the ship! Thim’s my sintiments!”
-observed Jimmie, aggressively. “And
-I say the same,” remarked Nick. “Sooner or
-later you’ll find out how they learned our
-plans, and then you’ll all be sorry for putting
-it on me, that’s what.”
-
-“Then it seems settled that we make no
-change,” said Jack, with a stern look on his
-face; “for I’m of the same opinion as the rest.
-We’ll go to the St. Lawrence, and if Tricky
-Clarence and Bully Joe try to upset our plans,
-they’ll find themselves barking up the wrong
-tree, that’s all.”
-
-“And so he thinks he’s got a wizard boat
-that will cut circles all around my *Wireless*,
-does he?” said George, with the light of anticipated
-rivalry in his black eyes. “All right.
-Perhaps Clarence has got another guess coming.
-He’ll find me on the job all right, and
-ready to give him a warm run for his money.”
-
-“When did we start talking seriously for
-the first time about choosing the Thousand
-Islands, and the St. Lawrence for our summer
-outing?” asked Herb, who seemed almost
-as anxious as Nick to find out the truth concerning
-the leak.
-
-“I can tell you that,” replied the fat boy,
-quickly. “It was that afternoon when Jack
-asked us to stay after school, and meet him in
-the clubroom for a little talk. Don’t you remember,
-he read that letter he had from Clayton,
-the first one; and we soon voted to make
-the St. Lawrence our cruising ground this
-summer.”
-
-“Buster is right about that, for I remember
-it distinctly,” remarked Jack.
-
-“That was the little room in school that Mr.
-Sparks allows the various clubs and organizations
-to use when they ask permission—the
-one on the second floor? Am I right, fellows?”
-Herb went on.
-
-“Sure ye arre,” declared Jimmie. “Doan’t
-I just remember that we wint till the door
-ivery two minutes to say if the inemy would
-be sphyin’ around in the hall.”
-
-“But there was no sign of them, you also
-remember that?” observed Jack, quickly.
-
-“Niver a wan,” Jimmie hastened to reply.
-
-“Then it would stand to reason that they
-didn’t overhear us talking. I know you
-couldn’t in the next room, for I’ve been in
-there during recitation, and the wall is dead.
-I only mention this, because that same day,
-after I left the rest of you down-town, I found
-that I’d forgotten a book I needed to study,
-and hurried back to the school. And I met
-Clarence coming along the street. He said
-he had been kept in by Miss Stryker to do a
-task. But it looks as though the leak could not
-have been at that time.”
-
-“Somebody must have talked in their
-sleep,” suggested Josh, humorously.
-
-“Perhaps some one in the post office got on
-to Jack receiving a letter from Clayton, and
-writing there,” Herb put in.
-
-“Well, now,” remarked Jack, “there may
-be something in that idea; though just now I
-can’t think of anybody in the post office who
-would be that mean. I know all the clerks,
-and none of them have ever been thick with
-either Clarence or Joe.”
-
-“Suppose we give the matter a rest,” said
-Herb, with an uneasy look toward Nick; for
-the fat boy was to be his partner during the
-coming cruise, and he feared lest Buster would
-get to brooding on the unjust suspicions that
-had been directed toward him, with the result
-that he must be forever speaking about it, and
-suggesting the most astonishing explanations
-of the riddle.
-
-“Agreed,” Jack replied, readily, falling in
-with the idea. “After all, the coming of these
-fellows may add some spice to our trip, who
-knows.”
-
-It certainly did, as will be made manifest
-shortly; but just then none of the motor boat
-boys suspected what a strange series of exciting
-adventures was to be their portion, all
-through the decision of their rivals to choose
-the same cruising grounds for their summer
-outing, and to be as malicious and troublesome
-as possible.
-
-Nick seemed to have thrown aside the temporary
-gloom that had fallen upon him, because
-of the unjust suspicions of his mates.
-He was naturally so cheery that trouble and
-he could never hitch up together for any great
-length of time.
-
-“If those two cronies do chase after us,” he
-said, “perhaps the long standing trouble between
-Joe and myself may be settled. You
-know we’ve been growling at each other for
-going on a year now. And some day there’ll
-be a surprise due him.”
-
-When Nick talked in that vein the others
-knew he was himself again, and ready to joke.
-So Jack, pretending to be surprised, went on
-to remark:
-
-“Why, Buster, do you mean to say you’d
-pick on that poor fellow, who has never been
-able to whip more than three boys at a time
-in all his life? I’m surprised to hear you talk
-so savagely.”
-
-“Oh! well, the thing is brooding, and bound
-to come off some day. Bully Joe will go just a
-little too far, and get his. Why, there was
-one time, not so long ago either, when I’d just
-about made up my mind to lick him for keeps.
-And I give you my word, fellows, I’d have
-wiped up the ground with him, only that I
-was grabbed from behind and held back!”
-
-“Wow! listen to the war chief, would you?”
-exclaimed Josh, pretending to shrink away
-from the belligerent fat boy, who was doubling
-up his pudgy fists, and assuming a warrior’s
-pose.
-
-“He’s sure got on his fighting togs today!”
-echoed Herb, soothingly.
-
-“Say, Buster,” remarked George, when
-Jack nudged him in the side, “tell us who
-was so mean as to grab you that way, and
-hold you back!”
-
-“Shucks! I just knew you’d never rest till
-you asked that!” cried the other, as he pretended
-to show disgust. “Why, that was Joe,
-don’t you see!”
-
-At that there was a howl; and Jimmie
-doubled up like a jack-knife in the violence
-of his merriment.
-
-“I can see Joe’s finish, if he keeps on trying
-such tricks,” whooped George.
-
-“Oh!” Buster went on, in a calm manner,
-“I’ll try and be as easy with him as any one
-could expect. Perhaps after he’s had one
-good lesson, Joe may reform. It’s keeping
-bad company that’s been his downfall. Clarence
-Macklin has oodles of money; and his
-dad used to be a sporty sort of a Wall street
-man they say, when he lived east; so he don’t
-care much what his hopeful does, so long as
-he keeps out of jail.”
-
-“Well, if he goes on much longer the way
-he has, I reckon he’ll land there after a bit,”
-Herb remarked, soberly; for he had suffered
-on several occasions at the hands of the vindictive
-Clarence, as was well known to his
-chums.
-
-“All right,” Jack put in. “And now, if
-there’s nothing further before the house, I
-move we adjourn. For one I know I’m as
-hungry as a bear, and ready to tackle a good
-dinner after all that hot work on the diamond.”
-
-“Dinner!” exclaimed Buster, whose one
-weak point lay in his love of eating. “Wow!
-don’t you remember what bully good meals
-we had when we all got together on that dandy
-Mississippi trip, and Josh here slung the pots
-and pans? He’s sure the best cook in seven
-counties. I hear he’s getting up a book on
-camp dinners. And right now I subscribe for
-the first copy that’s printed; if it don’t cost
-over ten cents.”
-
-“Just you wait,” returned Josh, with one
-of his wide grins. “It won’t be long now
-before you’ll have to get up and hustle the
-tin pans and things, whenever you have that
-longing for grub steal over you. No sitting
-down to the table and cleaning up everything
-in sight for you then. It’s work before you
-can eat. Herb is going to keep you down to
-brass tacks, ain’t you Herb?”
-
-“Oh! Buster and myself expect to get on
-first rate,” the one addressed hastened to say;
-for Herb was a lover of peace. “I’m ready
-to pitch in and help him out on occasion.
-Everything is going to be lovely, and the goose
-hang high, aboard the good, staunch old
-*Comfort*, when we sail the stormy waters of
-the St. Lawrence, eh, Buster?”
-
-“Well,” remarked Josh, as he started away,
-“anyhow, I’m glad you’ve decided to give our
-friend Buster the upper berth!”
-
-A shout followed after him, and the last
-glimpse he had of the fat boy, Buster was
-shaking both fists in his direction, and pretending
-to display tremendous rage, though
-secretly chuckling with good-natured laughter.
-Happy the boy who is so constituted that he
-can in the best of humor take a joke that is
-leveled at himself; and that was Nick Longfellow
-to a dot.
-
-The rest of the bunch soon scattered, as
-their homes lay in various directions; and this
-particular corner usually served as a gathering
-point as well as the place where they
-separated.
-
-Jack may have allowed the mystery of the
-suspected “leak” to crop up in his active
-mind from time to time after that; but he
-knew just how sensitive Buster really felt
-over it, and he always religiously refrained
-from ever introducing the subject.
-
-Some of the other boys of course must have
-discussed it as the days slowly passed; but
-they too seemed desirous that their fat chum
-might not have his feelings further injured,
-and nothing was said in his presence. But all
-the same Buster did not forget, as Herb was
-fated to learn to his sorrow.
-
-CHAPTER III—A CHANCE CLEW
-=========================
-
-“Why, hello Jack!”
-
-It was the first day of vacation, and being
-at the tail end of the week, the motor boat
-club had wisely decided to defer their departure
-until the following Monday morning,
-when they would say goodbye to the home
-town, and start across the state for Milwaukee.
-
-The speaker was no other than Clarence
-Macklin; and Jack had come face to face with
-his bitter enemy upon the main street of the
-town, as he passed out from a shop where he
-had been making a little purchase.
-
-Clarence was smiling, after his usual manner;
-but there was always something crafty
-about this look of his that made most boys
-suspicious. Had he been given his choice in
-the matter Jack would have passed on with
-a mere nod; for he did not believe in pretending
-to show anything like friendliness toward
-this tricky lad, who had once tried to get into
-the motor boat club, and been blackballed, a
-fact he had vowed to get even for if it took
-him a year.
-
-But Clarence evidently had a reason for
-wishing to talk with the other. He even thrust
-himself squarely in Jack’s way; and the latter
-saw no reason why he should avoid an encounter.
-
-“Well,” continued Clarence, “I suppose
-you fellows are in high feather, now that vacation
-has come, and you can break away?”
-
-“Sure we are,” replied Jack, trying to seem
-good-natured; though secretly he was wondering
-what the other had concealed up his sleeve,
-and why he insisted on stopping him in this
-way; for it happened that just a day or so
-before Jack had been reading that good old
-precept of warning, to “Beware of the Greeks
-bearing gifts.”
-
-“And I suppose, also, you mean to get away
-soon?” Clarence went on.
-
-“Monday sees us off, unless something we
-don’t look for detains us,” was Jack’s response,
-as he watched the play of emotions on
-the face of the other, and noted how the pretense
-of friendliness was fading away.
-
-“Well,” Clarence suddenly burst out with,
-“I just wanted to let you know what me and
-Joe Brinker think of your sly trick in finding
-out where we meant to go this summer, and
-then arranging to copy after us! It was just
-what I’d expect such low-down sneaks as
-Herb Dickson and George Rollins to do; but
-I am surprised to know how you fell in with
-such a dirty game, that’s what!”
-
-Really, Jack never had a greater shock in
-all his life than when Clarence said this. It
-seemed to almost take his very breath away.
-
-“Now, do you know, Clarence,” he said,
-steadily, watching that sarcastic face, “the
-shoe seems to be on the other foot with us. To
-tell the truth, we’ve been believing all this time
-that you’d copied after us. In fact, poor
-Buster has been suspected of giving our
-secrets away, not intentionally, of course, just
-because he was seen talking with you. Queer,
-ain’t it, how great minds often run in the same
-channel; and both of us thought of going to
-the St. Lawrence this summer.”
-
-“Aw! now you’re just trying to crawl out of
-a hole,” the other sneered. “But you needn’t
-think you can spoil our summer fun for us,
-if you are six to two. I told my dad about it,
-and he advised me to go on, regardless. Just
-make up your minds to keep clear of Joe and
-me, if you know what’s good for you!”
-
-Even while the other was saying this there
-suddenly flashed upon Jack’s mind the true
-reason for his being held up in this way by
-“Tricky Clarence,” as young Macklin had
-come to be known among the boys of the town.
-
-He wanted to rub it into Jack, and exult
-in the consternation which he expected his
-declaration would cause in the other’s mind.
-But there was undoubtedly something more
-than this. If trouble did follow the meeting
-of the rivals among the many channels of the
-Thousand Islands, Clarence wished to make
-it appear that he and Joe were the aggrieved
-parties, and that they had been actually set
-upon by the members of the motor boat club,
-who had a grudge against them of long
-standing.
-
-It was a clever bit of sharp practice, worthy
-of a shyster lawyer. Perhaps Clarence may
-have inherited some of the shifty trickery by
-which his respected father had laid the foundation
-to his big fortune in the wilds of Wall
-street.
-
-But Jack had no desire to stand there and
-enter into a wordy war with Clarence, who
-had a ready tongue, and never cared very
-much where it led him.
-
-So instead of taking up the challenge, as
-Clarence doubtless wanted him to, Jack simply
-elevated his eyebrows, and remarked:
-
-“Oh! is that so? Well, I’m going to tell
-you just one thing for good and all, Clarence.
-Neither myself, nor any one of the club, want
-to set eyes on you or Joe; and if it rests with
-us, we’ll not run across each other all summer.
-But, understand me,” and his eyes flashed
-dangerously, “we mean to strike back, and if
-there’s trouble it will have to be of your seeking.
-You can have all you want of it. Now,
-that’s enough. I’m done talking.”
-
-Clarence hardly knew what to say. He
-looked at the other as though tempted to blurt
-out the ugly things he had passing through
-his mind. But somehow he realized that it
-would not be safe pressing Jack Stormways
-too far. He was not the fighter Bully Joe had
-always been; for as a rule he managed to get
-some one else to carry out his battles for him.
-And Jack looked really dangerous just then.
-
-“Pooh! words come cheap with some fellows,”
-he muttered, as he turned away. “But
-you’ll find they cut no figure with my partner
-and me. As to our keeping away from any
-particular spot you chumps choose to patronize,
-that for your silly warning,” and he
-derisively snapped his fingers, for he was now
-twenty feet away.
-
-Jack held himself in with an effort. He
-felt in a humor to have given the exasperating
-Clarence the drubbing he deserved; but it
-would hardly be nice to create such a disturbance
-of the public peace so soon before they
-expected to leave home. If it seemed fated
-that he must teach this contemptible fellow
-the lesson he so richly deserved it might be
-wise to wait until they were far away from
-the town where they lived.
-
-He was looking after the departing Clarence
-when he saw him take out his handkerchief
-to wipe his forehead, for the day was
-warm.
-
-Something fell to the ground, something
-that, even at that distance reminded Jack of a
-yellow telegram blank. He could just as well
-walk from the sporting goods store in the
-direction Clarence had gone as any other way.
-And it was his full intention to call after the
-other, if the paper seemed worth while.
-
-So, in this spirit Jack bent down and
-secured possession of the crumpled yellow
-paper.
-
-Just as he had expected it was a telegraph
-blank, written on but not signed. It seemed
-to be a message that some one had started,
-and upon making a mistake in the wording
-had crammed in his pocket while he started
-afresh.
-
-That some one, of course, could only be
-Clarence, since the paper had fallen to the
-ground at the time he took out his handkerchief.
-
-Ordinarily Jack would not have been guilty
-of looking at a telegraph message that had
-come into his possession under such circumstances.
-It seemed excusable now. Clarence
-was a secret enemy, and had been plotting to
-make trouble for the members of the motor
-boat club that had declined to allow him and
-Bully Joe membership.
-
-And the very first glimpse he had of the
-writing gave him a thrill; for he read the
-address, which was:
-
-“Jared Fullerton, Clayton, N. Y.”
-
-On the spur of the moment Jack changed
-his mind. Instead of calling out after the departing
-Clarence, and notifying him that he
-had dropped something, Jack just crammed
-the yellow paper in his pocket, and wheeling,
-strode away.
-
-He was considerably excited, and eager to
-learn what sort of communication the other
-could be sending to Clayton that required the
-use of the wires. And as he walked hurriedly
-away, with his nerves on edge, he half expected
-to hear Clarence shouting after him, demanding
-the return of his property.
-
-“I never would be guilty of doing such a
-thing,” Jack was saying to himself, on account
-of the mean feeling he had, “only that sometimes
-it’s just necessary to fight fire with fire.
-If I’m wrong in my suspicions then there’s
-no harm done. But I must know what he’s
-telegraphing to Clayton. Who Jared Fullerton
-is I don’t know from Adam; but I bet
-he’s cut from the same pattern Clarence and
-Joe were.”
-
-By then Jack had turned a corner. Unable
-to withstand the temptation any longer, he
-looked around to make sure Clarence was not
-in sight; and then drawing out the crumpled
-piece of paper, read what had been written
-on the blank.
-
-“Glad to hear boat arrived, and is such a
-corker. I’m bringing that hundred with me,
-and hope you’ve earned it before we arrive.
-Don’t get in trouble for——”
-
-Apparently Clarence did not like the way
-that last sentence looked, for he had started to
-change it several times. Then, thinking he
-had better write the whole message over again,
-he had doubtless thrust the first draft into his
-pocket, and entirely forgotten it.
-
-Jack read it over twice, and looked grave.
-
-“Now what that snake’s up to, I’d give
-something to know,” he said to himself, as he
-started to walk on, after placing the message
-away in his pocket. “Some sort of dirty
-scheme has been mentioned in a letter, and he’s
-meaning to pay this Fullerton for doing the
-thing. What could it be? He says it’s to be
-done before he and Joe get there. A hundred
-dollars is a lot of money. Oh! I wonder could
-he mean to have this other scamp injure our
-boats in some way?”
-
-It was a dreadful suspicion that beset him
-right then. How easy for any one to put a
-lighted match to the canvas tarpaulins that
-covered the three boats on the steamer’s dock
-at Clayton. Why, they might be either entirely
-ruined, or else so badly injured as to be
-useless for the whole season.
-
-Would Clarence be equal to conspiring to do
-such a serious thing as this? Jack was sorry
-to admit that he believed the other was not
-past it in the least. He had known him to
-play pranks that savored of the criminal before
-now; and it had always been his rich
-father’s money and influence that had saved
-Clarence from getting the punishment he so
-richly deserved.
-
-Obeying a sudden inspiration Jack turned
-and chased back to the railroad station where
-the telegraph office was located. He knew
-that the strict orders of the operating company
-would prevent his seeing the message
-that Clarence had finally given in, unless they
-were compelled to show it by a decree of the
-court. But Jack had no desire to go that
-deeply just then.
-
-He knew the operator quite well, a young
-fellow who also sold tickets.
-
-“Clarence Macklin was in here sending a
-message to Clayton, New York, wasn’t he,
-Bert?” he asked, trying not to appear at all
-excited.
-
-“Yes, that’s so, Jack,” came the reply from
-the agent; who was really an admirer of the
-young high school pitcher.
-
-“How long ago was that—could I find him
-in town now, do you think?”
-
-Note how cleverly this question was framed;
-and the operator fell into the trap without
-even a suspicion that he was yielding up valuable
-information.
-
-“I reckon you might,” he said, promptly,
-“because he went out of here not more than
-fifteen minutes ago, after sending his message.
-Start on Monday, I hear, Jack? Well, I only
-wish I was along. You fellows do have the
-best times going; while some of the rest of us
-have to keep our noses to the grindstone.
-Good luck to you all, and a bully trip on the
-river,” for Jack, having picked up all the information
-he wanted, had turned abruptly on
-his heel and was leaving the station.
-
-That settled it, then. Clarence had sent a
-message to the unknown Jared Fullerton, that
-was presumably along the same lines as the
-one he had first started. And doubtless that
-individual would be only too glad to try and
-earn his hundred-dollar fee before Clarence
-and Joe arrived.
-
-Since none of the motor boat boys would be
-in Clayton to be injured, the only way in
-which he could do anything would be to scheme
-to bring some miserable catastrophe upon the
-precious motor boats that had arrived and
-were waiting to be claimed by their young
-owners at the steamboat docks.
-
-It was surely a time for quick thinking, and
-action, unless they wished to take the chances
-of having their whole summer outing spoiled.
-
-And Jack, as he hurried home, was laying
-out a plan of campaign in his mind calculated
-to outwit the miserable plotting of the reckless
-Clarence and his equally unscrupulous crony,
-Bully Joe.
-
-CHAPTER IV—BLOCKING A SLY MOVE
-==============================
-
-“Is that you, Jack?”
-
-“No other. Say, George, can you come
-over here at once?” asked the boy who was
-at the other end of the telephone wire; and
-there was that in his voice to arouse the interest
-of George Rollins to fever heat.
-
-“Why, sure I can. My wheel is handy,
-and you’ll see me drop in on you inside of a
-jiffy. But what’s the row, Jack; no bad news
-about our boats I hope? They haven’t been
-dropped overboard in the middle of Lake
-Erie, and sunk?”
-
-“Oh, nothing half so bad; but I must see
-you,” Jack went on saying. “And George,
-start some of the rest along too, won’t you?”
-
-“Buster and Josh are on my way, and if
-they’re home I’ll jolly both into coming.
-But you’d better try to poke out Herb over
-the wire,” came the reply.
-
-“I will. So-long, George. Get a move on
-you now. Important!”
-
-Then Jack put up the receiver, to sever
-connection; although a moment later he was
-asking Central to give him the Dickson house.
-By great good luck Herb happened to be up
-in his den, doing some packing; for this was
-the last day he would have at home saving
-Sunday, and he was a very careful fellow.
-
-After hearing the “call of the wild,” as
-Jack expressed it, Herb consented to head for
-the Stormways domicile without any delay.
-He, too, made use of his wheel to cover the
-intervening distance; and quite a bunch of
-boys drew up in the yard about the same time.
-
-Jack and Jimmie met them at the side door.
-
-“Now, what under the sun has he got hold
-of, fellows?” queried George, nervously, as
-they filed up to Jack’s snug den; for the serious
-expression on the faces of Jack and Jimmie
-gave him considerable concern.
-
-Nick was puffing like a steam engine. The
-little rush had winded him more or less; but
-at the same time he also looked anxious. For,
-as they were on the eve of starting out on their
-anticipated summer vacation, this sudden
-summons to headquarters gave him a shock.
-
-“I only hope it ain’t anything about the
-boats,” he remarked plaintively, as he dropped
-down in a capacious chair that just suited his
-stout figure to a dot, and was hence invariably
-appropriated by Buster every time he came
-to see Jack.
-
-“Well,” remarked Jack, “I might as well
-admit right in the start that it does concern
-our three motor boats.”
-
-“Don’t tell me that any tragedy has happened
-to ’em, Jack?” pleaded George, who
-was known to have a great affection for his
-*Wireless*, even though the cranky speed boat
-did seem to delight in playing many cruel
-tricks upon its skipper.
-
-“No, not yet, I believe,” came the answer.
-
-“Good! You make me feel better already,
-Jack!” exclaimed George.
-
-“But hold on!” cried Herb; “you noticed
-that he said ‘not yet,’ didn’t you, boys? Don’t
-you see what that means? The boats are in
-danger; ain’t that so, Jack?”
-
-“I’ve pretty good reason to believe so,”
-replied the owner of the den; and then he
-whipped out the crumpled telegraph blank.
-“Here, read that, fellows, and tell me what
-you think. It fell from the pocket of Clarence
-Macklin not half an hour ago. And I
-understand that he sent off a message along
-these lines, after he had changed the wording
-a little.”
-
-Eagerly four heads were clustered above
-the yellow paper which he had smoothed out
-on the chess table. Clarence wrote a plain
-hand, so that there was no trouble in making
-out every word.
-
-“Well, wouldn’t that knock you?” gasped
-Nick, who had as yet failed to entirely recover
-his wind after his quick passage on his wheel
-to Jack’s home, followed by the climb up two
-lights of stairs to the attic den.
-
-“Jack, you’re right; he means our boats!”
-ejaculated Herb, with a trace of indignation
-and horror in his voice.
-
-“Oh! the miserable skunk, what wouldn’t
-I give for the fun of punching his head for
-him. Just wait, the chance will come some
-fine day. Let them dare do anything to
-my bully little *Wireless*! Why, Jack, they
-could be sent to prison for a long term if they
-destroyed the boats.”
-
-Of course that was Skipper George, whose
-father being a lawyer, visions of the stern
-hand of justice were always cropping up in
-the boy’s mind.
-
-“The way I look at it is this,” Josh went
-on, deliberately; “Clarence has a crony in
-Clayton, some fellow he knows by the name
-of Jared Fullerton. Seems to me I’ve heard
-him mention that name, too, though I don’t
-remember anything about him. But he’s
-meaning to hire this chap to do something
-worth an even hundred. Fellows, we can give
-a quick guess that something has to do with
-our three boats, which by now must be lying
-on the steamboat dock there, waiting for us
-to arrive.”
-
-“You hit the nail on the head that time,
-Josh,” declared Jack. “And I’ve asked you
-all to come here so we could talk the matter
-over, and decide what ought to be done.”
-
-An animated discussion followed. Some
-suggested one thing, which was debated *pro*
-and *con*; then another new idea would crop
-up, which they eagerly seized upon, being
-deeply concerned about the safety of the precious
-craft.
-
-“Whatever do you suppose that sneak of a
-Fullerton could do, to put our craft out of the
-running?” asked Nick, finally.
-
-“Well, he might accidentally drop a lighted
-match under the tarpaulin cover of one. You
-know it would flame up pretty quick, and
-might set the whole bunch going like a pack
-of fire-crackers,” Josh observed.
-
-“Well, I hardly think any one would take
-such chances at that,” Jack remarked; “because,
-you see, they are lying on a public dock,
-and if a big fire resulted it would mean the
-penitentiary for Jared. But no matter, if a
-fellow only happened to be mean enough he
-could find lots of ways to injure boats like
-ours. And for one, I don’t propose to take
-the chances.”
-
-“Tell us your plan, Jack; we’ll stand by
-you,” cried Buster.
-
-“All right,” said the other, quickly; “then
-listen. I propose that George and myself go
-and see his father, and ask his advice. You
-fellows make yourselves at home here; and
-after we’ve got things going we’ll come back
-to report. How does that strike you?”
-
-“I say yes!” Josh hastened to cry.
-
-As the others were of the same mind, Jack
-and George hurried away. It being Saturday
-morning, George knew that his father would
-not be very busy at his law office and could
-easily spare them a little time.
-
-They found Judge Rollins without any
-client, which Jack considered lucky, since
-haste was an element in their calculations just
-now. And after he had heard the whole story,
-scanned the incriminating telegraph blank,
-and asked numerous questions, the lawyer
-smiled, and said he was ready to give his
-advice.
-
-“Here is the address of a party I know in
-Clayton, and whose name just came to me
-while you were talking, Jack,” he observed.
-“Try and get him on the long distance phone,
-and explain the circumstances to him as you
-have to me. I feel sure that if you can reach
-Amos Spofford everything will be all right.”
-
-Accordingly the two lads immediately
-hustled around to the central station of the
-telephone company, where they could use the
-long distance phone to better advantage than
-in a drug-store.
-
-Having the local number of the party to
-whom the judge had referred them, Jack, who
-had taken it upon himself to do the talking,
-because George was apt to get excited, and
-splutter in a way that might interfere with
-the carrying of his message to such a long
-distance, asked to be connected with the
-Clayton office.
-
-Of course, there was more or less delay, as
-usual, and the two boys became quite nervous
-before there finally came a faint call.
-
-When Jack learned that it was really Mr.
-Spofford who was at the other end of the wire,
-he started to explain that it was Judge Rollins
-who had told the boys to get in touch with
-the Clayton man.
-
-Then as briefly as possible, for time was
-valuable, he told about the trouble, and what
-they feared might happen. Happily, the man
-to whom he was talking seemed capable of
-seizing on facts, and building a plan of campaign
-instantly.
-
-“Telegraph the agent of the steamboat
-Company to let me have the boats. I happen
-to know him very well—his name is James
-Matthews. Then forget all about the matter,
-boys. Depend on me! Your boats will be
-guarded, day and night, every minute of the
-time until you arrive. That is all. Goodbye!”
-
-“Hurrah for Amos!” exclaimed George
-when his chum had related what the man in
-Clayton had said. “He’s all to the good!
-That was a bright thought of yours, Jack,
-when you suggested going to ask my father’s
-advice!”
-
-“But let’s get back to the others,” laughed
-Jack, as they paid the bill and left the telephone
-office; “for they’ll be burning up with
-anxiety to know what’s going on.”
-
-“Yes,” grinned George, now as happy and
-light-hearted as he had previously been
-gloomy, and oppressed with fears. “By now
-poor Buster will have lost a pound or two in
-weight. He’s the greatest fellow ever to fret
-over things.”
-
-At that Jack fairly shouted.
-
-“I know another of the same breed, George,
-and you can’t deny it,” he said.
-
-“Oh! well, what’s the use?” admitted the
-other. “I know I do see mountains often, that
-turn out to be ant hills when you get up close.
-But I’m feeling particularly jolly right now.
-Bully for Amos. Won’t we shake him by the
-hand till he yells out for mercy. His name will
-be emblazoned on the annals of our St. Lawrence
-cruise as the best friend the motor boat
-club had, barring none.”
-
-Of course, they were set upon as soon as
-they entered the den in the top story of the
-Stormways home, and made to tell what had
-happened. When the balance of the club
-learned how neatly a spoke had been put
-in the wheel of Clarence, they voted thanks
-to Mr. Edison for all he had done in the
-interests of modern science.
-
-And it can be set down as positive that those
-lads spent a much more healthy Sunday than
-would have been the case had their minds still
-wrestled with the problem of what the mysterious
-message sent by Clarence stood for.
-
-Then came the final morning when they
-were scheduled to leave the home town, headed
-for the far distant Clayton, to begin their summer
-vacation.
-
-A score and more of boys were at the station
-to see them depart, besides those persons
-who constituted the various families of the
-club members. Their baggage was properly
-seen to, and then the last goodbyes said. Clarence
-and his crony, Joe Brinker, came sauntering
-along, and stood watching the passing
-of the expedition.
-
-“He can’t just help grinning all the time,”
-Buster said aside to Herb, as they were waiting
-at the car steps for Jack and George, still
-talking with a group of friends.
-
-“Sure he is,” replied George, looking out
-of the corner of his eye, “and every little while
-he says something to Bully Joe that tickles
-him to beat the band. But we can afford to
-keep quiet, because we happen to know how
-the game is going. I’m putting my faith in
-Amos right along; he’s going to make good.”
-
-“But why ain’t Clarence and Joe starting,
-too?” demanded Nick at this juncture.
-
-“Oh! they’re too sly for that, you see,”
-George replied, knowingly, his lawyer blood
-standing him in good stead. “Like as not
-they’ve got through tickets right through
-Chicago, while we stop over in Milwaukee.
-And even if they slip away this afternoon they
-could get to Clayton as soon as we do.”
-
-“There’s the conductor calling ‘all aboard!’
-We’re off, fellows!” cried Buster, as he started
-to climb up the steps of the car, an operation
-that required more labor on his part than in
-the case of more agile lads.
-
-The entire bunch grouped on the last platform
-of the parlor car at the end of the train,
-and as they pulled out, waved their hats in
-salute to the cheering of the crowd at the
-station.
-
-Faster went the train, and presently a turn
-hid the home town from the sight of the six
-vacationists. If any of them felt badly over
-parting from loved ones they succeeded in
-concealing the fact as they passed inside to
-take their seats, and while looking from the
-windows at new scenes, lay delightful plans
-concerning the glorious time they anticipated
-would be their portion when they got fully
-started on their St. Lawrence river cruise.
-
-CHAPTER V—THE GUARDIAN OF THE FLEET
-===================================
-
-“Well, here’s the steamboat dock, all right;
-but I don’t see anything of our boats!”
-exclaimed George, as he and his five chums
-came to a full stop close to the local office of
-the lake line running to Buffalo, Milwaukee
-and Chicago.
-
-“Oh! dear me, I hope we don’t have trouble,
-after all,” started Nick.
-
-“Here, let up on that misery whine, Buster.
-Will you ever learn never to squeal till you’re
-hurt?” said Josh.
-
-“Well, if you’d lost as much flesh as I have
-lately, you’d be a nervous wreck too,” replied
-the fat boy, aggressively.
-
-“If I’d lost all you say you have, there
-wouldn’t be anything more of me left than a
-grease spot, and that’s right!” grinned Josh.
-
-“What shall we do, Jack?” and Herb turned
-to the one upon whom they usually depended
-to steer them clear of the shoals.
-
-“Well, here’s the office right handy,” replied
-Jack, smiling. “Suppose we crowd inside,
-and make the agent give up some information.
-He ought to know what’s happened
-to our boats, because we understood they got
-here safe.”
-
-“A bully idea, Jack; you’re the goods when
-it comes to doing the right thing!” Josh
-remarked.
-
-Accordingly they fell in line, and rushed into
-the little office, where a gentlemanly fellow,
-who was working at some freight accounts, in
-his shirt sleeves, because of the heat of the
-day, glanced up in more or less surprise.
-
-“We’re looking for some motor boats, sir,
-that arrived on the vessel from the west. They
-were billed from Milwaukee by your line.”
-
-As Jack said this the agent smiled.
-
-“Which one of you wired our Mr. Matthews?”
-he asked.
-
-“I did. My name is Jack Stormways,” replied
-that individual.
-
-“You gave him authority to turn the three
-boats over to some party, didn’t you?”
-
-“Yes, if that party’s name was Mr. Amos
-Spofford,” Jack replied.
-
-“All right. We gave them into his keeping.
-Let me see, that was last Saturday afternoon
-about one o’clock he was here,” the other
-went on.
-
-“But,” Jack remarked, blankly, “we’ve
-been looking all around, and have seen no sign
-of our boats on the wharf.”
-
-“And they couldn’t have flown away like
-aeroplanes,” put in Josh.
-
-“I should hardly think so,” laughed the
-other. “But have you looked beyond the end
-of the dock, in the water?”
-
-“No. Do you mean to say Mr. Spofford
-had the three boats launched?” cried Jack.
-
-“Well, there was something doing that way,
-I remember, on Saturday. He had quite a
-gang of men working under him. That Mr.
-Spofford seems to be something of a hustler.
-Over toward that point, boys.”
-
-They were already trooping across the big
-dock, as excited as any eager lads could be.
-And no sooner had they reached a certain
-point than a series of whoops burst from every
-throat.
-
-“There they are, fellows! Don’t they make
-a bully show, though, the brave little boats?
-Say, ain’t this like old times again?” cried
-Nick, as he discovered the three craft anchored
-close together at a point where they would
-not be in the way of any steamboat landing.
-
-“There’s somebody aboard, too!” exclaimed
-Jack, as a head was poked out of the deck tent
-of the *Comfort*, which was the only one of the
-trio to be thus honored, the others being in
-cruising trim.
-
-“That must be Mr. Amos Spofford,” declared Herb; “and
-he knows a good sleeping
-boat when he sees it, too; for you notice he’s
-camped in the Old Reliable.”
-
-Jack waved his hand, and then called out.
-
-“We’re coming aboard. Are you Mr. Spofford?”
-
-“That’s my name. Glad to see you, boys.
-Come right along. You won’t be fired into
-the harbor if you try to get aboard!” came
-back the answering hail.
-
-“Gee! I wonder if that’s what happened
-to Jared,” remarked Nick, as the party made
-for the landing, where a rowboat could be obtained
-in which to paddle out to the anchored
-flotilla.
-
-Every boy had his eyes glued on the boat
-that, to his mind, represented all that was delightful.
-Many a happy day and night had
-they spent aboard these same craft in times
-that were gone; and the future opened up possibilities
-just as joyous.
-
-One by one they climbed aboard the *Comfort*
-and shook hands with the jolly old gentleman
-whom they found there. None of the other
-boats could have accommodated them as
-readily as the big launch.
-
-“Glad you got here safe and sound, boys.
-I imagine this is Jack Stormways. Introduce
-me to your chums, please, Jack. Told you not
-to worry. Camped right here ever since getting
-your message. Would have stayed a week
-if necessary, because you see I happen to be
-an old bachelor, without any family ties.
-Greatest pleasure I’ve had for many a year.
-Used to knock about myself, once upon a time,
-before I took on flesh. And let me tell you,
-lads, you’ve got the greatest little cruising outfits
-here I ever set eyes on. In my day we
-never knew such comforts, any more than we
-did such bully boats.”
-
-In this fashion did Mr. Amos Spofford
-rattle on, for he was a great talker, and a
-retired lawyer as well. He quite staggered
-poor Buster by the immensity of his girth; for
-he was simply *tremendous*, and no mistake.
-
-“Gracious!” Nick whispered to Herb, when
-he found the chance; “you don’t think, now,
-I’ll ever get to be like that, do you, Herb? Oh,
-if I thought so I’d starve myself.”
-
-“Well, it would end your knocking about,
-just as it did his, so beware!” answered the
-other; and chuckled to see poor Buster shiver.
-
-All the time they were in contact with Mr.
-Amos Spofford Nick could not keep his eyes
-off the wheezy old lawyer; and every now and
-then he would shake his head and sigh most
-dismally. It was really an awful lesson for
-Buster, as Josh often declared.
-
-“Then you’ve really enjoyed camping here
-since Saturday afternoon, sir?” asked Jack,
-as the party clustered around the guardian of
-the motor boat fleet.
-
-“Beyond measure,” came the quick reply.
-“I haven’t let the boats go unwatched a minute
-of the time. On Monday I hired a man to stay
-aboard while I finished up some little business
-that was pressing. Then I came back in the
-afternoon with a new supply of grub, and
-determined to hold the fort. Why, boys, it’s
-been the happiest days of the last ten years
-to me. And I’ve made up my mind that I’m
-going to throw business to the dogs, have a
-boat like this, only larger, built especially for
-a heavy man, and take to the water. I thank
-you for the opportunity you threw in my way
-for this pleasure.”
-
-“And on our part we feel that you’ve been
-mighty kind to us, sir,” said Jack.
-
-“Don’t mention it. Besides, I’m only too
-glad to do something for Rube’s boy. He was
-good to me once upon a time, and helped me
-get back on my feet.”
-
-“Perhaps our anxiety was all for nothing
-though?” remarked George; not because he
-really believed what he was saying, but hoped
-it would tempt Mr. Spofford to “open up,”
-and tell anything he knew.
-
-The stout lawyer chuckled until he shook
-like a bowl full of jelly. He reminded Jack of
-Santa Claus around Christmas time, both with
-regard to his white beard and the size of his
-paunch.
-
-“Ah! that was a chip of the old block that
-spoke then,” laughed Mr. Spofford, “Rube for
-all the world; and a born lawyer, too. Follow
-in the footsteps of your illustrious dad,
-George, and the world is yours. No, to tell the
-plain, unvarnished truth, your anxiety *was*
-well placed, I have reason to believe.”
-
-He looked over the side at the water, and
-chuckled again.
-
-“It is pretty wet in there for a fact, boys,”
-he said, “and when a fellow flops over with all
-his clothes on, he feels kind of squeamish, I
-suppose.”
-
-“Do you mean to say, sir, that Jared Fullerton
-actually attempted to come aboard in the
-night, and that you dumped him into the
-river?” asked Herb.
-
-“Oh! I didn’t bother asking his name; and
-so far as I know he never had the politeness to
-leave one of his visiting cards behind him,”
-remarked the big lawyer, still shaking, so that
-the staunch old *Comfort* actually quivered in
-sympathy. “In fact, to tell the truth, he was
-so set upon leaving in a hurry after he discovered
-that there was a tenant ahead of him,
-that lots of things were sadly neglected.”
-
-“And you threw him overboard, sir?” asked
-Jack.
-
-“That was the easiest part of it,” replied
-the other, calmly. “You see I used to be a
-great athlete in my day, when Rube knew me;
-and the fellow wasn’t anticipating running up
-against a lodger. I just gave him a neat push,
-and you ought to have heard the splashing that
-followed.”
-
-“Wow! I’d have liked to, first rate!” declared
-Josh, in ecstacy.
-
-“But he managed to climb out again, of
-course, Mr. Spofford?” Jack asked.
-
-“Oh! yes, after a lot of floundering around.
-I saw him climbing that spile yonder, dripping
-at every move. And I’ve had no trouble
-since.”
-
-“Then we owe you a vote of thanks for helping
-us out in this way,” declared George,
-warmly. “Only for your guardianship something
-serious would have happened to our
-boats; and you can understand, sir, that they
-are precious to all of us, after serving us so
-well on that Mississippi cruise.”
-
-“I want to hear all about that at the first
-chance, boys. But now I’ll move out, and give
-the rightful owners possession. This is a very
-well named boat, Herbert. I give you credit
-for knowing how to get full enjoyment out of
-a trip. Now, that speed boat doubtless pleases
-George, but you see it would hardly do for a
-fellow of my heft. I’m going to get the builder
-of this outfit to put me one up that will be a
-dream, a fat man’s paradise.”
-
-“Hold on, Mr. Spofford,” said Jack, who
-knew he was voicing the sentiments of the entire
-club when he spoke as he did; “we are
-going to stay around here until another morning,
-for we’ve got a lot to do, stowing our
-stores, you know. And tonight, if you can do
-so, we invite you to a little dinner, to be held
-on this boat. We hope you will please us by
-coming; and let me tell you we’ve got the boss
-cook among us, who can tickle your palate
-the best ever.”
-
-All eyes were turned toward Josh, who got
-up and gravely bowed, pushing back Buster,
-who had impudently been in the act of accepting
-the honor himself.
-
-“I’ll do it on one condition, boys,” said the
-lawyer, as he started to deposit his bulk in the
-boat Herb was holding to the side of the
-*Comfort*.
-
-“What is that, sir?” demanded Jack.
-
-“That you promise to read to me the log of
-your last trip, when you went down the big
-river; also tell me the many adventures that
-I’m sure must have come your way during
-those glorious weeks.”
-
-“Done!” cried one and all, as they shook
-hands with the jolly retired lawyer, and Herb
-started to paddle him to the dock.
-
-“What time is dinner hour, fellows?” sang
-out Mr. Spofford, just as heartily as though
-he might be one of the youngsters.
-
-“Six sharp; but we’ll wait for you any
-length of time you say, sir,” replied Jack.
-
-“Look for me before that time; and remember,
-boys, I’m a man of some size, so be
-warned,” laughed the other, waving his hand.
-
-“Oh! we know all about that, sir; because,
-you see, we’ve got a shining example of the
-same with us,” called Josh, motioning toward
-Buster.
-
-“That’s so; but I’m afraid you mean a
-*horrible* example; for we fat fellows are to be
-pitied,” floated back to their ears.
-
-Nick sank back on his seat, looking plainly
-troubled.
-
-“Oh! my, if I thought there was any danger
-of my ever getting like that I’d—I’d, well,
-I don’t know what I’d do; but something
-pretty desperate—skip a meal once a week,
-perhaps,” he remarked to George.
-
-The other was already trying to draw his
-own boat alongside, so that he might
-aboard; for naturally each skipper had
-thought of the craft that was dearest to his
-mind; and Herb returning, both Jack and
-Jimmie used the rowboat to reach the anchored
-*Tramp*.
-
-CHAPTER VI—THE “FLASH”
-======================
-
-For an hour or more the boys were busily
-engaged in rummaging.
-
-Then they began to think about getting their
-luggage aboard, as well as the necessary supplies.
-Jack had his lists made out to the fraction.
-Previous experience would prove of considerable
-benefit to them now, since they knew
-just what was most needed, and what things
-to leave behind.
-
-“I say, Jack!” called George, across the
-scant space that separated their boats.
-
-“Hello! what is it?” asked the skipper of
-the *Tramp*, looking up.
-
-“We’ve all been so busy we haven’t thought
-to look around,” remarked George; “and consequently
-missed seeing that dandy craft lying
-off there a couple of hundred yards. Nobody
-seems to be aboard, as far as I’ve noticed. My!
-but ain’t she a beaut, though? Such graceful
-lines. I warrant she can just skim the water,
-and make you *dizzy* watching her. Do you
-know what struck me, Jack?”
-
-“That this might be the swift boat Clarence
-has had built, and which he said was going to
-cut capers all around our fleet,” replied the
-other, promptly.
-
-“Guessed it the first shot. Am I right?”
-asked George.
-
-“Looks to me like a regular black, piratical
-craft,” observed Josh. “Just notice how low
-she sits in the water, would you? And there’s
-something sneaky in her whole make-up. Yes,
-that sort of a boat just seems to fit in with a
-fellow like Clarence Macklin, ‘Sneaky Clarence,’
-you remember.”
-
-“There’s a name in gold letters on her bow,
-but I can’t quite make it out. Here, Buster,
-just hand me my glasses, will you?”
-
-A minute later George, having adjusted the
-marine glasses to his sight, gave utterance to a
-low whistle.
-
-“I’ve got the name all right, fellows,” he
-remarked, “and what d’ye think it is? Just
-the plain word *‘Flash.’* I guess that stands
-for speed all right.”
-
-“It also stands for what Clarence and Bully
-Joe represent,” Herb observed.
-
-Often, as they busied themselves during the
-balance of that day, George’s eyes would
-wander toward that long, narrow boat that sat
-upon the heaving water with the grace of a
-black swan from Australia. George believed
-he could see the times when it would be nip and
-tuck between the *Flash* and his own hitherto
-unbeaten *Wireless*; and he confessed that perhaps
-the boast of the rival of the motor boat
-boys might not have been without reasonable
-foundation.
-
-Knowing how many times they must go
-ashore before the stores and supplies were all
-aboard, the motor boat boys realized that it
-would be a saving of time if they raised anchor,
-and moored alongside the dock.
-
-This was accordingly done. As noon had
-come, they went in detachments to the nearest
-hotel, and secured a meal; after which their
-baggage was taken aboard. Then, leaving the
-others to stow it away, as on the previous
-cruise, Jack, Herb and George went into town
-to purchase what their long list called for.
-
-Nick called out after them three times, begging
-them on each occasion to be sure and not
-forget a certain thing of which he happened to
-be particularly fond. Josh poked a whole lot
-of fun at the fat boy, and warned him to beware
-lest he equal the enormous girth of Mr.
-Amos in a short time if he did not curb that
-tremendous appetite.
-
-“Oh! don’t you fret about that,” Nick answered.
-“In good time I expect to gradually
-cut down my rations until I become as skinny
-as you. Then, like enough, I’ll want to jump
-overboard and end it all.”
-
-That was always Nick’s way—*tomorrow* he
-meant to start in regulating his diet; but as
-usual with those who put off the evil day, tomorrow
-never seemed to come.
-
-That was a busy afternoon with them all.
-
-Jack saw to it that the eatables were put up
-in three separate packages all around, so that
-they could be handed over to the several boats
-without division. This helped wonderfully,
-for there was no choosing, and no ill feeling because
-one happened to get a better looking
-assortment than the others.
-
-“It’s near stopping time, fellows!” called
-Nick, as he squatted on a seat, like a big toad,
-Josh said, and wiped the perspiration from his
-rosy face.
-
-“Well, I guess everything’s ready,” added
-Jack.
-
-“Ditto here,” came from Herb. “And Josh
-is already rustling the kettles, as if he meant
-business. So I move we pull out again and
-anchor. When the gent comes we can get him
-aboard with the help of this rowboat he hired
-for us.”
-
-That sort of talk seemed to satisfy every
-one; and accordingly they set about working
-the motor boats to the positions they had occupied
-previously, at the time their mudhooks
-were down.
-
-Then began great preparations for a feast.
-Both the other boats handed over their several
-batteries for cooking. Their previous experience
-had taught George and Herb a lesson,
-so that they had discarded their cumbersome
-oil lamps, and now each rejoiced in a fine new,
-brass Jewel gas oil-stove, of the same reliable
-German brand as that which Jack carried
-when on the famous Mississippi trip, now but
-a fond memory.
-
-And they were surely a busy lot, every one
-working under the directions of the head *chef*.
-Josh might play second, and even third fiddle,
-many times; but when it came to cooking he
-was right there, as he himself said, “with the
-goods.” Some boys may seem gifted in one
-way, and a comrade shine in another; it was
-the privilege of Josh Purdue to be a natural
-born cook. He could throw together the most
-appetizing dishes with apparently little effort.
-Everything he touched had a decidedly delightful
-taste. And even Buster admitted that
-he stood without a peer, monarch of all he
-surveyed.
-
-So it came about that when Mr. Spofford arrived
-on the dock, and was ferried across by
-Herb, he found some mighty fine odors wafting
-hither and thither.
-
-“My goodness!” he said, as he sniffed vigorously,
-“I hope dinner won’t be long delayed,
-boys, because you’ve just got me keyed up to
-a desperate pitch, with all these joyful smells
-afloat.”
-
-“Ready right now, sir!” sang out Josh, who
-had donned a snow-white baker’s muslin cap,
-which he had fetched along with the intention
-of coaxing Buster to wear, when engaged in
-his culinary tasks.
-
-They were a jolly crowd gathered in the
-roomy *Comfort*, and discussing the glorious
-dinner prepared under the direction of the
-head *chef*.
-
-“Josh, you haven’t forgotten how,” observed
-Jack, as he started in on the savory
-mess piled up on his pannikin.
-
-“Which pleases me a whole lot,” said
-George; “because you see, Mr. Spofford, on
-this trip Josh sails with me in my *Wireless*.”
-
-“Alas! poor Josh! I see his finish. These
-are funeral meats, fellows,” giggled Buster,
-already warmly engaged.
-
-And so they laughed and joked as the meal
-progressed. Mr. Amos was as merry as any
-one of the six boys. Again he seemed carried
-back to the days when he loved this sort of
-life; and many times did they hear him declare
-positively:
-
-“You’ve opened up the fount that has been
-closed for many years, boys. And after this
-it’s me for the free life and the fresh air. Perhaps
-that may reduce my overabundant flesh
-somewhat. Anyway, it will delight my heart.
-Away with dull care; and from this time on
-I’m going to study Nature again! And I have
-you to thank for opening my eyes. It was a
-lucky day my old friend Rube thought of me,
-and put his boy in touch with Amos Spofford.”
-
-“Perhaps you’d like to go out a few days,
-sir, with us,” remarked Herb, quite overwhelmed
-by the cordial ways of the retired
-lawyer. “This boat is roomy, you see, and we
-might get along. The only difficulty would
-be about sleeping quarters.”
-
-Poor Nick held his breath in suspense.
-If so be Mr. Spofford accepted, he believed
-he saw his finish. But the other only laughed
-heartily.
-
-“That’s awfully kind of you, Herb, but I
-couldn’t think of accepting,” he said; and
-Nick breathed easy again. “When I go out, I
-shall have a boat that is suited to my heft.
-Every time I move here, something seems to
-groan, and threaten to give way. I guess you
-will have all you can manage with my friend,
-Buster.”
-
-And after the hearty meal was finished they
-made themselves as comfortable as possible,
-while Jack read the official log of the other
-cruise, for the particular benefit of Mr. Amos.
-
-The latter asked a thousand questions, and
-in this way managed to get a comprehensive
-history of all the stirring adventures that had
-fallen to their lot between their home town
-on the great river and the Crescent City.
-
-It was quite late when he left them, giving
-to each a squeeze of the hand that would not
-soon be forgotten.
-
-“If I can only find a boat suited to my size,
-boys,” he said, as he left them; “I’m going
-to get afloat this very season. But at any rate
-another year will find me fully prepared for
-the season, with the greatest motor boat you
-ever struck. Goodbye, you fine and dandy
-fellows! My heart will be with you all along.
-Think of me sometimes, won’t you, Buster?”
-
-He chuckled as he fancied he heard a hollow
-groan from Nick; as if the memory of Mr.
-Spofford’s tremendous girth could ever long
-leave the troubled mind of the fat boy.
-
-A quiet night followed. Jack advised that
-they keep on the alert, lest some peril drop
-in upon them; but fortunately his fears were
-not realized, and morning coming found the
-little fleet all serene.
-
-“Look, there he is!” said Nick, as they
-were gathered on the *Comfort* enjoying one of
-Josh’s little spreads, that included some of
-the lightest flapjacks ever put before hungry
-campers.
-
-“Clarence, as sure as anything!” ejaculated
-Herb.
-
-“And wasn’t I right about that boat?”
-asked Jack. “You can see he’s meaning to
-go out to it right now. But one good thing,
-we’ll be likely to have twenty-four hours’
-start of them. And on these broad waters
-they may have some trouble looking us up.”
-
-“There’s Bully Joe, too,” remarked George.
-“See him look over this way and scowl! Somehow
-the sight of our gallant little fleet doesn’t
-seem to please Mr. Brinker a whole lot. He’d
-be better satisfied if he could only set eyes on
-them awash, with their decks level with the
-water.”
-
-Clarence did not seem to glance once toward
-the three motor boats. A third party joined
-them, and it was not hard for Jack and his
-friends to guess that this must be the unlucky
-Jared Fullerton, whom the stalwart Mr. Spofford
-had dumped into the waters of the St.
-Lawrence when he attempted to board the
-*Comfort* one night not so very long since.
-
-Just as soon as they were well through with
-breakfast, the motor boat boys got ready to
-put out on the broad waters which were, from
-now on, to serve them as a field of recreation.
-
-Jack gave the signal, when he had learned
-that both the others were ready. Immediately
-there was a tremendous amount of energetic
-popping, as the motors once more got into
-service after their spell of idleness.
-
-Clarence and the others aboard the long
-dark boat looked after the three departing
-craft; and while none of our friends bothered
-waving a hand in parting, Jack could see that
-the owner of the *Flash* and his crony, Bully
-Joe, were talking earnestly, as though laying
-some sort of plan for the near future.
-
-He even saw Clarence pointing after them,
-and then sweep his hand half way around, as
-if declaring that no matter where the departing
-boats might vanish, he would have little
-trouble in locating them if he wanted to do so.
-
-And to himself Jack was saying that there
-could be no doubt but that Clarence, with that
-vindictive, cruel disposition of his, would put
-himself to almost any trouble in order to get
-the laugh on those he hated so bitterly.
-
-The sun shone brightly as they pulled out
-of Clayton, and all of them believed it was a
-good sign. The last they saw of the suspicious
-dark boat with the contour of a river greyhound,
-Clarence was still talking to his mates,
-and doing a great deal of pointing.
-
-But before them was spread as lovely a
-stretch of water, with its green and rocky
-islands, as ever a motor boat cruiser could
-wish to see. And none of the boys believed
-on that glorious July morning that they could
-wish for anything finer than fortune seemed
-to be placing at their feet.
-
-CHAPTER VII—JOSH SCENTS TROUBLE
-===============================
-
-“What luck, Jack?”
-
-It was just a week later. The three motor
-boats were anchored in a little cove near one
-of the numerous rocky islands that give this
-part of the wide St. Lawrence river its great
-reputation for summer outings.
-
-Herb was leaning over the side of his boat,
-engaged in rubbing some dingy part of the
-brass railing; and Jack at the time happened
-to be approaching, seated in a little dinky or
-tender, which each larger boat now trailed
-behind every time they made a move from one
-anchorage to another; and which proved so
-useful in going ashore, fishing or visiting.
-
-“Oh! pretty fair,” replied the one who
-handled the short oars, as he turned in his
-seat to reach for something that lay in the
-bow of the skiff. “We can have a fish dinner
-tonight, anyway.”
-
-Then he held up a monster muskalonge, that
-must have weighed all of twenty pounds.
-
-“Great Jupiter, what a sock-dollager!”
-cried George, who was taking it easy in his
-boat; while Nick thrust up his head to shout:
-
-“Bully for you, Jack! Now we won’t
-starve to death! The country is saved!”
-
-“Well, I like that,” said Herb. “To hear
-him talk you’d think I’d cut him down to one
-meal a day, when to tell the truth he——”
-
-“Stop right there, Mister Skipper!” cried
-the fat boy, threateningly. “It’s rank treachery
-to betray your boatmate to the common
-enemy. But that is a dandy fish, Jack. Where
-did you catch him?”
-
-“I think in the upper jaw,” replied Jack,
-solemnly, at which there was a shout.
-
-“I see you did,” replied Nick, bending over,
-“for there’s a broken hook sticking out of his
-mouth right now. Ugh! look at the cruel
-teeth, would you? I’d hate to let him close
-his jaws on my finger. But if the gimp snell
-gave way, how under the sun did you ever get
-him aboard, Jack?”
-
-“I’ll tell you,” came the calm reply. “It
-happened that I had to play this old pirate for
-nearly twenty minutes before I could tire him
-out. You’d have laughed to see how he towed
-my little punkin-seed of a boat around. But
-finally he seemed all but exhausted, and I kept
-reeling in until I had him right up close,
-where I could bend over and touch him with
-my hand.”
-
-“Wow! you couldn’t hire me to do that
-now,” exclaimed Nick, shuddering as he gazed
-at that array of sharp, vicious looking teeth.
-
-“I could see right then and there,” Jack
-continued, quietly, “that the gimp had been
-twisted until it was ready to break away. So
-I knew I didn’t dare try to lift him aboard
-by the line; and I had no gaff hook along. So
-I just let my hand slide over his back until I
-reached his opening and closing gills. Then I
-suddenly inserted several of my fingers, and
-gave a quick fling. He came aboard all right;
-but the line parted. So you see, Nick, it was
-a close shave for our supper, all right.”
-
-Josh, having made sure the fierce-looking
-fish was actually dead, by pounding it on the
-head several times with a piece of wood,
-started to get it ready for the pan. It was
-really the first one of decent size that they had
-thus far hooked; though several meals had
-been made of small-mouth black bass, taken
-either by casting, or trolling with a spoon.
-
-“It strikes me as rather queer,” remarked
-Jack, as he lay there resting, “while Jimmie
-was starting to get supper for the two aboard
-the *Tramp*, that so far we’ve neither seen nor
-heard a thing of Clarence and Joe.”
-
-“And haven’t we had a great old week of it
-though?” George remarked. “Outside of one
-stormy day the weather has been just prime;
-and even my engine has given no trouble. I’m
-beginning to have hopes that it’s entirely
-cured of those tantrums that used to bother
-me so. Or perhaps the Jonah has shifted to
-your boat, Herb.”
-
-“That ain’t fair,” called out Nick, from
-some unseen place, where he was wrestling
-with the cookery department, and slyly taking
-peeps in his notebook as to whether salt pork
-was used in frying fish, or butter. “Tell the
-gentleman, Herb, that I never brought you
-the least bit of bad luck. Why, we’ve been getting
-along here in a perfectly harmonious way,
-haven’t we?”
-
-“Y—yes, I guess so,” replied Herb, a little
-dubiously, “but I’d be a heap happier if only
-you could forget that business about who
-leaked, and let out our secret to the enemy.
-You ding-dong about that thing morning, noon
-and night. And then you turn around to Mr.
-Amos, and fret your head off because you’re
-afraid some day you’re going to be as much of
-a whopper as he is.”
-
-“Well,” grunted Nick, without even taking
-the trouble to poke his head out, “you know
-right well this is a world full of trouble,
-fellows. If it wasn’t for my worrying the way
-I do, just imagine how I’d be taking on flesh.
-I say, Josh, do you put the salt pork on first,
-and try it out, before dusting the fish in
-cracker crumbs and dropping it in the frying
-pan?”
-
-It was not long before the appetizing odors
-that arose around the anchorage of the motor
-boat fleet announced that supper was well
-under way.
-
-One thing pleased Nick; being the cook
-aboard the *Comfort* he was in a position to
-prepare a sufficient quantity to suit his generous
-ideas of what constituted a meal for a
-healthy person’s appetite; and consequently
-there was no complaint about short rations.
-But when, as was inevitably the case, the *Comfort*
-had to borrow from the other boats, the
-powerful effect of the fat boy’s appetite became
-very apparent.
-
-“Say, Jack, did you have any particular
-reason in picking out this place for our next
-stop?” asked George presently.
-
-“Why, yes, lots of them,” laughed the one
-addressed. “In the first place it was an extra
-big island, and situated near the Canadian
-shore, you see. Then again, the place looked
-kind of fishy, don’t you know; and I had an
-idea we might pick up some large muskies.
-From the fact that I did bring in a dandy,
-first start, it seems as if my guess hit the
-mark.”
-
-“It sure did,” George went on. “But you
-don’t know anything out of the way about this
-heavily wooded island here, do you?”
-
-“To be sure I don’t, since I couldn’t tell you
-right now what name it is known under,”
-answered Jack, who knew the other had some
-object back of his questions, for George always
-led up to things, and never took delight in
-springing a surprise on his chums, as most of
-the others would invariably do.
-
-“I just wondered if you could know any
-reason for it, that’s all,” George said.
-
-“Reason for what? Now you’ve got me
-guessing; and that’s probably just what you
-wanted to do,” observed Jack. “Speak up,
-and tell me what you’ve noticed.”
-
-“Well, we seem to be objects of considerable
-curiosity to some people.”
-
-“Ashore, do you mean?” and Jack turned
-his head, to glance at the frowning bank of the
-big island, the grim rocks of which were
-crowned with a dense growth of trees and
-underbrush, so that it certainly looked rather
-mysterious as the sun began to set.
-
-“Well, no, I don’t believe any of us have
-seen a living thing there, except a coon, fishing
-on the edge; and a kingfisher flying from
-stump to stump along the rim of the water.
-But three separate times a boat has come along
-just out there, and the people in her would
-just stare at us without saying a single word.”
-
-“Three, you say—the same boat and the
-same people?” Jack asked.
-
-“Not at all,” George replied. “That would
-not have seemed so queer, you know; for I
-could believe that they happened to have an
-interest in this cove, and disliked seeing us
-stop here; or else that the Canadian authorities
-thought Yankees had no right to be fishing
-over on their side of the broad river. It
-was the same boat.”
-
-“Three different boats, eh?” Jack mused.
-“And they looked unhappy at seeing our fleet
-quartered here?”
-
-“I thought they looked mad,” Josh put in
-right then, popping his head up like a jack-in-the-box;
-for he still persisted in wearing that
-white cap while engaged in his department of
-the pots and pans.
-
-“Were there any women or children aboard
-the boats?” Jack continued.
-
-“How about that, fellows?” asked George.
-
-“One boat had two men, another three, and
-the last one five,” Herb remarked, in his
-positive way.
-
-“And they all stood off some distance, just
-looking at us. Perhaps there are thieves in
-these waters, just as we found down on the
-Mississippi,” Josh added.
-
-“Maybe we’d better change our anchorage
-after supper, and hunt a new place. There’s
-going to be a bully moon tonight, fellows,”
-from Nick, still unseen.
-
-“Oh! I don’t think there’s any call for us
-to run away—yet,” Jack laughed. “No doubt
-the men were from the Canada side, and there
-was some reason why they looked at our little
-fleet so queerly.”
-
-“Well,” Josh said, as if he had been worried
-more or less about the matter, “I only hope
-one thing; that this blessed old island ain’t
-haunted, that’s all!”
-
-Jack laughed at that, it put such a new
-aspect on affairs. At the same time he could
-not help thinking that superstitious Josh certainly
-had some ground for allowing such an
-idea to seize hold of his mind; for the island,
-with its dense vegetation, and its rough shore
-line, did look out of the common. No doubt,
-when night dropped her blanket over the
-broad river with its myriad of islands, both
-large and small, this spooky place could easily
-be believed to shelter uncanny things.
-
-“Don’t give yourself any more uneasiness
-on that score, Josh,” Jack urged. “If there
-ever was a ghost anywhere near this place it
-took wings long ago, when the thousands of
-summer tourists began coming here for their
-vacations. What with the big hotels, and the
-hundreds of cottages perched on the islands,
-small chance a poor spirit would have today.”
-
-While he said nothing more about the three
-boats with their unfriendly crews, Jack did
-not entirely forget them. Perhaps there might
-have been some deep reason for the strange
-actions of these men. Perhaps—but then,
-without any foundation for a theory, what was
-the use bothering himself forming any such?
-
-The night came on; but even while they were
-eating supper a change had begun to take
-place in the weather conditions. Nick’s prediction
-of a beautiful moonlight night gave
-promise of being far from the actual fact; for
-clouds had drifted over the heavens, some of
-them dark and threatening, though as yet
-broken.
-
-“We may get a storm before morning,”
-observed George, looking up.
-
-“And I wager Jack foresaw that same thing
-when he picked out this cove for our anchorage,”
-declared Herb. “You notice that it is
-to the eastward of the island; and don’t you
-see about all the storms up here come out of
-the west. In that way we will be protected
-against a heavy blow.”
-
-Jack might have kept still, and allowed his
-chums to heap honors on his unworthy head;
-but that was not his style.
-
-“Hold on, you’re doing me too much credit,
-boys,” he observed frankly. “I took to this
-cove just because it looked good to me, and
-never for a minute thinking how it would serve
-us in case of a blow. But just as Herb says,
-we are protected here, and that’s another reason
-for not changing, as Nick hinted we should
-do.”
-
-They ate supper before the dusk turned into
-night, and the whippoorwills were calling
-from back on the wooded island, to be answered
-from the further Canada shore.
-
-The three boats were close enough together
-to allow the boys a chance to exchange any
-remarks they wished.
-
-“Better get ready in case we have a downpour
-tonight,” remarked Jack, as he cast a
-look upward to where the moon was just starting
-to peep out from behind a threatening
-bank of clouds.
-
-“For one I’m glad I got that hole in my tent
-mended in time,” observed Herb.
-
-“Me too,” spoke up Buster, “because, you
-see, it was so nicely fixed right over my poor
-head. Think of a stream turned on while you
-slept! Ugh! when I take my cold baths I’ll
-choose my time.”
-
-“I’ve known when you didn’t all the same,”
-ventured George, chuckling.
-
-“That’s mean of you,” Buster replied, reproachfully,
-“bringing up old happenings.
-Yes, I did fall overboard into the river; but
-who wouldn’t, in that cranky speedy boat of
-yours, shivering and jumping to beat the band.
-Why, hello! what ails Josh there?”
-
-“Yes, what are you staring so hard at,
-Josh?” demanded George, turning his head.
-
-“Didn’t any of the rest of you see it?” asked
-the other, eagerly.
-
-“See what? Are you beginning on that
-ghost racket already?” insinuated Herb.
-
-“Ghost nothing,” exclaimed Josh; “and yet
-truth to tell it did glide out of sight behind the
-point yonder like a phantom boat. Then the
-moon went under, and I lost it again!”
-
-CHAPTER VIII—IN THE MIDNIGHT WATCH
-==================================
-
-Everybody sat up and took notice when
-Josh delivered himself after this strange fashion.
-If it had been a mere glimpse of some
-white object which he claimed to have seen
-ashore they might have smiled, and let it go
-at that. But a boat was a different proposition.
-They were interested in boats; and
-indeed, expecting sooner or later to be visited
-by a certain dark craft, fashioned along a
-piratical type.
-
-“Where did you see it, Josh?” asked
-George, hastily jumping to his feet; and
-almost taking a header into the water; for his
-delicately balanced speed craft did not allow
-such energetic movements with impunity.
-
-“Well, give a feller a chance, won’t you?”
-grumbled the other, as he clutched the brass
-railing just in time to save himself. “I’m not
-in such a hurry to go after the phantom boat
-as to want to *swim!* Besides,” he added, as
-an afterthought, “I haven’t forgotten that
-savage musky Jack brought in today. If they
-hang out around this region you don’t catch
-Josh Purdue doing any bathing, not much.”
-
-“But tell us, where did you see this queer
-boat that moves along as silent as a specter?”
-asked Nick.
-
-“Didn’t you get on to what I said?” continued
-the other, impatiently. “Around that
-point yonder it seemed to glide. I lost it in
-the shadows.”
-
-“Listen to him hedge, fellows!” cried Nick.
-“Now he says it ‘seemed to glide.’ That is as
-much as saying he ain’t sure whether he was
-awake or dreaming.”
-
-“I tell you the boat was there,” Josh persisted;
-“and if the mean old moon hadn’t just
-bobbed behind that cloud up yonder, all of
-you might have had a chance to glimpse her.”
-
-“But you had one look at her, didn’t you?”
-asked Jack.
-
-“Sure I did. And because I didn’t hear
-any noise of a motor I just had to stare,” came
-the ready reply.
-
-“Was it a white pleasure boat?” continued
-Jack.
-
-“Not much. I could have seen that sort
-right along, moon or no moon. I know what
-you’re thinking, Jack.”
-
-“All right. Was it a dark-colored launch,
-then?” the other demanded.
-
-“This time it’s yes—a long, low, narrow
-craft, that seemed to just spin along like a
-shadow itself. But I know it was a boat,
-because I could see the water curling over,
-where the bow cut through,” Josh went on.
-
-“You hear that, fellows?” Jack remarked.
-“And of course, you understand what it means
-to us?”
-
-“That boat was the *Flash*, and Clarence has
-found us out at last?” said George; not without
-a trace of eagerness in his voice; for so
-well had his speed launch been behaving of
-late that he was anxious to test her against the
-newer craft of Clarence Macklin.
-
-“Just like him to come sneaking around at
-night to see how he can do us some rotten
-injury,” grunted Nick.
-
-“Lit him thry it, that’s all,” remarked
-Jimmie, popping his head up. “I’m thinkin’
-the gossoon will be sorry for it, wan way or
-t’other.”
-
-“But that means we shall have to keep
-watch, doesn’t it, Jack?”
-
-Of course it was Herb who said this, for
-he might be set down as the most timid of the
-six boys; though there had been times in the
-past when even Herb had risen to the occasion,
-to prove that he could show valor.
-
-“No doubt about that,” returned the other,
-seriously. “You know the benefit we found
-in being prepared when on that trip to Dixie
-land. It pays to be ready for trouble. Meeting
-it half way often ends in victory. Oh!
-yes, the squad will have to turn out, and take
-turns tonight.”
-
-All this had been carefully arranged beforehand.
-Jack knew his crowd, and also what
-little failings they might be apt to develop.
-For instance, he understood that it was hardly
-the part of wisdom to allow Nick to stand his
-spell of sentry duty alone. However willing
-the fat boy might declare himself he was apt
-to be overcome by drowsiness and fall asleep
-at his post.
-
-“Think we’d better move out a bit from
-the shore?” asked Josh, after they had talked
-matters over for a further spell, and looked
-in vain for the mysterious dark motor boat to
-appear again around the point of the wooded
-island.
-
-“What for?” asked George.
-
-“Sure, the howlding’s foine roight here,”
-asserted Jimmie, who had personally seen to
-it that the *Tramp’s* anchor was well placed;
-though it could be readily tripped in case of a
-sudden need for a move during a storm.
-
-“But to tell the honest truth, fellows, I
-don’t just like the looks of this old island
-here,” admitted the cook of the *Wireless*,
-boldly.
-
-“I don’t see anything the matter with it?”
-remarked George. “In fact, simply because
-it seems deserted is no reason we ought to
-cut loose, and change moorings. If it belonged
-to some millionaire, and had a cottage perched
-on the rocks, the chances are ten to one we’d
-have been asked to move long before now.”
-
-“I agree with George,” Jack remarked.
-“And that was the main reason why I determined
-to come here, where it looked so attractive.
-When fellows are off on a little trip like
-this, the very places they should avoid are
-those where too much civilization is found.
-Give me the wild spots every time.”
-
-“Oh! well, I withdraw my motion then,”
-grumbled Josh. “But don’t blame me if anything
-happens, that’s all.”
-
-“Would ye be afther listenin’ till him?”
-exclaimed Jimmie, hilariously. “Sure he do
-be thinkin’ still about that banshee. And
-Jack, since ye are to sthand watch wid Josh,
-be warrned in toime, to look out for throuble.
-If wishin’ would bring ghosts it’s me honest
-belafe Josh would raise a whole raft of thim.”
-
-But in talking of many other things the
-boys soon seemed to forget about these fears
-on the part of the one who confessed to a
-belief in hobgoblins.
-
-When several of the inmates of the gathered
-boats started to yawn at a tremendous rate,
-word was given that they turn in.
-
-“It’s eleven o’clock, boys, just think of it?”
-said Herb, as he lighted a lantern in order to
-make up his bed more comfortably; for Herb
-believed in getting all the benefit possible out
-of things, even when on a cruise.
-
-“And we can count on broad daylight by
-four o’clock, though we needn’t get up till
-five,” Jack observed. “So I’ve divided the
-six hours into three watches. Josh and myself
-will stay on duty until one. Then Herb and
-Jimmie will take our places, and at three they
-are to wake up George and Buster. Understand
-that, fellows?”
-
-“Yes,” came the response, in some cases
-very sleepily.
-
-“How about you, Josh; think you can stay
-awake two hours now?” Jack asked.
-
-“I drank more coffee for supper than
-usual,” the other answered, “and the way I
-feel now, I don’t seem to care one bit whether
-I get a wink of sleep tonight or not.”
-
-As things were reduced to a pretty good system
-by this time, with regard to the making
-up of beds, it did not require much time to get
-these in readiness. Herb was the only fussy
-one; and they were threatening to call him an
-old maid, and get a cap and gown for him, if
-he kept on that way. But Herb paid no attention
-to all this talk. When he had his mind
-made up it required an earthquake to change
-it.
-
-Finally his lantern went out, although Josh
-kept it within reach of his hand, in case he
-needed light in a hurry while doing his trick
-as sentinel.
-
-He and Jack could converse in low tones
-without disturbing the sleepers, should they
-care to do so. Jack meant to exchange a few
-words occasionally, if only to convince himself
-that the other had not been overtaken by
-drowsiness.
-
-No longer did the moon peep out from the
-dark curtains above. The cloud banks had
-effectually covered the face of the heavens as
-with a pall. Still it did not rain, and thus far
-there were no other indications of a brooding
-storm.
-
-It was impossible to see for any distance
-around. Even out upon the water objects were
-indistinct at fifty feet; and as for the nearby
-island it rested there like a black hillock, above
-which the tips of the inky pines could be seen
-outlined against the less opaque sky.
-
-Now and then the night breeze moaned dismally
-through these treetops, making a queer
-sound. Jack noticed that every time this happened there
-would be a slight movement in the
-*Comfort*; and he understood that Josh must be
-turning his head to stare toward the island.
-Josh, then, had not entirely given up the idea
-of seeing a ghost; and this uncanny sound
-made him remember his prediction.
-
-It was impossible to note the passage of time
-by the stars, for they were quite out of sight,
-and no clock striking could give warning; for
-there was not a church within many miles of
-their anchorage.
-
-So when Jack began to wonder how much
-longer he and Josh ought to hold the fort, he
-had to strike a match and consult the little
-nickel watch he carried.
-
-“Gosh! how you scared me!” exclaimed the
-other sentry, as the match crackled.
-
-“Half past twelve,” Jack remarked, in a
-low tone. “That means another half hour for
-us, Josh. How are you feeling about now?”
-
-“Well,” admitted the other, “I guess I was
-near dozing that time. Thought somebody
-shot at me when you scratched that match.
-How loud everything sounds at this time of
-night. Wish that old bird would let up on that
-screeching, over on the Canada shore. He
-makes me tired, for a fact.”
-
-“Depends on the way you look at things,”
-chuckled Jack. “Now, for my part I rather
-like to hear a whippoorwill call. Never yet
-kept me awake either, like some things would
-do. Have a bite of this gingerbread, Josh.
-Keeping watch is hungry work, after all, I
-find. Besides, while your jaws are working,
-you won’t get sleepy.”
-
-Josh was nothing averse to a “snack,” and
-so they sat there, eating, and occasionally exchanging
-some remark, while the balance of
-the crowd slept on.
-
-The boats were anchored far enough apart
-to avoid striking should a wind arise. But on
-account of his desire to keep in touch with
-Josh, Jack had seen to it that the stern of each
-craft was drawn toward the other. In this
-fashion then they could have shaken hands by
-leaning over the intervening foot or so of
-water.
-
-It so happened that while Jack was devoting
-most of his attention to the watery expanse
-that stretched away toward the east, Josh on
-the other hand found the neighboring island
-more interesting.
-
-Each acted on his own idea as to the nature
-of the danger that might come upon them.
-With Josh it was the peril that stalks during
-the middle of the night, and frightens men
-through its connection with spectral forms.
-Jack, on the other hand, suspected that Clarence
-and his crony, Bully Joe, might be planning
-some sort of a mean raid, that would spoil
-the pleasure of the motor boat club.
-
-“Jack!” whispered the occupant of the
-*Comfort* in a hoarse voice.
-
-“Well, what do you want?” replied the
-other lad, serenely.
-
-“I am sure I heard a suspicious noise ashore
-just then!” Josh continued.
-
-“Oh! rats! You’re always hearing things,
-Josh. Like as not it was only a poor old ’coon,
-hunting around on the beach for a fish that
-has been cast up. Get it off your mind. It’s
-only a little time longer, and then you to
-dreamland.”
-
-“There it goes again, Jack! Didn’t you
-catch it that time? I tell you it means something.
-Hark! now will you believe me?”
-
-Josh was growing more and more excited.
-He even raised his voice above the low tone in
-which up to now they had conversed. But
-small danger of any of those sound sleepers
-being so easily awakened. It would require a
-shaking to accomplish that.
-
-Jack certainly did hear the sounds now.
-These consisted of a strange clacking, the
-nature of which it was impossible to guess.
-Then would come a plain, unmistakable groan!
-No wonder poor Josh shivered, and turned
-cold with apprehension, considering what his
-recent belief had been.
-
-“Oh, my! there’s sure something moving
-up there, Jack! Don’t you see it—over by
-that place where we saw the silver birch?
-Watch it, Jack! There, look! look!” and as
-he spoke Josh raised his voice still more until
-it almost became a shout.
-
-Movements told that he had finally succeeded
-in arousing the sleep squad. Nick was
-heard to yawn, and grumble, as usual; while
-Herb poked his head out from the side curtains
-to ask what all the row meant.
-
-“Didn’t I tell you it would come?” shouted
-Josh suddenly. “Just look there on that
-blamed island, and see what we get for sticking
-here! Now laugh at me for believing in
-ghosts, will you? Herb, can’t we cut the
-anchor rope, and make a quick getaway?
-Please say yes, because I’m that scared I’m
-shaking all over!”
-
-And every eye was by this time glued upon
-the strange spectacle ashore that had given
-poor Josh his fright.
-
-CHAPTER IX—THE GHOST OF THE ISLAND
-==================================
-
-“Wow! it’s sure a banshee!” whooped
-Jimmie.
-
-“A-am I dreaming, fellows?” exclaimed
-Herb, rubbing his eyes desperately.
-
-“O-oh! look at it shake its fist at us, would
-you! It’s ten feet high, if it’s one!” came
-from the quivering lips of Buster.
-
-But Jack as yet had not said a word, though
-he was staring just as hard at the remarkable
-sight ashore as any of them. It was something
-different from anything that had ever
-before crossed his path. Perhaps Jack might
-have felt a little chilly sensation as he looked;
-but he was not at all frightened.
-
-Up on the rise of the mysterious island there
-had appeared a dim figure that seemed, just as
-Nick vowed, to be all of ten feet in height. At
-first it was like a curling column of smoke,
-when a certain kind of wood has been thrown
-on the fire. Then it seemed to take form, and
-change to a flickering yellow glow.
-
-The groaning sounds continued all the
-while, as though this disturbed spirit from
-the other world might be in great pain. And
-certainly the figure was waving one of its
-arms as though waving them off.
-
-All of this Jack saw, yet no panic gripped
-him as it seemed to do the rest, who were
-crouching there, staring, and gasping for
-breath.
-
-“Jimmie, hand me my shotgun, and let’s
-see if it can stand Number Threes!”
-
-Jack called this out in a loud, clear voice.
-Not that he wanted the gun to any great extent;
-but he had an object in saying it.
-
-But Jimmie really believed he meant what
-he said. While he groped for the gun he was
-saying aloud:
-
-“Sure, now, ’tis mesilf as doan’t belave ye
-kin knock the daylight out of that banshee
-wid little shots, Jack, darlint. But if so be ye
-mane to thry, take the gun, while I shut me
-eyes.”
-
-“’Tain’t any use,” broke in George; “the
-thing’s disappeared!”
-
-And so it had, vanishing as mysteriously as
-it had come, and leaving only a black void in
-front of them. Even that steady groaning had
-stopped, proving conclusively that it had had
-to do with the appearance of the spectre.
-
-Jack laughed, to the utter astonishment of
-the rest.
-
-“I don’t see anything funny about this business,”
-complained Nick.
-
-“Well, p’raps you fellers will quit quizzing
-me after that experience!” said Josh, with
-just a little ring of triumph in his unsteady
-voice.
-
-“And will you please stop shaking that
-way?” remarked George. “For you make the
-boat rock the worst kind. It was bad enough
-seeing that blessed thing, without taking a
-header overboard right now.”
-
-“Jack, what makes you laugh?” asked quiet
-Herb, who knew that the other would not
-have acted in the way he did unless with good
-and sufficient cause.
-
-“Do you really want to know?” asked Jack,
-quietly.
-
-Somehow the fact that one of their number
-did not seem to be affected by the panic that
-had swept over the rest began to make George
-and Jimmie ashamed.
-
-“Sure we do, Jack,” remarked the latter,
-eagerly.
-
-“I was laughing because it was so funny to
-see how our fine ghost bobbed out of sight the
-very instant I called to Jimmie to hand me my
-Marlin,” said Jack.
-
-“Oh! I see now!” cried George; “you mean
-that ghosts needn’t be afraid of a handful of
-bird shot. Is that it, Jack?”
-
-“That’s what I meant. I’ve read lots of
-ghost stories, just like Josh here; though I
-never believed them for one minute. But in
-every case the fellow who tells the yarn declares
-that bullets have no effect at all on real
-goblins. Am I right, Josh?”
-
-“It’s true, every word of it, Jack!” the
-other answered, promptly. “Why, I’ve heard
-where a soldier whacked the head off a ghost,
-who coolly picked it up and stuck it on again
-as neat as you please. Oh! no, they needn’t
-be afraid of little bird shot, not a bit of it.”
-
-“Well, this ghost was timid, you see,” Jack
-proceeded. “He fell over just as soon as I
-called out about my gun.”
-
-“Look here, you mean something by that,
-sure you do!” remarked Herb.
-
-“Fellers, he’s hinting that it was a job set
-up on us—that’s what Jack means,” declared
-Nick.
-
-“Out with it, Jack. Don’t you see that
-we’re all in a blue funk over this queer deal?
-If you know anything, share it with your
-pards,” said Herb.
-
-“That’s it,” observed Josh, who had by now
-somewhat recovered from his fright; “put us
-wise old commodore. What d’ye think it was,
-now?”
-
-“I’ll tell you, boys,” Jack said, impressively.
-“In my opinion, honest Injun, now, somebody
-was trying to frighten us away from
-here.”
-
-“Say, it did wave its long, bony arm, all
-right!” exclaimed Josh.
-
-“We all saw that,” Herb put in; “but what
-do you suppose anybody would want to make
-us move our anchorage so much as to go to all
-that fuss and feathers to scare us?”
-
-“Well,” answered Jack, “that’s a thing I
-can just tell—yet! You all admit it did keep
-waving its arms. And you heard those lovely
-groans stop just at the same time the thing
-disappeared. I thought I heard a sound like
-something falling to the ground. Did anybody
-else get that?”
-
-“I heard some noise,” admitted George.
-“But, Jack, you certain must have some little
-suspicion about who engineered this silly
-game, if it was a set-up job?”
-
-“Well, Josh saw a boat,” calmly remarked
-the one addressed.
-
-“Listen to that, would you?” exclaimed
-Nick. “He means that it was Clarence who
-got up that cute game right now—Clarence,
-our old friend of the baseball diamond. And
-perhaps the ghost that groaned was only
-Bully Joe. Fellers, it sound good to me.”
-
-“Well, it would be just like Tricky Clarence,
-as sure as you live!” admitted Herb, who
-had possibly been the least alarmed of the
-five.
-
-“But why should he want us to vacate?”
-demanded Josh, who disliked very much to
-give up his pet illusion, and believe that the
-ghost was only the result of a clumsy trick on
-the part of some person or persons unknown.
-
-“Perhaps he wants this fine little cove himself,”
-suggested George.
-
-“That hardly fills the bill,” Jack went on.
-“He might think to get even for some of the
-times we’ve won out in the past. I tell you
-right now I’m bothered to understand it.”
-
-“Do we clear out in the morning, then?”
-asked Herb.
-
-“I hope you won’t say yes to that, fellows.
-In the first place, it goes against my grain
-to be chased away by Clarence Macklin or
-anybody else, who has no right to order us
-around. And then again, there are some things
-I’d like to look into connected with this queer
-affair.”
-
-When Jack talked like that he knew the
-others would fall in with his wishes; for they
-had long ago come to look upon him as a
-leader.
-
-“Oh! we’ll stick it out if you say so, Jack,”
-declared George. “But you ought to tell us
-anything else you’ve got on your mind.”
-
-“There was one thing that puzzled me,”
-Jack continued. “It happened while Josh was
-dozing, or else looking somewhere else, for he
-didn’t seem to notice it. And I didn’t say anything,
-because there was no use waking the
-rest of you up then.”
-
-“But what was it, Jack?” questioned Kick.
-
-“Why, we settled it in our minds that the
-old island was uninhabited, didn’t we boys?”
-asked the other.
-
-“That’s so,” several hastened to declare.
-
-“Well, about half an hour ago, as I chanced
-to turn my head and look that way, I caught
-sight of a dim light moving along near the
-ground. It would disappear, and then come
-in view again, all the while moving.”
-
-“Now, I’ve seen just such a funny light,
-when a man with a lantern was walking
-through the woods,” burst out Herb.
-
-“Just what I settled it in my mind that
-was,” chuckled Jack. “But it wasn’t so
-strange that some one should be ashore, and I
-didn’t let it bother me any. After what has
-happened, though, you can see it must have
-meant something.”
-
-“That’s a fact,” admitted George. “And,
-fellows, I’m coming around to Jack’s way of
-thinking. I just bet Tricky Clarence was behind
-that show.”
-
-“Oh! well, let’s try to forget it for tonight,”
-Jack observed; “and as it’s now just one
-o’clock, George and Nick will have to take their
-turn on guard.”
-
-“Sure,” replied Buster, cheerfully. “Sleep
-and me have parted company for the rest of
-this night, after what I saw. So it’s me for a
-four hour stretch; Herb, you can snooze right
-along till sun-up, if you want.”
-
-“Oh! can I? Thanks,” laughed the one addressed,
-with a touch of skepticism in his
-voice; for he knew only too well what a difference
-there was between Buster’s promises
-and the keeping of them; he always meant
-well, but found the flesh weak.
-
-And it proved just as wise Herb supposed
-would be the case; when the time came for
-George to go off duty he found Nick fast
-asleep; so that Herb had to be aroused by repeated
-calls and punching of the side of the
-*Comfort*.
-
-Then daylight came; but according to Jack’s
-arrangements no one was aroused until the
-hour of five, when the sun was well up. July
-days are long indeed in this northern clime,
-and the twilight lingers until nearly nine in
-the evening.
-
-“Who’s going to try the fishing today?”
-asked Jack, as they were partaking of their
-bacon and egg breakfast, a supply of the hen
-fruit having been obtained on the previous
-day from a Canadian farmer, near whose
-place the little fleet of motor boats had stopped.
-
-“Why, Herb and myself talked of going,
-if so be you’d post us about the best trolling
-ground,” George remarked.
-
-“Tell you all I know about it,” replied
-Jack, readily enough. “But if you are lucky
-enough to strike a big musky like the one I
-got, you’ll have your hands full. Better take
-the gaff hook along. I wished many times yesterday
-I had it.”
-
-“Will we, George?” asked Herb, in a vein
-of sarcasm.
-
-“Catch me putting my hand on a pirate like
-that while he’s got an ounce of fight left in
-him,” the other declared. “Why, one snap
-of those jaws and he’d take your whole paw
-off, sure. Yes, give us the gaff hook, or we
-don’t go.”
-
-“Then you don’t intend to keep us company?”
-asked Herb of Jack.
-
-“I think I’ll just hang around here this
-morning, boys.”
-
-“Oh! all right. I can see with half an eye
-that you’ve got something up your sleeve,
-Jack; but post us when the show comes off,
-won’t you?” George remarked, laughingly.
-
-An hour later, long after the two ambitious
-fishermen had departed in their little rowboats
-for a siege of trolling along the lonely
-shores of the island, Jack quietly stepped into
-his own dinky, and paddled ashore.
-
-“Now what can he be up to?” Nick asked
-Josh, as they looked after the other.
-
-“Give me something easy, will you?” replied
-that worthy. “But all the same, I noticed
-that Jack was careful to take his gun
-along.”
-
-“But he can’t shoot any game now; the law
-is on nearly everything, you know. And up
-here the wardens are always on the lookout for
-poachers,” Nick continued.
-
-“Oh, shucks!” Josh complained, “you don’t
-see through a millstone, even when it’s got a
-big hole in it. Can’t you understand that Jack
-is bent on looking up that ghost business?
-Wonder if it was Tricky Clarence at the back
-of it. Gee! but when I first set eyes on the
-same I really thought it was a dead sure spirit
-of some old Injun chief come back from the
-Happy Hunting Grounds to warn us away.”
-
-“Huh! I noticed that you hung on to that
-same idea to the bitter end,” Nick continued
-pugnaciously. “Right now, I bet you believe
-deep down in your silly heart, it was a regular
-hobgoblin. Oh! I know you all right, Josh
-Purdue; and you’ve got a scary heart all right.
-But I saw, just as soon as Jack spoke up, how
-we’d been fooled by Clarence. Wait till he
-comes back, and he’ll prove it.”
-
-“I’d like to know how?” demanded Josh.
-“Expect him to interview that *thing*, and get
-a written confession? I’m just wondering
-what we’ll run up against if we’re bound to
-stay here in this cove another night.”
-
-“Piffle!” scoffed Nick. “What about guns,
-hey, tell me that? Ghosts don’t appear to like
-guns much, do they? Jack says not, and Jack,
-he ought to know. Stay here? Of course we
-will; a week, two of ’em, if we feel like it!”
-
-“Oh! yes, how brave some people are in the
-middle of the day, when the sun’s shining,”
-jeered Josh. “But wait; that’s all! I expect
-to see you get the scare of your life tonight,
-don’t you know. If that *thing* gets real mad,
-and digs in for us you needn’t bother worrying
-about taking on any more fat, because
-you’ll shake that hard you’ll lose pounds and
-pounds! But let’s wait till Jack comes back,
-and find out what he’s discovered. I’ve got
-a good notion to follow him ashore, if I can
-pull up the anchor and beach the *Comfort*.
-Watch how I manage it.”
-
-CHAPTER X—FOLLOWING A TRAIL
-===========================
-
-Josh found his little plan was not hard of
-accomplishment. All he had to do was to push
-the *Wireless* around, after letting out all the
-cable connected with the anchor, when he was
-able to jump ashore.
-
-He took with him another rope that was fastened
-to the stern of the motor boat, and this
-he fastened to the nearest tree. Now, when he
-wanted to go aboard, all he had to do was to
-unfasten this latter hawser, climb over the side,
-and draw the *Wireless* back to her original
-anchorage.
-
-“Good boy!” cried Nick, who had been a
-close observer of this clever little game. “You
-go up head. When it comes to dodges like
-that, you take the cake.”
-
-It was not often that Josh heard a compliment
-from this source, and he had to stop and
-wave his hand toward the cook of the *Comfort*,
-before following after Jack.
-
-He had not gone twenty feet before he discovered
-the object of his concern, who appeared
-to be bending over something that
-seemed to greatly interest him.
-
-“Hello! there, what’ve you found, Jack?
-Signs of a diamond mine, or traces of the ice
-age they tell us about?” Josh demanded, as
-he reached the side of the other.
-
-“Hello yourself, Josh,” replied Jack, looking
-up with a smile, as though pleased because
-he was to have some one to talk to, and possibly
-confer with. “Well, no, I can’t just say that
-either of your guesses comes anywhere near
-the truth. I’m only examining a trail.”
-
-“What’s that? Then this old island hasn’t
-always been as deserted as it looks right now,
-if people sometimes drop ashore here?” remarked
-Josh, his interest at once aroused.
-
-“Look here and tell me what you see,” the
-other lad continued, as he pointed to the
-ground near his feet.
-
-“Say, as sure as you live, it is, for a fact,”
-exclaimed Josh. “Looks like they’d done a
-heap of passing up and down this way, too.
-D’ye know, Jack, I wondered what those marks
-on the little beach meant, and now I understand.
-Boats, that’s what; boats that have
-been drawn up there when the water was
-higher than it is now.”
-
-“Yes, I saw them,” said Jack, quietly. “In
-fact, I looked to find such marks on the sand.
-And this broad trail began there, too.”
-
-“Oh! I’m beginning to tumble to a few
-things. I guess that in the season, this same
-tight little island may be a place for duck
-shooters to hold out. Perhaps we might even
-find an old deserted shanty somewhere back
-yonder in which they camp out during the
-blustery fall months.”
-
-“Hold on, Josh,” remarked Jack. “Is that
-all you know about signs?”
-
-“Why, whatever do you mean?” asked the
-other, puzzled.
-
-“Take another squint at these marks, and
-then tell me what you think, Josh.”
-
-“Say, I tumble to what you mean!” exclaimed
-Josh, after he had bent down once
-more. “You expect me to say that if these
-marks had been made months ago, with a winter’s
-ice and snow, and a summer’s heavy rains,
-they’d have been washed out long ago. And
-so they would, Jack, so they would. You’re
-right about it. They’ve been made lately!
-They look fresh, for a fact!”
-
-“Now you’re tumbling to facts, Josh. Remember,
-we had a big downpour just three
-days ago, don’t you?” Jack went on.
-
-“Sure I do. And you’re on to that, too. But
-I grab your meaning now, all right. There are
-marks here that must have been made since
-that rain.”
-
-“Well, what do you say about it now?” continued
-the boy who could read signs.
-
-“Instead of duck shooters they’re fishermen,”
-observed Josh, calmly. “Yes, and you
-remember how those three boats came along,
-and the men in each stared so hard at us?
-Jack, I see it all now. We just happened in a
-favorite place of theirs, and they didn’t like
-it for a cent. Why, they even tried to scare us
-off with that silly ghost business that gave
-poor old Pudding such a fright.”
-
-Jack only smiled.
-
-“Well,” he said, “suppose we follow this
-trail for a bit. I have an idea it will lead us
-to the very place where I thought I saw a moving
-light, like a swinging lantern, last night.”
-
-Josh was eager to keep step with him; but
-there was no trouble experienced in picking up
-the trail, so plainly marked were the tracks.
-
-“There it is, Jack!” exclaimed Josh, suddenly;
-for he had been looking ahead all the
-time his companion kept his eyes fixed on the
-ground.
-
-“It is a shanty of some sort, isn’t it?” remarked
-Jack, without much emotion; for he
-had been absolutely positive as to what they
-would discover, so that the announcement did
-not excite him.
-
-“Why, yes, a tumbledown sort of a shack,”
-observed Josh, with a trace of disappointment
-about his manner. “I’d pity the fellows who
-spent a rainy day in such a rookery. Why,
-the roof is falling in at one end; and the door
-hangs on one rusty hinge.”
-
-Jack saw all these things as quickly as did
-his companion, even though he failed to cry out
-and express himself as vehemently as Josh
-took pains to do.
-
-“Old dilapidated cabin as it is, note one
-thing, will you,” he remarked.
-
-“You mean that the tracks lead up to the
-door, is that it, Jack?”
-
-“Well, yes,” the other continued, “but just
-notice that there’s a rusty padlock on the door.
-Stop and think if that doesn’t look queer, considering
-that if anybody wanted to get in, all
-they’d have to do would be to knock that one
-hinge, and the whole door would drop flat?”
-
-“Say, that makes me laugh, for a fact,”
-Josh chuckled. “But it’s just what you’d expect
-to run across up among these simple people
-of the border. They make me think of the
-ostrich. Don’t you know we read the silly
-thing just sticks its head in a little bush, and
-thinks because it can’t see anything that it’s
-got a bully hiding place.”
-
-“Yes, that sort of covers the bill,” said Jack.
-“I guess this padlock is only meant to tell
-people who have no business here that they
-are not wanted inside this shack. It stands
-as a warning. To enter after that would be a
-breach of the rights to property, as Lawyer
-George would say.”
-
-“Looky here, would you!” cried Josh, presently,
-while his companion was prowling
-around, and peeping through a hole in the wall,
-as though curious to know what the interior
-of the cabin looked like.
-
-“What have you found now?” asked Jack,
-who was himself wondering why that new single
-trail had been made, coming out of the
-dense bushes at the back of the hut, and showing
-signs of recent passage, which somehow
-he could not help connecting with the flash of
-that lantern on the preceding night.
-
-“The bally old lock don’t hold even a little
-bit,” announced Josh, as though that circumstance
-added to his hilarity. “See, I can lift
-it off with one finger. It’s a fake, that’s what
-it is, Jack. But while it might fool ordinary
-people, it can’t a live Yankee. Now what
-d’ye say to going in?”
-
-Jack laughed as though amused at the reasoning
-of his chum, and remarked:
-
-“I see you think we wouldn’t be breaking
-the law of possession if we walked in when the
-lock was out of gear. That sounds nice, Josh,
-but many a chicken thief has found that such
-a plea didn’t save him. But all the same, I’m
-going to step in and look around a bit.”
-
-“Seems to me it smells fishy around here?”
-observed Josh, sniffing eagerly.
-
-“Oh! that’s easy enough to explain,” and
-Jack pointed to several heads of black bass that
-lay near by. “Somebody has had a fish dinner,
-for there is the ash bed of a fire. It may
-have been passing sportsmen from one of the
-big hotels; then again, perhaps the people who
-made the trail also cooked a meal or two here!”
-
-Once inside the cabin he looked around.
-There was virtually nothing to see. The place
-had not a sign of furniture of any description.
-Some straw lay on the hard earthen floor, as
-though it might be made useful in case one
-wished to pass the night there.
-
-Josh almost doubled up with laughter.
-
-“This is sure the greatest joke ever,” he remarked.
-“To think of trying to keep trespassers
-out of this old trap, just like it held all
-a squatter’s possessions. Jack, what d’ye
-think the silly donkey meant by that padlock?
-Did he keep his stuff here once, and locked
-the door? I’m all in a fog.”
-
-Jack said nothing, only “browsed” around,
-as he expressed it, kicking the straw aside in
-places, only to replace it as he had found it, as
-though not wishing to leave any signs that
-trespassers had invaded the cabin of the mysterious
-island.
-
-But all the while he was thinking deeply.
-
-And once, after the laughing and scoffing
-Josh had stepped outside to look about him
-again, Jack stooped down and picked some
-object up off the earthen floor, which he seemed
-to examine with considerable curiosity before
-stowing away in one of his many pockets.
-
-“Seen all you want to of the strange palace
-of the Thousand Islands?” asked the merry
-Josh, when his companion again appeared.
-
-“Oh! yes, and I’ll put the lock back just as
-we found it,” replied the other.
-
-Then he started to follow the plain trail that
-led through the dense thicket to the rear of the
-cabin. It took him nearly twenty minutes to
-zigzag through the intricate growth, for all
-manner of obstacles caused him to turn aside,
-even as they had the one who had come and
-gone this way on the preceding night.
-
-When he finally reached the shore it was far
-around the point that jutted out above the
-cove where the motor boats were anchored.
-And after Jack had stooped down to examine
-the sandy beach, he arose with a peculiar smile,
-and a knowing shake of the head; but the only
-words he used as he walked along the sandy
-stretch near the water’s edge were:
-
-“I thought I’d find where the keel of a boat
-landed on this beach!”
-
-CHAPTER XI—BUSTER GETS AN IDEA
-==============================
-
-“Find anything new worth while, Jack?”
-asked the cook of the *Wireless*, as he got up
-from the warm sand where he had been taking
-a sun bath, while waiting for his companion
-to put in an appearance.
-
-“Oh! I don’t know,” replied the other, in
-what seemed to be a careless manner, calculated
-to put Josh off the track, and smother his
-curiosity. “One or two little things that I’m
-going to puzzle my wits over. But look here,
-the fishermen are in sight!”
-
-“Good gracious! how you scared me, Jack!”
-exclaimed Josh, whirling around to look.
-“Honest Injun, now, I thought you meant
-those rough men in the three boats, and knowing
-how guilty we were about breaking into
-their shack, I started to shiver, never having
-been arrested, you know. But it’s only George
-and Herb.”
-
-“They’ve been successful, I expect,” observed
-Jack, wisely, “because both seem to be
-trying to look disappointed; but can’t help
-glancing down in the bottom of the little
-dinkies. I reckon each has got a musky, all
-right.”
-
-“Sure we have,” remarked George, as the
-two small boats pulled in close; “and dandies
-at that. Talk to me about pull; that pirate
-was a hummer.”
-
-“But, George, you know he didn’t come up
-to mine,” remarked Herb.
-
-“Well, I rather guess not, Herb,” grinned
-the other. “I suppose you notice, fellows, that
-my comrade has been in swimming. Funny
-part of it is, he never even bothered taking
-his clothes off when the notion struck him.”
-
-“Well, it came right sudden, for a fact,”
-laughed Herb. “That big muskalunge was
-tearing around like the dickens, when swoop!
-he took a turn under my boat, and in my haste
-to swing around, I upset.”
-
-“Wow!” cried Nick, “Oh, why wasn’t I
-there to see the fun? I’m always missing all
-the good things, seems to me.”
-
-“But you hung on to your rod, apparently,”
-remarked Jack; “seeing that you got your
-game in the end.”
-
-“That’s just what he did,” declared George
-with sincere admiration. “You know our
-friend Herb has a touch of stubbornness in his
-make-up. No measly old musky that ever
-swam in the St. Lawrence was going to get the
-better of him in an argument. He hung to
-that rod even while he went under. It was the
-greatest thing I ever saw, for a fact; but he
-managed it fine, let me tell you.”
-
-“Tell us how?” begged Nick, breathlessly.
-
-“All right,” answered George. “You see,
-the little dinky had turned turtle when it
-dropped Herb out; so there it was, floating
-beside him, bottom-side up. Would you believe
-it, that fellow just climbed up over the
-stern, and straddled the boat as he kept on
-playing that fish as cool as you please.”
-
-“Great! Hurrah for our Herb! He’s the
-champion fisherman; only, because we haven’t
-got a photograph of that game fight to show,
-be careful how you tell the boys when we get
-home,” remarked Josh.
-
-“While he played the fish I picked up his
-paddle,” George went on. “And when he got
-the musky in where I could gaff him, we
-pushed ashore, so he could turn his boat over
-again. Then, as each of us had a prize, we
-thought we might as well quit for the day.
-What you doing ashore, fellows?”
-
-“Jack wanted to nose around, that’s all,”
-Josh hastened to say. “Found an old shack
-up in the woods here. Guess that spook lives
-there when he doesn’t want to be seen. Funniest
-thing, though, he keeps an old rusty useless
-padlock on the broken door. But there
-wasn’t anything worth while to be seen. Jack
-followed some tracks he found; that seemed to
-amuse him.”
-
-Josh went aboard, pushed the *Wireless* out,
-and presently the skipper joined him.
-
-“Any other news?” asked Nick.
-
-“Oh, yes,” said Herb, stopping in the act of
-changing his soaked clothes for dry ones. “I
-forgot to say we saw that boat again.”
-
-“What’s that? Do you mean the mysterious,
-dark, piratical craft that, believe me,
-ought to be flying the skull and crossbones at
-her stern?” demanded Nick.
-
-“The same,” Herb replied promptly. “She
-flashed by us while we were trolling, though at
-some little distance. And, fellows, as sure as
-you live, Clarence was at the wheel, though
-neither of us could see a thing of Bully Joe.
-I thought Clarence looked scared, for he was
-awful white; but George declared he was only
-in one of his mad fits. We know what they
-stand for, don’t we?”
-
-“Did you call out to him?” asked Jack,
-quickly.
-
-“I did,” replied George, “and dared him to
-accept a challenge to race the *Wireless*. I
-thought he was going to answer me; but he
-only turned his head and stared. But it was
-Clarence, all right. I give you my word on
-that.”
-
-“Now, what d’ye know about that?” observed
-Nick; “dodging around like that, and
-declining to even speak! Generally Clarence
-is always ready enough to get into a hot argument.
-And you’d just think he’d be wild to
-take you up on that challenge business, George.
-It beats me all hollow, now.”
-
-“And even that ain’t all,” added George.
-
-“What! more adventures?” cried the chagrined
-Nick. “I tell you it ain’t fair for everybody
-to get in the lime light, and leave poor
-me in the lurch. What have I done to deserve
-this? Say, I hope you fellows ain’t holding
-that silly thing up against me yet, about betraying
-our secrets to the enemy, and all that
-rot, you know? That would be mean.”
-
-“Oh! shucks, cut it out, Buster,” said Josh;
-“and let George tell us what else happened.
-This mystery is getting on my nerves, I tell
-you, boys. Go on, proceed, George, old chum.
-Give us the harrowing details.”
-
-“You won’t find much to alarm you in this,”
-laughed the other. “Only, while we were fishing
-a boat came along, and it had two men in
-it. They rowed up close, and we could see they
-had a fishing rod in action. The one who held
-it kept watching us as sharp as the mischief.
-He spoke to us pleasant like, and asked a few
-questions about our luck, how we happened
-to be so far over toward the Canada side, if
-we expected to move away soon to new grounds,
-and such things.”
-
-“Did you recognize the boat, or the men,
-George?” asked Jack, quietly.
-
-“Herb and myself talked that over afterwards;
-until his tumble overboard knocked it
-all out of our heads. And we thought that
-perhaps those men were one of those couples
-we saw yesterday, passing here and staring in
-at us.”
-
-“Say, perhaps they may have been Canadian
-custom officers, who patrol the river to keep
-American fishermen off their side,” suggested
-Nick.
-
-“That might be,” George said. “We thought
-of that; but they didn’t give us any warning.
-And besides, from the chart we’ve got we’ve
-learned that this island is American territory
-all right, you know.”
-
-“Oh! well, what’s the use of bothering our
-heads over it,” declared Herb, from inside the
-outing shirt he was pulling over his head.
-
-“That’s right!” cried Josh. “Fling away
-dull care while the sun shines, and we’ve got
-enough grub left to keep Nick here from starving
-to death.”
-
-When the fat boy was not looking, Josh
-reached down, and took hold of some object
-he had smuggled aboard without the others noticing
-the fact. It was a length of old tin
-waterpipe that he had found up alongside the
-deserted shanty, and which had evidently been
-useful at some time in the past, to convey the
-water from the roof to a spot where it would
-not back into the cabin.
-
-This old pipe was possibly six feet in length;
-and to the mind of a practical joker like Josh
-it presented some alluring possibilities.
-
-Swinging it upward when Nick was not
-looking, he managed to bridge the watery gap
-between the *Wireless* and the *Comfort*, and
-quickly called in a sepulchral tone through
-the novel speaking-tube:
-
-“Hello! down there! Give me connection
-with Buster Longfellow! I’m the ghost that
-walks in the night. I want to have a heart-to-heart
-confab with Buster!”
-
-“What you trying to do, give me heart disease,
-or an attack of delirium tremens?” exclaimed
-Nick, who had started violently upon
-hearing that muffled sound so close to his ear.
-“Say, you don’t know how queer that does
-go. Talk about your megaphones! That tube
-carries sound to beat the Dutch. I wonder
-now—gee!”
-
-“Hello! What ails Pudding? Look, fellows,
-the poor fellow’s got an idea, and it
-seems so strange that he don’t know what to
-do with it!” jeered Josh.
-
-“Huh! don’t I?” replied the fat boy, whose
-face had turned pale, and then rosy red. “You
-just wait and see. Perhaps you’ll say it was
-an inspiration some fine day. And no use to
-josh me about it, for I ain’t going to squeal
-one little bit. But, oh, my! I wonder if that
-could just be so! This is the second time it’s
-give me a start. If Aleck only does what I
-asked him!”
-
-He stuck to his word about saying no more;
-and although Josh kept on teasing him for
-quite some time, Nick kept his lips resolutely
-closed on that subject.
-
-The balance of the day passed away without
-anything happening that seemed out of the
-way. They saw nothing more of the mysterious
-dark boat; nor did any small craft come
-prowling around to have the occupants glower
-at them, as though begrudging them their
-pleasant anchorage just on the edge of that
-little cove.
-
-Supper was a great success. Josh fairly
-outdid himself in cooking the fish, all of them
-going ashore on the beach to where he had
-made a camp fire. And afterwards they sat
-around, telling stories, and singing many of
-their favorite school songs, until the hour grew
-late.
-
-When they went aboard, the night was
-dark; for it seemed to cloud up at sundown
-almost every evening now. All of them were
-busily employed getting their blankets arranged
-for sleeping, and the two who were to
-keep first watch had even settled down comfortably
-in their places; when to their ears
-came the sudden rapid popping that would
-indicate the presence of a motor boat in the
-near vicinity.
-
-“Oh! look, fellows!” exclaimed Nick, as
-from around the point a dazzling glow suddenly
-shone, bearing down rapidly straight
-toward them.
-
-CHAPTER XII—YANKEE STUBBORNNESS
-===============================
-
-The most tremendous excitement reigned
-aboard every one of the three anchored motor
-boats, when it was seen that the bright white
-light was headed straight for them.
-
-“He’s going to smash us!” whooped Josh.
-
-“Hey, hold off there, Clarence! Don’t be a
-fool!” shouted George.
-
-Herb and Nick could not find their voices
-at all, to make the least sign; and there was
-a cause for their feeling more alarmed than
-any of the rest. It happened that in arranging
-their anchorage the *Comfort* came further
-out than either of the other boats. Hence, she
-was more in direct line with the swiftly advancing
-speed boat than either the *Wireless* or
-the *Tramp*.
-
-But if Nick could not use his tongue he certainly
-could use his limbs; and the way he
-threw himself over to the port side of the
-roomy *Comfort* was worth seeing. There he
-crouched, hugging the railing, and ready for
-a plunge overboard should the expected collision
-take place.
-
-But just when it seemed as though the sharp
-prow, which they fully believed must belong
-to the *Flash*, was about to cut through the
-stern of the helpless *Comfort*, the hand at the
-wheel must have diverted her course just a
-trifle, for she shot past like an arrow, almost
-grazing the varnished side of the broad-beamed
-launch.
-
-While that dazzling glow from the acetylene
-searchlight shone in their faces, none of the
-boys could make out anything with certainty.
-On comparing notes afterwards they were unable
-to declare whether the dim figure at the
-wheel was Clarence or some other; though
-Nick did say he heard a low chuckling laugh
-as the phantom boat passed, which he knew
-was a favorite way of expressing pleasure on
-the part of the Macklin boy.
-
-“That was a close shave, sure!” remarked
-Jack, as coolly as he could.
-
-They could hear the rapidly retreating rattle
-of the exhaust of the “pirate boat,” as
-some of them liked to call the other craft; but
-as it was circling around the island, apparently,
-all other signs of its presence had vanished.
-
-“Too close for comfort!” gasped Herb.
-
-“Listen to him joking at such a time!” remarked
-Josh, thinking Herb meant to apply
-his remark to the name of the boat, when,
-truth to tell, that was the last thing to occur
-to him.
-
-“Believe me, fellows, I confess that I’m
-quivering like a leaf,” said Nick, “and it ain’t
-cowardice, either. Brave men tremble after
-the danger is over, cravens before. You noticed
-that I wasn’t paralyzed with fright,
-didn’t you? I could think, and lay out a plan
-of escape. That proves I wasn’t really scared
-then.”
-
-“But,” declared Herb, indignantly, “whatever
-did they mean doing that? Why, if that
-sharp nose of the *Flash* had ever banged into
-us, going like she was, we’d have been cut in
-two! It’s criminal, that’s what, fellows!”
-
-“Oh!” Jack remarked, “to tell the truth, I
-don’t think Clarence would be such a fool to
-take such chances as that. In the first place
-he might kill one of us. And then again, you
-know, his boat would be sure to suffer, too, and
-might be wrecked.”
-
-“That sounds reasonable, Jack,” admitted
-George; “but whatever do you suppose
-tempted him to do that crazy thing?”
-
-“Well, he might think it a good lark,” was
-the reply. “And then again, there may have
-been some other reason pushing him on, which
-we don’t know anything about as yet. I’m
-going to try and think out an explanation, and
-if I hit a hot trail I’ll tell you about it, boys.”
-
-“That means Jack’s got an idea,” said Nick.
-
-“All right,” spoke up Josh, instantly.
-“Don’t think you’re the only one in the bunch
-who can have such things, Buster.”
-
-“But what if they circle around the island,
-and come down booming at us again?” ventured
-the nervous Herb.
-
-“I don’t believe that will happen,” Jack
-replied, seriously. “But if you feel anxious,
-just pull further into the cove, Herb, and he
-couldn’t strike you then.”
-
-“I tell you what I’m going to do,” declared
-the impulsive George. “I’m on the first watch,
-and I want you to let me have that Marlin
-scatter-gun of yours, Jack. If that fool bursts
-out from behind that point again, and heads
-for us at full speed, I declare to goodness if I
-don’t bang away, and touch him up with bird-shot
-a few. He deserves such a lesson.”
-
-“But why should Clarence want to scare us
-away from here?” asked Nick.
-
-That was what Jack was himself wrestling
-with, and he waited to find out if any of his
-mates put forth an answer; but they seemed
-to be unable to grapple with the puzzle, for no
-one spoke.
-
-“My boat is heading that way, and I’m
-going to light my glim. Then if he tries his
-funny business again, I’ll spot him in good
-time,” George remarked.
-
-It was some time before the excitement died
-away. Even after those who were entitled to
-sleep had lain down, they would raise their
-heads at the least suspicious sound. Did a
-wavelet lap the adjacent beach, Nick was sure
-to bob up and look about him in alarm. When
-an owl started to call out “Whoo! whoo!” from
-a tree on the dark island, he sat up instantly,
-and seemed almost ready to crawl over the
-side of the boat into the water.
-
-But nothing happened, and gradually silence
-fell upon the three anchored boats.
-George and Jimmie gave way to Jack and
-Nick when several hours had passed; and
-finally Herb and Josh wound up the night.
-
-When morning came, the boys joked one
-another over their red eyes, showing that,
-after all, none of them could have secured
-much comforting sleep.
-
-“I suppose we’re going to pick up our mudhooks
-today and climb out of this?” suggested
-Josh, as they were enjoying breakfast.
-
-All of them looked at Jack, who smiled.
-
-“Suppose we put it to a vote, fellows,” he
-said. “All those in favor of scuttling out of
-this, like dogs with their tails between their
-legs, simply because certain parties want us
-to move, signify it by raising their hands.”
-
-Not one went up; even Josh, who had
-seemed inclined that way, upon ascertaining
-that Nick declined to show the white feather,
-allowed his half raised hand to drop again.
-
-“Contrary, no, raise their hands!”
-
-And six of them went up like a shot.
-
-“Do we vacate?” asked the fat boy, sarcastically,
-turning on Josh. “Nixey. And the
-more they try to scare us off, the closer we
-stick. Ain’t it so, fellows?”
-
-“Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute!”
-spoke up George, grandly.
-
-“Remember the old story of the battle between
-the wind and the sun, don’t you?” asked
-Herb, who was always bringing into play
-fables and yarns he had soaked in during his
-younger days.
-
-“No; what was that, Herb?” asked Jack.
-
-“Why, they got into a dispute as to which
-of them was the stronger, and decided to settle
-it on a traveler. So the wind began to blow
-harder and harder; but the traveler just
-wrapped his cloak the tighter about him. Then
-the sun started to try, and as it got hotter
-and hotter, first the traveler unfastened his
-cloak, and then threw it off altogether. So
-the bully old sun won out, after all.”
-
-“Hear! hear!” cried George; “that is a
-good illustration, Herb. You see, fellows, he
-means that we ain’t going to be chased away
-by hard knocks and bluffing; but if some one
-would come and ask us politely to vacate, and
-give us a good reason why we ought to move
-along, we’d do it willingly. That’s the Yankee
-policy.”
-
-“Then, as we’re going to be here for another
-day, anyhow, suppose Jimmie and me take a
-turn after the muskies?” suggested Nick.
-
-“It’s only fair you should have a chance,”
-Jack observed; “but you can see what risk
-there always is in one of the clumsy little
-punkin-seed boats, when handling a big fish.”
-
-“You forget that I can swim like a duck,
-Jack!” observed Buster, proudly.
-
-“All the same,” Jack went on, seriously,
-“you know you’re not quite as spry as some
-of us; and I hope you will keep that life preserver
-on all the time. This water is deep, and
-the current makes it treacherous.”
-
-“Oh! I promise that, sure,” Nick assented.
-“Between us, believe me, I meant to carry
-that bally old cork life preserver along, anyway.
-Jimmie might take a crab while rowing,
-and upset. There’s no telling, you know. All
-right, us for the grand sport today, Jimmie.
-And now, post us about the place, Jack, and
-just how you do the business.”
-
-“Wouldn’t I just give a cookie to see Buster
-fast to a hustler like I had on yesterday,”
-chuckled Herb.
-
-“Well,” remarked the fat boy, coolly, “it
-would do you good, I guess. You’d know how
-to manage, after that, so as not to let a measly
-fish upset your boat. It takes brains to be a
-successful fisherman, Herb, real brains.”
-
-Jack went ashore again a little later, but
-none of the others seemed to care to accompany
-him, being satisfied to lie around, taking
-things easy, and talking of their future plans;
-for a new idea had been broached which had
-to do with an extended cruise up through the
-great lakes, rather than knock around here
-on the St. Lawrence for two full months; and
-all of them were full of suppressed excitement
-over it.
-
-If Jack made any further discoveries during
-the time he was on the island, he did not think
-to take the others into his confidence when
-he came back; but that may have been because
-just then a noisy little motor boat was heading
-straight toward the cove, and every one was
-guessing what new developments were about
-to be sprung upon them.
-
-CHAPTER XIII—THE GHOST HUNTER
-=============================
-
-“Wonder if this can be the same parties we
-met yesterday?” George remarked, as they
-watched the approach of the bustling little
-motor boat, which pushed over the water with
-a series of fierce explosions, not unlike the discharge
-of a pack of giant fire-crackers.
-
-“No, I don’t think it is,” Herb spoke up, in
-answer. “Fellow at the wheel looks like a
-Canuck guide from one of the hotels, a full-blooded
-Indian, and the man with the glasses
-and the fishing rod is more like a college professor,
-I’d say.”
-
-“That was just what I thought,” put in
-Jack.
-
-“Anyway, we’ll soon know, for they’re coming
-in, as sure as anything,” Josh added.
-
-Inside of five minutes the noisy little boat
-swung close to where the boys sat watching.
-The gentleman sitting holding the rod, and
-winding up his reel with a clicking sound,
-waved a hand in cheery greeting.
-
-“How d’ye do, boys?” he said, cordially;
-and somehow Jack rather liked the tone of his
-voice, as he also did his looks.
-
-“Any luck, sir?” he inquired, as is the custom
-at such a time.
-
-“Had two fierce strikes; but I’m afraid I’ve
-lost my cunning, for I let the beggars have a
-slack line, and lost both. Are you fishing any?
-I saw two lads in little dinkies like that one
-yonder, fishing over by the long island, and
-guessed that possibly they belonged to your
-party.”
-
-“Yes, they do,” George replied; and went
-on to tell about what luck they had had, with
-the usual pride of a successful fisherman.
-
-Jack meanwhile was not saying much, but
-observing the gentleman. It struck him that
-the other was trying to make himself very
-agreeable; and somehow he could not help
-remembering the fable that Herb had spoken
-about so recently. Having failed to scare the
-motor boat boys off by stern means, were
-milder tactics about to be adopted now?
-
-Presently the other thought he ought to
-introduce himself.
-
-“I am Professor Herman Marshland, of Ann
-Arbor,” he said, modestly.
-
-So Herb started to tell just who they were,
-and how they happened to be knocking around
-on the St. Lawrence at this time.
-
-“Have you been stopping long in this
-cove?” asked the other, in what he doubtless
-intended to have appear as a casual way; but
-Jack saw that he seemed to set more store
-by the question than surface indications would
-indicate.
-
-“Why, sure, we have, Professor,” George
-said. “We might have gone on before now,
-but we just hate to leave under fire, you see.”
-
-“Excuse me, but I hardly grasp your meaning,
-I fear,” remarked the gentleman, with
-one of his winning smiles.
-
-“Well, you see, some persons appear to have
-taken offense because we’ve monopolized their
-dandy cove here. And they’ve been trying in
-all sorts of ways to shoo us away. Last night
-they threatened to run us down with a speed
-launch that came buzzing around that point
-of the island there. And then, would you
-believe it, sir, they even went so far as to
-attempt to scare up-to-date American boys, by
-setting up a silly ghost game on us.”
-
-“What’s that you say?” remarked the gentleman,
-interrupting George. “A ghost? Now,
-that’s right in my line, you see. I’ve been
-making a study of all manner of strange and
-incomprehensible manifestations along that
-line for five years. In that time I’ve investigated
-dozens of so-called haunted houses.
-Why, you arouse my interest at once to fever
-heat, my young friends.”
-
-“And did you ever discover a real, genuine
-bona fide ghost, sir?” asked Josh.
-
-Professor Marshland smiled.
-
-“I never have,” he replied, with a forlorn
-shake of the head; “but I still live in hopes.
-What knows but what this may be the golden
-opportunity I have waited for so long? You
-must tell me all about it, boys. And afterwards
-I’ll just drop off and take a little look
-around, on my own responsibility.”
-
-Of course George and Herb were only too
-willing. Assisted by an occasional word from
-Josh, they soon told the story. Then Josh
-in turn related what he and Jack had found
-out when they investigated ashore. The college
-professor seemed deeply interested in the
-forlorn cabin, the dilapidated door of which
-was fastened by a broken padlock.
-
-“They say ghosts are peculiar in many
-things,” he remarked at the conclusion of the
-little talk. “And that might account for the
-padlock. It’s all very interesting, boys. I
-only regret that I was not here when the manifestation
-occurred. Perhaps, if I hung around
-tonight, the thing might get up courage
-enough to show again. It would repay me
-for all my trip here. I came for the fishing;
-but to catch a ghost in the act, would be positively
-refreshing, I assure you.”
-
-Jack was still watching the professor.
-While he liked the other, somehow he seemed
-to feel that there was something rather
-strange about him. He seemed to be studying
-the four lads as though seeking to read them,
-and make up his mind as to whether they were
-just what they claimed.
-
-Could it possibly be that he was connected
-with those mysterious men who seemed so
-bent on chasing the motor boat boys away
-from the lonely island?
-
-After chatting for some time, and making
-quite a favorable impression on Herb, George
-and Josh, the professor remarked that if they
-would excuse him he would step ashore, and
-take a look at the delightful old ghost cabin.
-
-Josh was just about to volunteer to accompany
-him, when he caught the quick look Jack
-cast in his direction, accompanied by a negative
-shake of the head.
-
-“If he wanted us he’d have said so, Josh,”
-came in a whisper.
-
-A minute later the gentleman, having managed
-to land, vanished amid the heavy growth
-of timber and brush.
-
-Josh looked at Jack.
-
-“Sure as you live, he’s following that trail,
-Jack,” he said.
-
-“That’s only natural,” remarked the other,
-“because, you see, it was mighty plain, as
-though lots of people had gone back and
-forth.”
-
-“Yes,” observed Josh, simply, “if them
-chaps were camping in the cabin, and going
-out fishing every day, of course they’d make
-a well-worn trail down to this cove here, where
-their boats must have been tied up. I’ve been
-thinking, Jack, that p’raps they’re engaged in
-some sort of fishing that’s illegal, such as setting
-nets against the law. Say, wouldn’t that
-be an idea now? And if true, it must explain
-just why they watched us so close. They
-thought we might be wardens getting on the
-track of their business. How’s that for a
-guess, fellows?”
-
-“Sounds kind of fishy,” remarked George.
-
-“Scaly, I should say,” Herb spoke up.
-
-But Jack said nothing. He was thinking
-along the same line Josh had suggested, but in
-an altogether different way from the lanky
-cook of the *Wireless*.
-
-To tell the truth, Jack would have been
-pleased could he have slipped ashore to observe
-what the professor from Ann Arbor
-could be doing just then; but he did not dare
-venture. It would look too much like impudence.
-As he himself had said, if the gentleman
-had wished for their company, he certainly must have
-asked them to go ashore
-with him.
-
-As to his being deeply interested in ghosts,
-and a patient investigator of remarkable manifestations
-for years, Jack took all that with
-a grain of salt. Perhaps it might be so, but
-Jack believed he was not far wrong in believing
-that Professor Marshland had only mentioned
-the fact to excuse his evident desire to
-go ashore and look around.
-
-He was gone a long while. Indeed, Jack
-guessed that perhaps the gentleman could
-have explored the whole island in the time that
-elapsed before he again showed up. Still,
-there was also a chance that he might have
-been doing something in connection with the
-old cabin.
-
-When he did appear he was smiling broadly.
-
-“Sorry to say I couldn’t find any evidence of
-the supernatural,” he remarked, in answer to
-the eager look Josh gave him as he clambered
-aboard his stubby little boat once more. “And
-that inclines me to the belief that some one
-who loves a practical joke was only trying to
-throw you into a state of fright, boys. I regret,
-too, that I cannot remain over a night with
-you, in the hope of being granted a look at
-this wonderful spectre. If anything more remarkable
-occurs, I’d be very much obliged if
-one of you would write an account of it and
-mail me at the college.”
-
-“Sure, we will, Professor,” said the willing
-Josh. “And if so be we capture that flickering
-ghost, we’ll send it to you by express, charges
-collect.”
-
-“Do so,” laughed the gentleman. “I won’t
-object, I assure you. Well, here’s wishing you
-luck, boys. And thank you for all the information
-you’ve given. It may be of more
-assistance to me in my calling than you imagine.
-Start up, John. It’s back to the hotel
-for us now.”
-
-So the noisy little motor went chugging
-away, passing around the point; and by degrees
-the sound died out, as other islands
-came between.
-
-“Say, let me tell you, I like that man,” Josh
-up and said, without any urging.
-
-“He is a smart one, all right, and don’t you
-forget it,” remarked George.
-
-“Was he really trolling, do you suppose, in
-that horrible, noisy power boat?” asked Herb,
-skeptically.
-
-Jack himself had a suspicion that the rod
-and line were only being used for a mask of
-some sort. Everywhere he looked, the mystery
-seemed to be getting deeper. First the
-strange actions of the men in the rowboats;
-then the appearance of that foolish ghost on
-the island; the questioning of the fisherman
-whom George and Herb had met while away
-on the preceding day; the peculiar things he
-himself had discovered ashore; and now, last
-but not least, the coming of this pretended
-fisherman, who asked skillful questions, and
-made out to be a genuine ghost hunter—taking
-all these things together, and it can be
-seen that Jack had about all he wanted to
-ponder over for the rest of that day.
-
-CHAPTER XIV—A STRANGE RIDE
-==========================
-
-“Time those two fellows were showing up,
-don’t you think, Jack?” asked Josh, as the
-noon hour came around.
-
-“Oh! I don’t know,” replied the other. “I
-noticed that Nick carried a bundle with him,
-and guessed it might be a little snack to keep
-off starvation, in case they were detained.
-Sometimes it’s hard to give up, when you are
-fishing, you know.”
-
-“Snack!” echoed Josh, with a sniff of scorn.
-“Well, I wish you’d seen just what that elephant
-did roll up in that paper. Herb wasn’t
-looking, but I kept an eye on Buster. Snack!
-Say, take it from me, that he had as much as
-I would eat in a week of Sundays.”
-
-“Well,” laughed Jack, “you’re prejudiced
-against poor Buster, you know, Josh. Just
-because you have a bird’s appetite, and he that
-of a hog, you pick on him. His greed is his
-only weak spot. His heart is as big as a bushel
-basket; and he’d go out of his way any time
-to do you a good turn.”
-
-“Oh! I know it, all right, Jack,” returned
-the other. “You mustn’t take everything I
-say for what it stands. But listen, fellows.
-Talk of the angel, and you hear the rustle of
-its wings. Unless I miss my guess, that’s the
-tuneful voice of Buster right now. What in
-the dickens can he be shouting that way for?”
-
-All of them were on their feet by now, and
-listening to the yells.
-
-“They seem to be coming from around the
-island,” said Jack.
-
-“I bet you it’s Jimmie having some fun
-with poor Pudding. He does like to hear him
-put up a howl,” chuckled Herb.
-
-“Well, I don’t know about that, fellows.
-Just listen, and hear what he seems to be
-saying. Perhaps, after all, there may be something
-crooked about it. We seem to be up to
-our necks in all sorts of queer mysteries, you
-know.”
-
-George was not smiling when he said this;
-indeed, all of them could now realize that there
-was something of appeal and alarm in connection
-with the lusty yells Buster was letting
-loose.
-
-“Hey! stop it, you! What d’ye mean trying
-to drown me? Let up, I tell you! Can’t
-you give a feller a chance? Somebody head
-me off, won’t you? Help! help!”
-
-“There he comes!” shouted Jack, pointing.
-
-“Well, what under the sun is he doing?”
-cried Herb.
-
-“Since when did Buster put a motor in his
-dinky?” asked George, feebly.
-
-“And ain’t he just making the time,
-though?” ejaculated Josh. “Just look at the
-way the foam flies up before the blunt bow of
-the dinky!”
-
-Jack looked again and then gave a shrill
-laugh.
-
-“Motor!” he exclaimed. “The only motor
-Buster is dealing with now has got fins and
-scales, and is in the water. Don’t you see
-what he’s doing, boys? He got a whooping
-big muskalunge at the end of his line. In some
-way Buster has got the line twisted around his
-body. And there he sits in the dinky, bracing
-his feet against a knee of the boat, and holding
-on for dear life, while the fish runs away with
-him.”
-
-Then the others burst into a loud laugh, seeing
-the comical side of it. To Buster it was
-not so funny, however. He had been straining
-so long now that he fancied he might be
-pulled over the side of the cranky little snub-nosed
-craft any time; and with that cord
-wrapped around his arms, drowned because of
-his inability to swim, despite the cork life
-preserver.
-
-“Quit your laughing, and chase after us, fellows,”
-he bawled, as he shot past the mouth of
-the cove; and at the same time sending a mute
-look of appeal toward his mates.
-
-“Why don’t you get out your knife and cut
-loose?” shouted George, making use of his
-hands in lieu of a megaphone.
-
-“Can’t move—got my arms tied down at
-my sides. Ouch! it hurts, for the line is cutting
-into the bone of my wrists. Come and
-help me before it’s too late. You’ll be sorry
-if I get drowned. Then you’ll never learn the
-truth of how our secrets leaked. I’m the only
-one who is on the track. Hurry up, boys; I
-mean it!”
-
-Jack saw that after all the situation was
-more desperate than might have appeared at
-first sight. It must be an enormous fish, the
-grandfather of all the muskies around the
-Thousand Islands, and powerful enough to
-drown poor Nick, if once it succeeded in upsetting
-the boat, or dragging him out of it.
-
-Accordingly he immediately jumped over,
-and unfastened the cable that held his anchor.
-
-“Hold that for me, will you, Herb?” he said,
-tossing one end of the rope over to the skipper
-of the *Comfort*.
-
-Then without any further delay he started
-his engine with one energetic fling of the wheel.
-
-Immediately the boat started, amid a rattling
-fusillade of sharp reports that told how responsive
-the well equipped motor was to the
-demands of its master.
-
-Of course, once Jack fairly started after the
-little dinky that was being so vigorously towed
-by the captive fish, he had no difficulty in overtaking
-it.
-
-“Now keep a firm hold on your seat, Buster,”
-he said. “I’m going to push in ahead of
-you, and see if I can fasten on to that line
-myself. The big thing can’t well pull both
-boats. After that I’ll free your arms. I want
-you to pull him in by yourself, if possible.”
-
-“Not me!” cried Buster. “I’m done with
-the brute. Shoot him dead. Hit him with a
-club. He’s a villain, a desperate villain, because
-he wound me up like this, and then tried
-his level best to yank me over. Jack, bless
-you, I believe you’ve saved me from a watery
-grave. Have you got him now? Are you real
-certain he can’t jump into my little boat and
-take a chunk out of my leg? Oh, my! what a
-puller! I was sure going a mile a minute that
-time. Talk about Neptune and his sea horses,
-they can’t ever come up to a pesky muskalunge
-that feels the barb of the hook. I’m all tired
-out, Jack. You finish him, please.”
-
-Jack saw that this was so; and having untangled the
-line from Nick’s body, he took the
-rod and proceeded to get in touch with the now
-sulking monster.
-
-Nick clambered aboard the motor boat in a
-hurry, as though really afraid that the fish in
-its anger might leap into the shallow dinky
-to bite him.
-
-“Glory! just look at him jump and kick,
-would you?” shouted Nick, as the baffled captive
-sprang from the water, shaking its
-massive head furiously in an effort to dislodge
-the hook, which, however, was too securely
-placed by this time in the hard bone of its
-mouth to be shaken out. “He’s trying to locate
-me, that’s what! Let me have that gun
-of yours, Jack. Next time he jumps I’m going
-to pot him sure.”
-
-And he did.
-
-As a rule Nick was a poor shot. Whether
-luck entered into it, or his fear that the big
-fish was meaning to climb in after him, stirred
-him to unusual exertions, Jack never knew;
-but as he leaped into the air, not twenty feet
-away, there was a tremendous bang close beside
-Jack, and he saw the muskalunge drop
-back into the water as though fairly riddled
-with shot.
-
-Poor Nick also tumbled over backwards,
-and lay there grunting and rubbing his head;
-for he had in his excitement pulled both triggers
-at the same time, so that a double discharge
-had followed.
-
-“D-d-did I g-get him, Jack?” gasped the
-fat boy.
-
-“Deader than a door nail or Julius Caesar!”
-laughed the other, as he began to draw in the
-line hand over hand; for there was no longer
-any positive resistance from the object at the
-other end.
-
-“Look out! Be careful, Jack,” warned poor
-Nick, in fresh alarm. “You don’t understand
-how treacherous one of these muskies can be.
-’Twouldn’t surprise me if he was playing ’possum
-right now. Throw him in the dinky when
-he comes along. Let him bite a chunk out of
-that with his old teeth if he wants to. I
-wouldn’t touch him for anything now.”
-
-“Oh! you’ll enjoy a steak from the same old
-hooker tonight, never fear. But he’s dead as
-a herring, Buster. And what a monster! None
-of the rest of us are in it with you after this.
-I bet he weighs all of thirty-five pounds!”
-
-By degrees, when he really saw that the big
-fish was dead, Nick recovered his courage; and
-by the time they drew up in the cove he was
-swelling with importance over the wonderful
-degree of success that had attended his maiden
-effort at capturing a muskalunge.
-
-True, Josh was mean enough to elevate his
-eyebrows when Nick spoke of it that way, and
-hint that he had imagined that the shoe was
-on the other foot, in that the fish had captured
-Nick; but the other gave him a withering look
-as he said scornfully:
-
-“Now, what d’ye know about that, fellows?
-This simple guy actually believes I was in
-earnest when I let that fine and dandy fish at
-the end of my line tow me for half a mile.
-Why, silly, didn’t you take notice that I drove
-him like you might a horse? Didn’t we come
-in a bee line for this very cove? Give me a
-little credit, won’t you? Be fair and square.
-I know it’s an effort for you, but when you’re
-in the company of gentlemen you ought to
-brace up and try hard to act like one, Josh.”
-
-Of course that took all the wind out of Josh’s
-sails; he could only sit there, mumbling to himself,
-shaking his head, and casting occasional
-looks toward Nick, as though inclined to give
-him the banner when it came to nerve.
-
-Then came Jimmie, laboring furiously with
-his paddle, and excited because he did not
-know whatever could have become of his fisherman
-companion, whom last he saw flying off
-in a mysterious fashion, and yelling for help
-as though the ghost of the island had indeed
-laid hold of him; since Jimmie could not see
-what amazing power it was causing the dinky
-to rush through the water five times as fast as
-he could urge his own craft.
-
-CHAPTER XV—ANOTHER NIGHT
-========================
-
-Of course the whole story had to be told over
-again for the benefit of Jimmie. The Irish
-lad found some little difficulty in swallowing
-Nick’s bold assertion that he might have been
-setting up a little game for the amusement of
-his companions. He even went so far as to
-poke the defunct fish in the side with his finger
-and pretend to ask the captive if it were really
-so.
-
-“But look here, Jack and Herb and George,
-let’s have some lunch!” finally remarked Josh,
-naming the three who had remained at home,
-with malice in his manner.
-
-Nick fell into the trap, sprawling.
-
-“Now, I like that!” he observed with a
-deeply injured expression on his red and fat
-face. “Just listen to him, would you? He
-cuts poor old Jimmie and me out of the call.
-Say, don’t you think we ever eat?”
-
-Josh pretended to be astonished, and threw
-up his hands to indicate as much.
-
-“Eat?” he cried. “Well, what’s to hinder
-you from getting out that big lunch you took
-away with you? We can spare you a cup of
-coffee to wash it down, I guess, hey, fellows?”
-
-Then the two returned fishermen stared at
-each other.
-
-“What are you talking about, Josh?” said
-Nick. “That little snack we carried off with
-us, is it? Oh! say, you don’t count that, do
-you? Why, Jimmie and me, we got nippy
-about nine o’clock and punished that off. Why,
-I’m just about starved right now, if you want
-to know it. Bring on your grub, unless you
-want to see me faint dead away.”
-
-Josh had had his little fun, and knew that
-it would do no good to draw it out any longer;
-so grumbling about the “rise in the cost of
-living,” he proceeded to comply with the
-demand.
-
-Of course there was enough; Josh had seen
-to that in the beginning. Indeed, it would have
-been a highly dangerous proceeding for any
-one entrusted with the cooking arrangements
-of the party not to consider the enormous capacity
-of Nick and Jimmie, when laying out
-provisions for a meal.
-
-Naturally enough the conversation soon took
-on an interesting color.
-
-“How long are we going to stick right here
-in this cove?” Josh asked, as he sat curled up
-on a seat, enjoying a platter of Boston baked
-beans, with which some frizzled dried beef had
-been heated up.
-
-“Yes,” added Herb, “that’s a subject we
-ought to consider. It’s all very fine to be enjoying
-the fishing and the wonderful stunts of
-Buster at harnessing the finny tribes as horses;
-but you know, fellows, we came here to the St.
-Lawrence to cruise, not squat on our haunches.
-Jack, it’s up to you. Tell us.”
-
-“I’ve been thinking right along that it must
-be getting rather monotonous to some of you,”
-said Jack, slowly. “Only for the fact that
-we’ve been badgered by some unknown parties
-who want to chase us off, we’d have gone before
-now. But it does seem a shame to lose
-so much time in this way. Tell you what I
-propose, boys.”
-
-“Glad to hear it. Let’s know!” several of
-the others cried in unison; for somehow what
-Jack thought right usually appealed to the
-rest; because in the past as a leader he had
-often been tried and never found wanting.
-
-“All right,” the other went on. “Suppose
-we put in just one more night here in this anchorage.
-Then some time tomorrow, no matter
-what happens, we’ll pull out. How does
-that suit you, fellows?”
-
-“I’m agreeable,” George immediately replied.
-
-“Suits me from the ground up,” Herb put
-in.
-
-Three others added their voices after the
-same fashion, so that in this amiable way the
-question was settled without the least friction.
-
-“That means another night of guard duty,”
-mused Nick; whereupon Josh burst out into
-a harsh laugh.
-
-“Hear him, comrades all!” he remarked.
-“The poor fellow is worn out with his arduous
-work. No wonder he drops off into slumber-land
-when on duty. He is so near a living
-skeleton that even a poor lone little minnow
-can pull him and his boat along by the mile.
-Some of us ought to volunteer to take Buster’s
-place, and let him get about fifteen hours
-of sleep. He needs it.”
-
-Nick only grinned, not at all abashed.
-
-“Fine!” he exclaimed. “Suppose you start
-the ball rolling then, Josh. How long will you
-carry me on your stretch—half an hour? That
-would count for something. I think I might
-gain an ounce of flesh on the strength of that
-extra sleep.”
-
-“I think you would, all of it,” said Josh.
-“The trouble with you, Buster, is that you
-take life too easy. That’s why you get so fat.
-Just keep on and see where you land pretty
-soon. Remember Mr. Amos Spofford, will you,
-and take warning.”
-
-“Now, that’s what I call a mean dig on your
-part, Josh,” complained Nick. “Talk to me
-about the strenuous life; did you ever know
-anybody have a bigger job than I did today,
-landing that giant muskalunge? When I go
-in for anything I do it with my whole heart,
-don’t I boys?”
-
-“You sure do, Pudding,” assented George,
-“and with your whole stomach, too.”
-
-Nick only gave him a reproachful look, as
-though it pained him to receive this unexpected
-blow in the house of his friends.
-
-“Then it’s settled we leave here tomorrow?”
-remarked Herb, meaning to cast oil on the
-troubled waters; for Herb was by nature a
-peacemaker.
-
-“Unless something unexpected crops up that
-might hold us back,” said Jack.
-
-“What could do that?” asked Josh, uneasily,
-for he wanted to get away from the vicinity
-of the haunted island as speedily as possible.
-
-“Oh! one of the engines might break down,
-for instance,” laughed the other.
-
-“Now I know that was meant for me,” retorted
-George; “but, thank you, the bully old
-*Wireless* seems to be on her best behavior this
-trip. Haven’t had the least trouble up to now,
-and don’t expect to. Wish I could only get a
-chance to race that *Flash* of Clarence’s, though.
-Never will be happy till I do, and find out
-whether his boat or mine is the faster.”
-
-“Look out yonder, fellows,” said Josh just
-then.
-
-“A rowboat, and holding two men,” remarked
-Jack. “Seems to me we’ve seen those
-fellows before, eh, boys?”
-
-“We certainly have,” George spoke up.
-“They are some of the ones who passed here
-the other day and scowled to beat the band.
-They’re doing the same right now, as if they’d
-like to order us away, but don’t dare. Guess
-they’ve come around to see if we show any
-signs of leaving. Look at ’em talking together,
-and shaking their heads. Perhaps it means
-more trouble for us tonight, boys.”
-
-“Mebbe the ould ghost has been patched up
-again for a sicond show!” suggested Jimmie,
-grinning at Josh, who had turned a bit pale,
-and moved uneasily.
-
-“Well, there they go off without saying a
-single word to us. Talk about your good manners,
-these fishermen along the St. Lawrence
-are a lot of soreheads,” and George mockingly
-waved his hand after the retreating boat,
-though Jack considered his act as bordering
-on the reckless.
-
-“George, suppose you and I go ashore after
-a while, and shoot at a mark a few times with
-that rifle of yours?” Jack suggested later on.
-
-“Now you’ve got some notion in your head,
-or you wouldn’t say that,” remarked George.
-“Tell us what it is, Jack.”
-
-“Only this,” replied the other, without hesitation.
-“Some of those men may be hanging
-about within earshot. We don’t know but
-what they have a camp on the island here or
-some other close by. It might be as well to
-let them know we’ve got a gun and can shoot
-if necessary. Is that straight?”
-
-“It’s what you would call good and sufficient
-warning, in law,” George replied. “And I
-call it a bright thought, Jack. Let’s start now.
-I challenge you to a trial of skill with my rifle.
-And Josh here can go along to keep tally.”
-
-“Please excuse me,” retorted the party mentioned.
-“But I’ve got plenty to attend to
-right here. Try Nick; the exercise will do
-him good.”
-
-“All right!” exclaimed the fat boy,
-promptly. “I’m on deck every time. You
-never knew me to shirk; even if some of you
-did allow terrible suspicions to creep into your
-minds about my entire trustworthiness. But
-in good time I expect to clear up that dark
-mystery of the past. I can afford to wait my
-time; the triumph will be all the sweeter. Shall
-I tumble into your dinky, Jack?”
-
-So the three went ashore, and for some time
-the rivalry was keen, the sharp reports of the
-rifle sounding at intervals, accompanied by
-more or less shouting and merriment. As Jack
-said, they might as well notify everybody
-within earshot of the fact that even the appearance
-of a ghost had not frosted their
-spirits to any appreciable extent.
-
-So the afternoon gradually passed away.
-
-Josh often cast apprehensive glances toward
-the silent shore of the nearby island as the
-shadows grew longer, with night coming on.
-Sometimes he fancied he saw something moving
-amid the thick brush, and was almost inclined
-to tell his comrades; only he feared their
-shouts of derision, and the accusation that he
-allowed memories of that silly ghost to haunt
-him.
-
-And after all, it usually turned out that the
-moving object was some innocent little denizen
-of the woods, a prowling ’coon perhaps, out
-ahead of time in search of a supper; or possibly
-only a chipmunk searching for tempting
-roots to satisfy its desire for food, while waiting
-for the new crop of nuts to come along.
-
-Night settled down at last, and this time the
-boys were pleased to note that the heavens were
-almost clear, so that the moon would have a
-fair chance to play hide and seek with the
-few floating white banks of clouds.
-
-Most of the boys seemed in high spirits.
-They laughed and joked as they went about
-the usual duties of the evening hour. If Jack
-had anything serious on his mind he failed to
-take his comrades into his confidence. And
-yet, now and then he would smile, as though
-certain thoughts that pushed themselves to
-the front amused him; and this seemed to be
-the case more especially when he heard the
-others talking about the pleasant professor
-from Ann Arbor.
-
-CHAPTER XVI—JACK’S DARING VENTURE
-=================================
-
-Somehow no one suggested having supper
-ashore that night. There was something chilling
-about the mysterious island that dampened
-the ardor of the boys in this respect. Had
-it been anywhere else, they would have looked
-upon the opportunity for having a jolly camp
-fire as too good to be lost; but somehow all
-seemed satisfied that they remain aboard.
-
-Josh for one was just as well pleased. He
-even neglected several golden chances to give
-Nick those customary sly digs; and this was a
-most unusual thing for Josh.
-
-Nevertheless, even the proximity of a
-haunted island could not long hold in check
-the natural bubbling spirits of a pack of
-healthy lads. After supper, as they lay around
-in as comfortable attitudes as was possible,
-some one started singing, and presently six
-voices took up the chorus, so that a volume of
-sound welled up out of that cove calculated to
-startle all the ghostly visitants that were ever
-known to gather there.
-
-No one seemed to be sleepy; for even when
-the hour began to grow late there was little
-talk of getting out the blankets. Stories were
-told, jokes flew around, and taken in all they
-were a merry group, apparently without a single
-care in the wide world.
-
-George broke into this delightful harmony
-finally by saying:
-
-“Now, I guess you fellows will tell me I’m
-hearing things that ain’t so; but, honest, I believe
-that was the chug-chug of a motor that
-came down the wind. It was just as Nick was
-singing that funny song of his about the Dutchman
-who didn’t know his own name, because he
-and his twin brother got mixed in the cradle,
-and the other fellow died. Did anybody else
-get the sound, or are my ears the only sharp
-ones?”
-
-“I thought I did,” Jack spoke up; “but you
-see, Nick was leaning over the side of his boat
-and sending his voice right at me, so I couldn’t
-make sure.”
-
-Herb also admitted that he had heard something,
-he couldn’t say what.
-
-“Now, don’t laugh,” George went on; “but
-it struck me I’d heard that rackety chug
-before.”
-
-“Meaning the noisy engine of that stubby
-little boat the Ann Arbor professor came in?”
-asked Jack, quietly.
-
-“You hit it right at the first jump, Jack,
-for that was in my mind,” George said.
-
-“Well,” remarked Nick, “don’t you remember
-that he said he’d like to spend one night
-with us here, in hopes of seeing our pet ghost.
-Perhaps he’s concluded to return and do it.”
-
-“Oh, rats;” exclaimed Josh, “We ain’t going
-to see any more ghost. What’s the use of
-keeping that silly idea up? But I reckon all
-of us’d like to see that gentleman again. He
-was good company, and he knows boys from
-the ground up.”
-
-“He ought to, seeing that it’s his business to
-be with boys and young men all the time. I
-bet you he’s a prime favorite at college,” Nick
-remarked; and then looked in surprise at Jack
-because the other actually chuckled.
-
-“I don’t believe Jack takes much stock in
-Professor Marshland,” said George, who had
-also noticed this little demonstration.
-
-“Oh; but you’re very much mistaken there,”
-the one indicated hastened to say. “I admired
-him and hope some time to see more of
-him. I think we shall before we leave the St.
-Lawrence cruising grounds.”
-
-George shook his head. He seemed to guess
-that there might be a hidden meaning back of
-these words; but if so, it was beyond his capacity
-to fathom it.
-
-“But look here, if he’s coming along, why
-don’t we hear his old boat any more?” Josh
-asked.
-
-“That’s so,” declared George. “I wonder,
-now, if the engine could have broken down.”
-
-At that everybody smiled, for in their Mississippi
-cruise it had been George who was frequently
-in trouble through the inability of his
-motor to stand the strain of great pressure.
-And consequently the subject was usually one
-that was frequently on his mind.
-
-“Oh! the chances are that he was just going
-past, and has gotten beyond hearing. You
-know sometimes a flaw in the wind will carry
-a sound for a mile or two,” Jack remarked.
-
-“That’s so, on the water,” George observed.
-
-A little later, while the others were engaged
-in some wordy dispute, Jack quietly slipped
-into the little tender attached to the *Tramp*
-and paddled softly off out of the cove.
-
-“What d’ye suppose he’s got on his mind?”
-asked George, looking after the other.
-
-“Give me something easy,” replied Nick.
-“Jack always is a puzzle for me. He has such
-bright thoughts I don’t just seem able to grapple
-with ’em. But depend on it, he’s thinking
-of something right now.”
-
-“I guess he’s worrying about those men,”
-suggested Josh.
-
-“Oh! I don’t think so,” George hastened to
-say. “They wouldn’t dare try attack us here,
-you know. It would be a breach of the law
-for which they could be sent to prison for
-years. Jack’s got some other notion in his
-brain, believe me.”
-
-Meanwhile the object of all this speculation
-idly paddled a little distance out on the moonlit
-water, and sat there in his small craft, as
-though enjoying the silvery glow.
-
-He looked around him on all sides, and particularly
-in that quarter of the wind from
-whence had come the faint “chug-chug” of a
-motor’s eccentric pulsations. But nothing
-could be seen save the dim outlines of the next
-island.
-
-After a while, as a cloud covered the moon,
-Jack came back and clambered aboard once
-more.
-
-“Here, is this an all-night session of the
-club?” he asked. “Already it’s ten minutes
-after eleven. If you fellows want to get any
-sleep tonight, better be turning in right now.
-Josh and myself have the first two hour watch,
-you understand.”
-
-Accordingly there was a breaking up of the
-conference; goodnights were exchanged, and
-those who had drawn the first spell of rest
-crept into their comfortable blankets.
-
-Of late their sleep had been somewhat
-broken, as we happen to know, what with the
-coming of specters and such things. On this
-account every one of the four soon dropped off
-asleep.
-
-Jack could hear Jimmie breathing heavily
-in less than ten minutes. Apparently Jack
-had something on his mind, for leaning over
-toward where he could see Josh sitting he
-asked in a low tone:
-
-“How is it there, Josh; is Herb asleep yet?”
-
-“I guess he must be,” came the answer; “because
-he’s snoring to beat the band, even if he
-don’t make much noise.”
-
-“That’s where you made a mistake, for it’s
-Nick doing that. Listen again, and you’ll see
-I’m right. And George was yawning when he
-turned in, so I reckon he’s gone over the border,
-too.”
-
-“What do you want to know for?” asked
-Josh, aware that Jack must have some reason
-for asking such a question.
-
-“I’ll tell you, Josh. I mean to go ashore
-soon,” replied the skipper of the *Tramp*.
-
-“Thunder! do you really mean it, Jack?”
-queried Josh, taken aback; for it would have
-to be something tremendous that could tempt
-him to set a foot on that same island in the
-night time.
-
-“Listen, Josh,” Jack went on.
-
-“I am, with all my ears, so go right on,”
-the other sent back over the few feet of water
-separating the two boats they occupied.
-
-“I didn’t say anything about it to the rest,
-Josh, but I think I saw a gleam of that lantern
-ashore a while back. And I’d like to investigate
-a little.”
-
-“Oh, my! you wouldn’t catch me trying
-it,” declared Josh, with an intake of breath
-that told of suppressed excitement. “But will
-you take your gun along?”
-
-“Perhaps I’d better, though I don’t really
-expect to use it,” Jack replied. “Because,
-you see, ghosts can’t be reached with common
-lead pellets. But I want you to help me
-Josh.”
-
-“Me? Oh! please don’t ask me to go along,
-Jack. That lame foot of mine has been hurting
-again like anything, and I’m that clumsy
-I might tumble all over myself and give the
-thing away.”
-
-“Oh, shucks! I don’t mean that,” Jack replied.
-“But when that big cloud sails over
-the moon I want to slip into my little dinky
-here, and paddle quietly ashore. I’ll hand you
-the rope I’ve got tied to the stern; and when
-you feel that shake three times, pull the boat
-out again, and let it float with yours. Understand?”
-
-“Yes, yes. And I’ll do it all right, never
-fear. If it wasn’t for that plagued lame foot,
-now, Jack.”
-
-“Let up on that, please. Now, look out,
-there she goes under.”
-
-Even as Jack spoke the moon said goodbye
-to the world for a short time, and hid her
-smiling face behind a cloud that was darker
-than any that had thus far sailed across the
-starry heavens on this particular night.
-
-Being all ready, Jack crept into the small
-tender, gun in hand. He pushed alongside the
-Wireless and managed to pass the end of a
-rope to Josh, who was waiting to receive the
-same.
-
-Gently the paddle was wielded, and the
-little “punkin-seed of a boat,” as the boys
-sometimes termed the dinkies, was noiselessly
-wafted shoreward. Landing, Jack shifted his
-person to the sand, and then gave the requisite
-number of tugs at the rope, after which
-he shoved the boat off.
-
-He knew that Josh would attend to all that
-part of the business, and gave it no further
-heed. Indeed, he had all he wanted to take
-care of in following out the rather venturesome
-plan of campaign he had arranged.
-
-For somehow Jack was of the opinion that
-the mystery of the island was to be revealed
-to any one daring enough to go ashore and
-investigate, which was just what he had determined
-to do.
-
-CHAPTER XVII—THE SECRET OUT
-===========================
-
-Out came the moon again, sailing into a
-clear field.
-
-But Jack no longer stood there on the little
-beach. He had taken time by the forelock,
-and slipped among the rank growth; so that
-although Josh strained his eyes to the utmost,
-not the faintest sign of his comrade did he
-discover.
-
-Jack’s idea, of course, was to reach the
-vicinity of that tumbledown shack. In his
-mind, that must be the central point of interest
-in the game. He fully believed, though he
-had not mentioned the fact to the rest, that
-the attempt to frighten the boys off with such
-a ridiculous show of a pretended spirit waving
-them away, was meant to cover this cabin.
-
-What did it all mean? Why should any
-man, or set of men, wish to keep others from
-prowling around that rickety building? Surely,
-any one with common sense would hardly
-think to occupy it for a night’s refuge. The
-open air would be far more preferable in every
-way.
-
-Still, Jack was positive that there was something
-in connection with this same cabin that
-moved the unknown parties to endeavor to
-influence an early departure on the part of
-the motor boys.
-
-And he wanted to know what that mystery
-might be.
-
-That was why he had come ashore so silently.
-It also accounted for his creeping along
-through the bushes as carefully as he knew
-how, avoiding the trail which he and Josh
-had followed on that other occasion.
-
-It took him considerable time to draw near
-the vicinity of the cabin, because he wanted
-to go without making any noise; and he was
-not positive but that hostile eyes and ears
-might not be on the alert.
-
-Twice some sudden little sound close by
-had sent a thrill of alarm through his heart.
-But nothing followed, and he realized that
-these noises must have been made by some
-little animal, disturbed in his retreat by the
-creeping past of the intruder.
-
-Jack had made a discovery before he was
-more than half way between the beach of the
-cove and the cabin. There was a light inside
-the old building! He could see little glimpses
-of it through what must be holes in the walls,
-where the chinks between the logs were open,
-the mud having fallen away in the process of
-decay.
-
-And as Jack said to himself with a chuckle,
-ghosts did not, as far as he knew, need lanterns
-in their business.
-
-Finally the boy found himself close to the
-side of the cabin. With his heart beating like
-a trip-hammer, he crept to the first little gap
-in the wall, and glued his eyes to the aperture.
-
-What he saw was nothing so very astonishing.
-A man stood inside the cabin, holding
-a lantern. He was not doing anything, and
-seemed to be waiting for some other person.
-
-“One of the fellows in that boat today,”
-was what Jack immediately said to himself,
-as he fastened his eyes on the bearded face.
-
-Even inexperienced as he was, Jack fancied
-that there was something of a desperate type
-about the man’s countenance. He did not
-seem to be such a man as one was apt to trust
-on sight—like that jolly professor from Ann
-Arbor, for instance.
-
-But what on earth could the man be doing
-here? He did not seem to have any sort of
-bundles with him, as might have been expected.
-Once Jack was made to shiver just
-a trifle, when he saw the fellow take out a pistol,
-and handle it with a grin of pleasure on
-his face.
-
-Jack was beginning to see light. This could
-not be simply the ordinary desire of some
-fishermen who disliked seeing strangers occupying
-a cove they had come to look upon as
-theirs by right of previous use.
-
-And this man he now saw had none of the
-characteristics of a rough fisherman. He was
-rather nattily dressed, and would pass for
-a gentleman in a crowd. The mystery seemed
-to grow more dense; but as it is always darkest
-just before dawn, so Jack believed that
-he must be on the point of seeing daylight
-appear in this matter.
-
-By chance he raised his eyes a trifle. Perhaps
-some little movement may have attracted
-him—he never knew. But again he was
-thrilled to discover a face pressed against the
-broken pane of glass forming the sole window
-on the opposite wall.
-
-It was the strange gentleman who had
-claimed to be a college professor. He did
-not wear his nose glasses now, and doubtless
-the look of culture had given way to one of
-an entirely different nature; but Jack knew
-he could not be mistaken.
-
-Nor was he so very much surprised, come
-to think of it. He had half anticipated something
-of this sort, at the time he heard what
-seemed to be the peculiar chug! chug! of the
-noisy motor belonging to that snub-nosed boat.
-The professor had indeed come back to the
-haunted island; nor had he thought it advisable
-to inform his new boy friends of his return.
-
-Had Josh been there to see, he must have
-surely jumped to the conclusion that it was
-his wild desire to set eyes on a ghost that had
-lured the professor back.
-
-Jack looked at the matter from an entirely
-different standpoint. He, for instance, did not
-believe that the gentleman was one-half so
-much interested in mysterious visitations from
-departed spirits as he was in the movements
-of certain persons who might be engaged in
-a trade that shunned the light of day, because
-it was by nature evil, and in defiance to the
-laws.
-
-And this party who stood there, holding
-that lantern and waiting, was evidently something
-in the line of a leader.
-
-Only for a brief space of time did the so-called
-professor remain at that broken window;
-then he vanished from the view of the
-watching boy. But it gave Jack considerable
-satisfaction and confidence just to know that
-Herman Marshland was near by.
-
-Already he had his hand upon the solution
-of the whole puzzle that had been eluding his
-best efforts up to now. And just like Columbus
-discovering America, it was so exceedingly
-simple, once you knew how, that Jack silently
-laughed at himself for not having grasped the
-prize answer before now.
-
-Smugglers, that was what the rough-looking
-men in the boats were! This must be a central
-point with them, where for some time
-they had secretly landed the goods ferried
-over from the nearby Canadian shore. Here
-on American territory they were perhaps
-secreted until such favorable opportunity arrived
-to send them further afield into the
-sovereign State of New York, when all trace
-of them would be lost to any government
-agents who might be prowling around on the
-lookout for such law-breakers.
-
-Since coming to the St. Lawrence the boys
-had heard more or less about such a class of
-persons, who made it their business to try and
-evade the revenue men. In some cases it was
-Chinamen they shipped across the border, receiving
-so much per head to get them into the
-protected country. Then again it meant laces,
-diamonds, silks, anything that was small in
-dimensions, but upon which the government at
-Washington levied a heavy toll.
-
-Pleased with having guessed the secret,
-Jack could not think of slipping away. It
-might be none of his business what these
-bold and bad men were doing; but somehow
-he could not help feeling a deep interest in
-the movements of the man who had visited
-them that very afternoon, and made such a
-hit with the boys.
-
-Of course the pretended college professor
-must really be one of those sagacious revenue
-men, engaged in running these rascals to
-earth.
-
-Besides, the “professor” might need help,
-and Jack was of a mind to render such a service
-if the chance came. A strange freak of
-fortune seem to have thrown them in contact
-with these warring factions; and while some
-timid people might consider it the height of
-folly for any one of the boys to take sides,
-Jack’s bold spirit would never allow of his
-standing there and seeing the man who represented
-law and order outclassed.
-
-He half expected to see the “professor”
-step into the cabin through the doorway, and
-call upon the unknown man to surrender. But
-then, as there was as yet no evidence of crime,
-possibly a cautious revenue agent would be
-apt to hold his horses and await further developments.
-
-A sound came faintly to the ears of the
-crouching lad—voices of several persons, and
-approaching the cabin at that.
-
-Jack dared not keep his position, with his
-eye glued to the crack; there was a chance
-that he might be discovered; and so, although
-he wanted to look more than ever, he dropped
-flat upon the earth and waited.
-
-At any rate, he had made no mistake about
-others approaching, for presently he knew
-they had entered the cabin. After that he
-ventured to look again. Yes, two rough-looking
-fellows had entered, and were already
-conversing in low but eager tones with the
-one who had waited for their coming.
-
-Seeing was all very well, but just then Jack
-thought that if he could only hear what was
-passing between these fellows he would have
-the last bit of fog cleared away. To this end
-he clapped his ear against the side of the cabin
-at the very point where the mud had fallen,
-leaving a hole in the chinks between the logs.
-
-Nor was he mistaken when he believed he
-might pick up some of the words passing
-between the men. The two newcomers seemed
-more or less worried about something, and
-kept urging delay; but the leader would have
-none of it, apparently.
-
-“Antoine,” he said, gruffly, “you go and
-watch the three boats lying in the cove. If
-there’s any sign of life about them, come back
-and warn us. We must get those goods ashore
-tonight. It’s too risky holding them any
-longer. And one of the cubs might break
-away, to inform on us. That would ruin all.
-Bart, you be off and start things moving this
-way. I know the new trail is rough and long,
-but it can’t be helped. Next time we’ll have
-things back the old way again. These kids
-ain’t going to hold on much longer. Now, both
-of you be off!”
-
-CHAPTER XVIII—THE ESCAPE
-========================
-
-When the tall leader spoke in that stern
-voice, evidently his men knew better than to
-put up any further complaint. They both
-passed out, and Jack could hear Antoine making
-his way down the broad trail to gain a
-point where, hidden himself, he could still
-watch the trio of modern motor boats, and discover
-the first indication of any desire on the
-part of the crews to come ashore.
-
-It was surely growing very interesting.
-Jack felt that he was being treated to a real
-life drama of the most thrilling description.
-When the boys decided to come to the St.
-Lawrence river for their summer outing, not
-one among them dreamed that before they left
-that region of many islands they would have
-run up against a series of strange adventures
-well worthy of being given a place in the
-log of the motor boat club.
-
-Indeed, all the trouble they had anticipated
-was possibly frequent ructions with Tricky
-Clarence and his side partner, Bully Joe
-Brinker.
-
-At thought of the two a sudden idea seemed
-to flash through the mind of Jack. He remembered
-the event of the dark boat, when Herb
-and Dick were given such a fright. At the
-time he had wondered whether Clarence, on
-his own account, could have ventured to dash
-by at full speed, and come within an ace of
-smashing into the Comfort. The new idea was
-along the line that perhaps the two boys might
-have fallen into the hands of the smugglers,
-who were using the Flash to suit their evil
-purposes!
-
-It was so stunning a thought that Jack felt
-his very breath taken away. Yet after all
-was there anything utterly improbable about
-it? These men must be daring after their
-fashion. They were being hunted all the time
-by shrewd government agents; and consequently
-must adopt new methods of carrying
-on their business.
-
-And if it were indeed true, would it not
-account for many things—the white face of
-Clarence at the time he passed the boys who
-were fishing—his refusal to even answer the
-wave of the hand they gave him—he may have
-been in no position at the time to appear
-jovial, or even half-way friendly.
-
-Voices again!
-
-Jack moved up to his crack, prepared to
-see all there was going on. Such a glorious
-opportunity did not come across the path of
-most fellows, off on their summer vacation;
-and he ought to improve the golden chance to
-the limit.
-
-It would be folly not to admit that the boy
-was trembling as he crouched there, for he
-never denied the fact himself. But after all
-it was more the excitement of the adventure
-than any bodily fear on his part that caused
-this.
-
-He had hardly settled himself comfortably
-when through the doorway came a stooping
-figure. It was a man bearing a package on his
-back. This he deposited on the earthen floor,
-and turned to assist a second fellow whose
-bundle seemed of even larger dimensions than
-the first.
-
-One of them had also fetched a shovel along,
-which had a long handle. This the leader
-seized upon eagerly, and commenced digging
-in a certain corner, first removing the accumulated
-straw, which was apparently used as a
-means for hiding signs of recent disturbance.
-
-Jack’s eyes grew hot with straining at the
-little crack; but he could not draw himself
-away; it was all so thrilling, so picturesque,
-that he must continue to look, no matter what
-the discomfort.
-
-Now, the man with the shovel had succeeded
-in arriving at what seemed to be the lid of a
-large box. He lifted this, and one of the men
-tossed his bundle into a yawning aperture.
-
-Here the stuff would lie unsuspected, until
-some time when the opportunity seemed ripe
-to dispose of it, when the deal would be completed.
-
-Jack wondered what could be in those packages;
-undoubtedly something of particular
-value, since these men would never venture
-to take such chances of capture for a trifling
-gain.
-
-He also found himself guessing whether the
-strange “professor,” whom he now knew to
-be a government agent, could be watching all
-these operations from some other friendly
-crack across the way.
-
-What would he do? Having witnessed all
-he wished, would the other attempt to arrest
-these fellows? Since there seemed to be something
-like half a dozen of the smugglers it
-hardly seemed likely he would go to such extremes.
-Possibly he might be satisfied to capture
-the spoils, after the men had departed;
-and trust to future good fortune to arrest the
-delinquents later on.
-
-One of the men left the cabin, probably to
-return to the upper end of the island, where
-the boat lay from which these packages of
-goods had been carried. He was in an ugly
-humor, judging from his manner. The stubborn
-way in which the motor boat boys stuck
-to that cove was giving these worthies a tremendous
-lot of unnecessary work; and it was
-no wonder they felt badly disposed toward
-Jack and his chums.
-
-Five minutes later the second man was sent
-off, leaving the leader there to finish up the
-job of smoothing off the earth and replacing
-the broken straw as before.
-
-When he had finally completed his task it
-would require a practiced eye to notice anything
-queer about the floor of the cabin.
-
-Then he, too, prepared to depart. Jack saw
-him stoop down and take hold of the lantern,
-which had all this while been resting on the
-ground. In his other hand he carried the long-handled
-shovel with which the digging had
-been done.
-
-The tall man straightened up suddenly, and
-his manner was that of one who had been
-startled. Jack knew why he should act in
-this way, for the same sound that had come to
-the man’s ears had also reached his.
-
-It was a shrill whistle, twice repeated, and
-it came from the same direction in which the
-two men had gone a short time before.
-
-Undoubtedly it was a signal denoting urgent
-need of haste. The actions of the tall smuggler
-would indicate as much; for he dashed
-out of the cabin like a shot, and Jack heard the
-thud as he threw the shovel into the shrubbery
-surrounding the lone hut.
-
-Then followed the crashing of bushes as the
-man started by a circuitous route toward the
-upper end of the island. He must know every
-foot of the ground, and by taking to the open
-beach, could gain a given point much sooner
-than one who kept to the thick undergrowth.
-
-Jack saw the lantern had been hastily
-dropped, though it was still burning. He was
-trembling with excitement, and feeling very
-much as though he wanted to yell at the top
-of his voice as he picked up this abandoned
-tool of the discovered smugglers.
-
-He could hear the boys talking down there
-where the trio of motor boats were anchored;
-and could imagine how they must be wondering
-what all the racket on the island meant;
-while Josh would doubtless start in to tell
-them how he, Jack, had persisted in going
-ashore.
-
-Some one was coming, for Jack could hear
-quick footsteps near by. He still held his
-Marlin gun, but was loath to even threaten
-to use it. Nor was there any need, for a
-moment later the moving dim figure took
-form, and proved to be no other than Professor
-Marshland.
-
-At sight of Jack standing there, lantern in
-one hand and gun in the other, the gentleman
-allowed something like a grim smile to creep
-over his face, even as he came hurrying up,
-almost out of breath from his exertions.
-
-“Do you know what it all means, Jack?”
-demanded the other, as soon as he reached the
-side of the boy.
-
-Jack nodded his head eagerly.
-
-“I was looking in through a crack, and saw
-what that man did. But I’m sorry he got
-away from you, sir,” he replied.
-
-“I managed to capture the two fellows who
-left the hut!” the government agent exclaimed.
-“My Indian has meanwhile overcome
-the chap who was sent to watch your
-boats. But unless I can overtake the ring
-leader of the bunch, I shall feel that my work
-has not been wholly a success.”
-
-“He headed for the upper end of the
-island,” Jack put in.
-
-“Yes, and I have reason to suspect that the
-other two men are there with the boat. You
-will be surprised when I tell you that they
-actually turned pirates and captured the speed
-launch which you told me belonged to an
-acquaintance of yours.”
-
-“The *Flash*,” echoed Jack. “No, I am not
-surprised, for I had begun to suspect something
-like that. They must have made Clarence
-threaten to run us down, hoping we
-would pull up anchor, and get away. But if
-that is so, you could never hope to overtake
-them in that slow little boat of yours.”
-
-“Well, I should say not!” declared the
-other.
-
-“Now, if it were the *Wireless*, for instance,
-you might have some chance,” Jack went on.
-
-“Which is just the point I wanted to put
-up to you boys,” cried the government agent,
-eagerly. “Would you be willing to assist me
-run that clever scoundrel down? Do you think
-George would care to try conclusions with the
-*Flash*?”
-
-At that Jack laughed.
-
-“Why, sir,” he declared, “he’s been just
-wild for the chance, ever since we first set eyes
-on that narrow boat. He believes he can beat
-her out in a race. Suppose you come down
-with me right now, and we’ll ask him.”
-
-“Thank you, Jack; it was a lucky day for
-me when I ran across you boys. But let us
-lose no time; for doubtless they’ll be off as
-soon as they can, knowing that the game is
-now up, and all that remains to them is
-escape.”
-
-Nothing loth, Jack accompanied him as he
-started along the broad trail leading down to
-the cove. He could readily understand now
-that the revenue man must have investigated
-to some purpose that day while at the cabin;
-and knowing there were no smuggled goods in
-the cache then, had laid his plans to come
-back in the night, in the expectation of catching
-the rascals in the act; which was just
-what he had done.
-
-CHAPTER XIX—A RACE IN THE MOONLIGHT
-===================================
-
-“Hold on!” said the agent abruptly.
-
-A dark figure had risen up before them; and
-as the moonlight fell upon the man Jack saw
-that it was in truth the Indian guide who had
-been with the “professor” in the noisy motor
-boat.
-
-“Did you get him, Josh?” demanded the employer,
-eagerly.
-
-“He lies under hemlock, tied hand and foot.
-No danger he get away,” came the confident
-reply.
-
-“All right,” said the other. “Come along
-with me, John. These boys will guard the
-cabin and not let any one steal the hidden
-goods. We have other work cut out for us. We
-want to get our hands on that head man, Glenwood.
-So long as he is at large there can be
-no peace on the border.”
-
-Great was the astonishment of the five boys
-when Jack and his companions made their appearance
-on the shore, and the former called to
-have the small boats pushed in, so that they
-might come aboard.
-
-“Jack, what’s all this mean?” asked George,
-greatly excited.
-
-“Can’t tell you everything just now, fellows,”
-the other replied. “This gentleman is
-a government revenue agent, and he’s on the
-track of a band of smugglers who have been
-using this island as a place to land goods
-brought over from Canada. He captured
-three, but the leader got away. George, he
-wants to borrow your boat.”
-
-“What?” gasped the other, astounded beyond
-measure.
-
-“He and his man and myself will go with
-you, Josh changing over,” Jack continued.
-“While we’re gone the rest of you keep on the
-watch and don’t let anybody come aboard, no
-matter who he is. These scoundrels have captured
-the *Flash*.”
-
-“Now, what d’ye know about that?” exclaimed
-Nick, as he helped Josh over the side
-of the big *Comfort*, so as to make room for the
-others who were to go in the speed boat.
-
-“But George, you haven’t said yet whether
-you are willing to chase the *Flash*, and try to
-overtake her?” said the energetic agent.
-
-“Sure I am,” came the ready response; “and
-I believe we can get her, if nothing happens to
-my motor. I’ve had some hard luck with it
-when I tried to push the thing to the limit.
-But tumble in here, and we’ll be off.”
-
-George was trembling with delightful anticipations.
-If anything in all the world appealed
-to him it was a race. None of the others had
-the same feeling, and, like Jack, they preferred
-comfort in a boat beyond speed, though none
-were averse to making good time.
-
-Everybody wanted to help, and as many
-hands make light work, the *Wireless* was in
-condition to start almost as soon as the two
-men climbed aboard.
-
-“Sit as near the middle as you can, please,
-to balance her,” the others heard the skipper
-say, as she shot away.
-
-“Yes,” called out Nick, derisively, “and be
-sure your hair is parted in the middle, or it’s
-all up with you. I know, because I was there
-for some four weeks.”
-
-“Which way, sir?” asked George, wisely
-paying no attention to this shout, which, after
-all, was Nick’s only method for getting even,
-after all the agony he had endured in that
-cranky narrow motor boat.
-
-“Turn to port, and head for the upper part
-of the island. We haven’t wasted much time,
-and I hope to discover that boat somewhere,”
-replied the agent.
-
-“If we do,” said George, with firmness,
-“make up your mind the good old *Wireless* is
-going to hang on like a bulldog till she cuts
-down the lead, and overhauls that *Flash*. Always
-said she had the look of a pirate, and
-others thought the same thing, it seems, since
-those men picked her out as the boat they could
-use.”
-
-“Just think of Clarence and Joe being in
-their hands all this time,” remarked Jack, as
-they tore through the water. “Must seem like
-a pretty tough vacation for those boys, all
-right.”
-
-“Oh! I don’t suppose Glenwood has really
-harmed them,” said the agent; “but he’s a
-hard man to deal with; and unless they
-knuckled down to him perhaps they’ve felt his
-fist before now. I’m hoping that, perhaps,
-when Clarence sees who is after him he may
-find some way to slow down and let us overhaul
-him.”
-
-George only laughed at this and remarked:
-
-“That’s because you don’t know Clarence,
-sir. He hates me like poison, and sooner than
-have me beat him with my boat I believe he’d
-take the chances of staying in the power of
-those smugglers for a month. Oh! no, when
-he sees who is after him he’ll put things at
-top-notch speed, and try every trick he knows
-how to win out. But I’m not afraid, if only
-things go right with my engine.”
-
-“Look yonder!” cried the eagle-eyed agent
-just then, the Indian having pulled his coat
-sleeve and pointed ahead.
-
-“Say, that’s her, as sure as fate!” cried
-George, as he altered the course of his own
-boat a little.
-
-“And they know we’re after them, too,”
-remarked Jack.
-
-“Then the race is on; and good luck attend
-the better boat,” said the government agent,
-coolly taking out a cigar, biting off the end,
-and proceeding to apply a lighted match to the
-same.
-
-They were fairly flying through the water.
-On either side the waves parted, and rolled
-over smothered in foam; while in their wake
-a roller kept following close on their heels.
-
-“Twenty miles if anything?” the gentleman
-guessed.
-
-“More than that, sir,” replied the skipper,
-proudly; “but she can do better still. I’ve got
-another notch to let out if I have to. Don’t
-want to take the chances unless it’s positively
-necessary; because you see the quivering rattles
-her so much. Are we holding our own,
-do you think, Jack?”
-
-“I am sure of that,” came the reply. “And
-if you asked me again I’d say we are gaining
-a little all the while.”
-
-“Bully old *Wireless!*” exclaimed George, his
-voice filled with pride. “She can do the stunt
-all right if only something don’t happen to
-throw us out of our gear. She’s a wonder,
-that’s what, and I’ve always said so. Talk
-about sprinting, did you ever go as fast as this
-in a small boat, sir?”
-
-“I certainly never have,” replied the government
-agent; and from the way he was staggering
-around, clutching hold of every object
-that promised to keep him erect, it looked as
-though he might just as well have added: “and
-Heaven deliver me from ever experiencing it
-again.”
-
-“Everybody keep a sharp lookout for rocks
-or anything of the sort,” said George; “because
-those men must know this region like a
-book, and it would be just like ’em to lead us
-in a trap, so we’d be wrecked.”
-
-“Yes, you’re correct there, George,” observed
-the agent, “and I give you credit for
-having a long head. That’s the kind of chaps
-you’re up against right now, full of trickery;
-desperate men, whose one idea is escape.”
-
-“This moonlight is all right as long as the
-other boat isn’t any further away than she is,”
-remarked George a minute or two later.
-
-“I’m sorry to state that you can’t count on
-the candle up in the sky much longer,” remarked
-the gentleman; “for there is a suspicious
-bank of black clouds hovering near,
-and at any time she’s apt to be eclipsed.”
-
-“All right,” and George laughed a bit hysterically,
-since he was laboring under so great
-a strain of excitement. “Jack, would you mind
-attending to my searchlight. Then we’ll be
-ready for the trouble when she comes.”
-
-And a couple of minutes later, when the
-dark mask did cover the face of the moon, a
-long vivid white gleam reached out from the
-brass searchlight on the forward deck of the
-quivering speed boat. It widened as it extended
-in the distance; and plainly seen was
-the flitting craft they pursued. The position
-of the *Flash* could be detected better by means
-of the white foam-tipped waves thrown aside
-by her swift passage, rather than by viewing
-the boat itself.
-
-“That’s splendid!” remarked the government
-agent, as he looked along this lane of
-illumination, and watched the desperate struggles
-of the *Flash* to outrun her determined
-pursuers.
-
-“Still picking up on her, ain’t we, Jack?”
-asked George, after a little.
-
-“No doubt about that, I think,” came the
-reply. “And I guess you were right when you
-declared the good old *Wireless* was the better
-boat. She can certainly walk over the water
-some. I would enjoy this more if it was day-time.”
-
-“I guess we all would,” laughed the gentleman,
-still gripping hold of the brass rail
-to make sure he might not be plunged overboard
-should anything suddenly go wrong.
-
-“If only the engine behaves half-way decent,”
-sighed George. “She’s doing nobly
-right now, though, ain’t she, Jack? But I hope
-they don’t toll us in among the rocks. If we
-ever come slap up against one at this rate
-there’s going to be some high vaulting, I tell
-you. Whew! did you see that one sticking out
-of the water? I just swerved in time, though.
-Keep watching, everybody, and tell me quick
-if you see anything ugly ahead!”
-
-Their pace was not abated a particle, even
-though George knew that new perils were
-strewn in their course. If that other boat
-ahead could speed through this same tortuous
-channel he believed he dared take the same
-chances. And George had always been reckoned
-a daring boy by his schoolmates, in football
-games or on the diamond; so that this
-venturesome spirit was no new freak on his
-part.
-
-It was only by the greatest effort that he
-refrained from throwing on the last atom of
-speed, and hastening the overtaking of the
-fugitive motor boat.
-
-They were rushing on at this tremendous
-pace, and constantly gaining, when George
-gave vent to a sudden loud exclamation.
-
-CHAPTER XX—OVERHAULED
-=====================
-
-Jack had seen the same object that had given
-George such a start. Across the white path
-of illumination thrown forward by the powerful
-little acetylene searchlight, a shadowy,
-moving thing suddenly appeared.
-
-It was a sailboat, beating up against a head
-wind, and aiming to reach its home port while
-the possibility of moonlight lasted.
-
-Whatever tempted the man at the tiller to
-try and cross between the swift moving motor
-boats no one might ever know. But it was
-the nearest to a collision, without an actual
-calamity, Jack had ever experienced.
-
-He instinctively understood that the only
-thing that would prevent the *Wireless* from
-plunging into the luckless sailboat would be
-a prompt reversal on the part of the skipper at
-the wheel. And such an action was apt to endanger
-the working abilities of the *Wireless’*
-engine, never too trustworthy under a strain.
-
-Had George failed, Jack stood ready to butt
-in and execute the speed maneuver; for this
-was a case that would admit of no ceremony.
-Life and death might be in the balance.
-
-But, fortunately, George kept his head. He
-instantly did what was necessary, and the tremendous
-forward movement of the rushing
-speed boat was instantly checked.
-
-Indeed, so astonishing was the change that
-the government agent came near plunging
-headlong over the rail into the river. Jack
-stretched out a hand and caught him just in
-time. As for the Indian, he sprawled on all
-fours in the bottom of the craft, trying to keep
-his head from bumping against some obstacle.
-
-But Jack was delighted to see that the engine
-had actually redeemed itself; for it still continued
-to work at the old stand.
-
-The adventurous sailboat glided out of the
-way, so close that the sharp bow of the *Wireless*
-almost touched the boom that was hauled
-well in during the tacking process. A couple
-of white, scared faces could be seen for two
-seconds; and then the sailboat was engulfed
-in the shadows that lay on either side, out
-beyond range of that searchlight radius.
-
-“Bully for her!” gulped George, almost unable
-to articulate under the tremendous strain,
-yet thinking only of the able work of his
-engine.
-
-“Speed her up again, George; but not with a
-rush!” called Jack.
-
-Looking ahead he saw that, just as he expected,
-the *Flash* had managed to take advantage of the
-momentary detention of her
-rival, and increased the distance separating
-them.
-
-“That was tough luck!” said the government
-agent; “but I owe you thanks for saving
-me from a wet jacket, my boy.”
-
-“I guess we’re fortunate not to have
-smashed into that silly crowd, and played hob
-with everything,” Jack remarked.
-
-“But look where they are,” groaned the
-anxious George. “Just about as far ahead as
-in the start; and it’s all got to be done over
-again. Oh; what fools some men are when
-they get in a boat. All they had to do was to
-come up in the wind till the procession passed.
-Instead, they tried to butt in, and came near
-spoiling the whole game. What shall we do,
-Jack?”
-
-“Do you want me to say what I’d do if this
-was my boat?” asked the other.
-
-“Sure I do,” George spoke up. “They’ve
-got some clever trick ahead, and may lose us
-yet. You notice that they hardly make any
-noise, even while the muffler isn’t working.
-That boat was just made for a smuggler, or a
-pirate. But go on, Jack, tell me.”
-
-“All right,” said the other. “You see how
-well your engine is going. She’s had all the
-freak rubbed off her, I guess, and is now buckling
-right down to business. And honestly,
-George, I believe you can trust her with that
-reserve notch of speed! I’d try it, if I were
-you.”
-
-“Now, I’m glad to hear you say that, Jack,”
-exclaimed the skipper, eagerly. “For during
-that other trip my engine played so many
-pranks that she got a black eye among my
-chums. If so be she’s settled down to a steady
-stage, the sooner I know it the better. I’ll be
-delighted to find it out. So here goes. Steady,
-all; hold on tight!”
-
-The government agent, not knowing what to
-expect, for they were as near flying now as he
-ever expected to get, thought the policy of his
-crafty Indian helper worth imitating. So he
-simply dropped down in the body of the boat
-and braced himself against a shock.
-
-But there was none. When George applied
-that last little reserve bit of power a slight
-jump forward resulted; and then after that
-the only difference seemed to be that they drew
-up on the fugitive *Flash* hand over hand.
-
-George was nearly wild with delight. To
-him the fact that his cranky engine had finally
-determined to be good and do the duty which
-her makers had meant she should, far outweighed
-all else. So far as he was concerned
-it did not matter much whether the three men
-in the *Flash* were captured or not; but it was
-an affair of exceeding importance that the
-good, reliable old *Wireless* should overhaul its
-rival in this masterly manner.
-
-“See her hump herself, Jack!” he ejaculated,
-as he balanced himself in the swaying
-craft, and peered eagerly ahead toward the
-other boat. “Ain’t she coming up nobly,
-though? Talk to me about the *Flash* making
-circles around us; why, she ain’t in the same
-class with this same old *Wireless*. Oh! but
-this pays me for all the troubles I’ve had in
-the past. I can hardly keep from yelling,
-Jack!”
-
-“Better quit that monkey business, then,”
-cautioned the other. “You need all your wind
-and eyesight and everything else right now in
-handling such a greyhound.”
-
-That just about finished George.
-
-“Thank you, Jack, for giving her that fine
-name. But she deserves it,” he said. “I
-understand what you mean; and, believe me,
-I’ll try to hold my spirits in check until the
-game is won. I’d hate to have any accident
-happen now, I tell you.”
-
-And he did buckle down to business with new
-determination and grit, grasping the vibrating
-wheel with all his strength, and watching to
-see just what the tricky skipper of that other
-craft might do. For George knew Clarence
-only too well, nor would he put anything past
-the other when it came down to cunning.
-
-They were now so close that it was easy to
-see everything taking place on board the fleeing
-*Flash*. Clarence was at the wheel, and
-several figures crouched along either side, evidently
-holding on for dear life. One was in the
-stern, and Jack had little difficulty in making
-him out as the tall man he had first seen in
-the old cabin, and whom the agent had called
-Glenwood.
-
-“Looks like we would run alongside in less
-than five minutes, sir,” observed George, trying
-to steady his voice, but hardly succeeding,
-for his nerves were tingling in a manner he
-had seldom if ever experienced before.
-
-“Keep just a little to the left, then,” answered
-the agent. “And watch out, for it is
-barely possible they may try to foul us at the
-last, hoping to escape in the confusion.”
-
-Jack was changing his mind now about that
-same thing. He had an idea that perhaps
-Clarence had played a trick on the men who
-held him in custody; he may not have let out
-all the speed of which the *Flash* was capable.
-Besides, now that the race seemed virtually
-over, and the *Wireless* had proven the superior
-why should he want to bring about a collision
-that would wreck both boats, as well as endanger
-the lives of all the occupants?
-
-“Steady, George, steady!” Jack cautioned,
-as he thought he saw a slight change in the
-course taken by the boat ahead.
-
-“Duck down, boys; he’s going to try and
-scare us by firing!” suddenly said the keen-eyed
-government agent.
-
-Even George managed to partly drop, so as
-to be shielded by the forward deck. And that
-the revenue man had guessed correctly was
-made evident when there broke out the sharp
-report of a revolver. Jack even believed he
-could hear the peculiar whine of the flying
-bullet as it passed over the boat.
-
-“Stay where you are!” cried the agent;
-“that was only one. He’s got a few more of the
-same kind to follow!”
-
-There came other shots in rapid succession.
-Really, it would not be surprising if George
-lost his head under such circumstances, for
-usually it takes a veteran to preserve his coolness
-under fire. But, singular to state, the
-nervous one of the motor boys now proved
-that he could shut his teeth together and hold
-on tenaciously with bulldog courage.
-
-The *Wireless* may have wavered just a little,
-but still kept swiftly on, diminishing the narrow
-lead of her rival with constant rapidity
-and steadiness.
-
-“That’s all!” called the revenue man, as the
-sixth shot sounded; and every one felt a perceptible
-thud, telling that this time the desperate
-smuggler had lowered his aim, and that
-the bullet had struck the boat somewhere.
-“And as it’s a poor rule that won’t work both
-ways, perhaps I can have a little better luck
-in scaring some one. Watch out, George, and
-be ready to stop short if he does!”
-
-With that he threw out his arm, and instantly
-there was a flash and a report.
-
-“Oh!” exclaimed George, startled in spite
-of the warning.
-
-Jack’s heart was fluttering with excitement.
-He also felt something like regret that Clarence
-was there in line with the fire. Though
-the agent might be only seeking to frighten the
-boy at the wheel of the *Flash*, still something
-serious was apt to happen. Jack wished in his
-soul that it was all over and nobody injured.
-
-The *Flash* began to wabble badly, showing
-that Clarence was trying to shield himself
-from the battery in the rear, something which
-he would find it hard to do.
-
-Jack stood ready to lend a hand in case of
-an emergency that George might seem unable
-to manage alone.
-
-And it was right at that critical moment,
-just when light was needed most of all, that the
-fickle moon shot out from behind the bank of
-clouds, illuminating the surface of the broad
-St. Lawrence, dotted still with islands, upon
-which in many cases cottages could be seen.
-
-Jack thought that was a good omen; but
-there was no time to spend in reflection. Another
-sharp report close to his ear told that
-the revenue man believed in following up a
-good thing. He knew that Clarence was on
-the point of surrender, and intended to strike
-while the iron was hot.
-
-“Look out, George!”
-
-Jack shouted this warning in the ear of his
-chum, for the leading motor boat had suddenly
-slackened her speed, the quick pulsation of her
-engine having ceased to beat upon the air.
-
-Instantly the motor of the *Wireless* followed
-suit; and driven forward by the impetus of her
-“push,” she shot alongside the other craft,
-not three feet away.
-
-Jack breathed easier, for he saw now that a
-collision was not to follow. The nerve of Clarence
-had possibly failed him at the climax; and
-his last move had been to stop his engine, before
-dropping flat in the bottom of his boat.
-
-“Over into her, John! We must make prisoners
-here!” shouted the agent, as he balanced
-on the rail of the *Wireless*, and in so doing
-almost brought that side of the narrow-beam
-boat awash.
-
-“There he goes, sir!” called Jack.
-
-A big splash followed, as a figure sprang
-from the opposite side of the other boat. Evidently
-the desperate smuggler, as a last resort,
-had taken to the water, in the hope that he
-might yet baffle his pursuers, and escape to
-the Canada shore.
-
-Jack had snatched up a boathook with a
-brass knobbed end. This he fastened to the
-rail of the *Flash*, and exerting all his strength,
-began to draw the two boats closer together, so
-that the revenue agent and his assistant might
-make the transfer safely.
-
-He saw them leap across, and felt the boat
-rock violently under the strain; but not for an
-instant did he let go his hold. There was something
-of a rumpus going on aboard the *Flash*,
-as though the government men might be struggling
-with the two smugglers whom they found
-there, lacking in nerve to follow after their
-leader, or else not knowing how to swim. But
-in another minute these sounds ceased, from
-which he guessed that the pair had been subdued.
-
-CHAPTER XXI—A CLEAN SWEEP
-=========================
-
-“Jack!”
-
-It was the revenue man calling, and he appeared
-at the side of the other boat.
-
-“Yes, what is it, sir?” replied the lad who
-held the boathook.
-
-“I’m coming over again,” continued the
-other. “I hate to let that clever rascal get
-away; and we must try to pick him up. Hold
-steady now.”
-
-The transfer was made without any accident,
-though both boats careened wildly under
-the strain, thanks to their sharp keels, fashioned
-only with an eye to making speed.
-
-“I see him, sir!” cried George, as he once
-more started his engine, and began to curve
-around the now stationary *Flash*.
-
-Jack could also readily pick up the swimmer.
-Evidently Glenwood must have kicked
-off his shoes, and divested himself of coat and
-vest, before jumping overboard; for he was
-making splendid progress through the water,
-using a hand-over-hand stroke.
-
-This necessitated more or less churning of
-the water, however, and since the moon persisted
-in playing into the hands of his enemies
-by staying out steadily, his course was readily
-seen.
-
-They bore down rapidly upon him, once the
-boat had been turned around. But Jack knew
-only too well that a strong and desperate
-swimmer would be apt to give his pursuers a
-hard pull before they could get him. If Glenwood
-knew his business, as seemed evident, he
-would hold himself in readiness to duck under,
-just when they thought to reach over and
-grasp him.
-
-“Now, steady while I nab him!” said the
-revenue man, leaning over the bow.
-
-“He’s gone under, sir!” cried Jack, who
-was holding on to that serviceable boathook,
-with the idea that possibly he might find a
-chance to get it fast in the garments of the
-man in the water.
-
-“Yes, I expected that,” replied the other.
-“And of course we don’t know just where
-he’ll come up again. Our only chance is to
-keep him going until even his iron muscles
-weaken. We hold the advantage, boys. Look
-on that side, Jack, and I’ll take care of this.
-George, be ready to work around or back up,
-as the case may be.”
-
-Ten seconds later and Jack called out:
-
-“Here he is, on this side, George!”
-
-Then began one of the queerest experiences
-Jack had ever participated in. All of his hare
-and hound and paper chases must sink into
-insignificance after this hunt; for a desperate
-man was seeking to effect his escape.
-
-Glenwood would wait until they were close
-upon him, meanwhile trying to recuperate.
-Then, at the critical instant, he would sink out
-of sight, and swim under water to the other
-side of the boat, or the rear, never ahead. In
-this way he kept them guessing; and besides,
-after the boat was started it was necessary for
-them to make more or less of a circuit before
-they could bear down on the fugitive again.
-
-“What does he hope to gain by all this,
-sir?” asked George, when they had missed the
-swimmer for the fourth time, and were waiting
-for him to appear again.
-
-“Oh! Glenwood is a keen one,” replied the
-government agent. “Depend on it he has several
-irons in the fire. Perhaps he expects to
-get a chance to land on the Canadian shore,
-where I could not very well chase him. Then
-again he keeps hoping that our good friend,
-the moon, will kindly hide again. That would
-give him all the opportunity he wants to come
-up, get a breath, and vanish without being
-seen. There he is, George; back up this time!”
-
-So the merry chase continued—at least it
-may have seemed that to the two boys, but
-must have assumed a more serious aspect
-with the man they were after. Jack could not
-but admire the nerve and audacity of the
-swimmer. He even secretly began to hope
-Glenwood might get away; for after all it was
-none of their business, though the fellow was
-really a criminal, in that he was breaking the
-laws of the land.
-
-But George had entered heart and soul into
-the game, and was determined to do all he
-could to assist the revenue man. He backed
-the boat so fast that soon the swimmer had to
-duck again.
-
-“He’s getting weaker all the time, boys,”
-remarked the agent, in a satisfied tone. “We
-have only to keep this system of tactics up a
-little longer, and Glenwood will be only too
-glad to come in out of the wet, or drown.”
-
-“Oh! I hope that doesn’t happen,” said
-George.
-
-“Little fear,” replied the other. “Like
-most of us, Glenwood clings on to life, and always
-has hopes of escaping. Do you see him
-yet, either of you?”
-
-“Not on this side,” replied Jack.
-
-“And I don’t glimpse him here,” George
-went on.
-
-“But he’s been under almost a full minute
-now, and that’s a long time for one as exhausted as
-he must be,” the agent remarked,
-seriously.
-
-“Oh! I hope he hasn’t acted like I’ve known
-wounded ducks to do,” said George, “go to the
-bottom, and hold on to the eel grass until they
-drown. That would be terrible.”
-
-“And if he’d only held out a few minutes
-more he might have had the chance he was
-looking for, sir,” said Jack; “for there’s another
-bunch of clouds making up toward the
-moon.”
-
-“Just so, Jack,” remarked the revenue
-man, glancing aloft; “and I wager Glenwood
-knew that fact, too.”
-
-“But where can he be, sir? It would be impossible
-for any one to stay under so long.
-I’m something of a swimmer myself, and I
-know I couldn’t,” George went on, anxiously.
-
-“Sure he didn’t bob up quietly, take a
-breath or two, and sink out of sight again?”
-asked the other.
-
-Both boys declared they were positive that
-such had not been the case. The revenue man
-remained there for another minute, as though
-pondering. Then Jack saw him look up and
-smile. He did not call out, but made a mysterious
-motion with his hand that seemed to call
-for silence.
-
-Then Jack saw him creeping slowly and cautiously toward
-the stern of the boat. George
-stared with wide open eyes, as though the
-startling thought had come to him that their
-passenger had suddenly gone crazy. But if
-so, there was a method in his madness, and
-Jack had guessed it.
-
-The stern of the *Wireless* was not an over-hang,
-but the customary square one of a speed
-boat. Still, any one in the water could hang
-on to the rudder, keeping clear of the propeller;
-and while the boat was stationary, be
-concealed from the view of those aboard, unless
-indeed, some inquisitive person thrust his
-head far out over the edge.
-
-Undoubtedly the cunning Glenwood had
-conceived this to be a good plan, to rest, and
-wait for the cloud to cover the face of the
-moon, when he could dip again, and pass away
-under the water beyond reach of their limited
-vision.
-
-Jack almost ceased to breathe, so intensely
-interested was he in watching the advance of
-the revenue man. It was a case of diamond
-cut diamond, apparently, and victory would
-go to the keener mind.
-
-Now the agent was crawling over the stern,
-and evidently getting in readiness to suddenly
-swoop his arm down, with fingers extended, to
-clutch anything he might come in contact with
-there.
-
-He made the movement with a celerity that
-reminded Jack of the swoop of a hawk on a
-pigeon. And apparently he must have gauged
-his action nicely; for immediately there arose
-a yell, and a threshing of the water followed;
-while the agent held on desperately, calling to
-the others for assistance.
-
-Two hands were seen to clutch the brass
-rail; and then a head came into view.
-
-“No need to yank my hair out; I’m coming
-aboard all right, Carson!” gasped the exhausted
-swimmer; but the government agent
-evidently looked upon him as a slippery customer,
-for he declined to release his clutch
-until the man had been pulled wholly into the
-boat, and stretched on his back in the bottom.
-
-Jack felt a queer chill when he heard something
-“click,” and realized that for the first
-time in all his life he saw a prisoner hand-cuffed.
-But Glenwood did not appear to be
-very much cast down. He had faced this situation
-a long time, and evidently discounted all
-its terrors. He even laughed as soon as he got
-his breath.
-
-“It was some fun while it lasted, Carson,”
-he said.
-
-“And you came near playing it on me for
-good,” replied the other, laughing in his turn.
-“I only fell to your smart trick by accident.
-Seemed to me I felt something bump against
-the side of the boat, when none of us chanced
-to be moving. And then I figured what I would
-do myself in a similar case. That was how I
-came to hit on your game, Glenwood.”
-
-“How about my friends; did they get
-away?” asked the other.
-
-“George,” the agent went on, “turn around,
-and we’ll head back; if you’re in doubt I can
-tell you just where we’ll find the other boat,
-first of all, and then the island where your
-comrades are waiting.”
-
-Then he turned to his prisoner, saying:
-
-“Neither of them took the dare you set,
-Glenwood; and we got the upper hand of both
-in short order. Besides, there are three
-chaps with their legs tied up, on the island.”
-
-“A clean sweep, you’ve made of it, then,”
-remarked the smuggler, disconsolately;
-“bagged the whole lot, and the stuff in the
-bargain. Well, I knew how it would be when
-I heard they were sending you up here, Carson.
-Sooner or later I guessed we’d be up
-against it, and meet with our finish. But it
-came quicker than I expected.”
-
-He said nothing more, nor did the government
-agent seem disposed to enter into further conversation
-just then. Keeping at the
-elbow of the pilot, he watched him head the
-boat along toward where George thought the
-*Flash* would be found. And that his judgment
-was good they presently saw, when in
-the moonlight the other motor boat was discovered
-quite motionless on the river.
-
-George gave a signal, which was immediately
-answered. When they drew alongside
-it was to find that both Clarence and Bully
-Joe were awaiting their coming with more or
-less eagerness.
-
-“Thank goodness!” said the owner of the
-*Flash*; “now we’ll get rid of these ugly fellows.
-They just pounced down on us several
-days ago, and we’ve had to do what they
-wanted ever since. I hope, sir, you won’t
-bother taking us along with you, because we’ve
-had nothing to do with their games. We were
-prisoners, that’s right. I was threatened
-with all sorts of terrible things if I refused
-to run the boat as that man wanted.”
-
-“Oh! I understand that, young fellow,”
-said Mr. Carson, pleasantly. “All I want
-you to do is to accompany us back to the island,
-carrying those you have aboard. I’ll
-relieve you of them there, and you can go
-about your business. I have no call out for
-you. But next time I advise you to be a little
-more careful whose company you accept. It
-got you into trouble once, and may again.”
-
-“I declare I have no idea where our blooming
-old haunted island lies,” admitted George,
-frankly; “and I’ll have to ask you to stand
-by sir, to tell me how to steer.”
-
-“That’s easily done, George;” laughed the
-other. “And you’ve been a big help to me,
-something I’ll not soon forget either. Clarence,
-keep as close by us as is safe; and we’ll
-have no more racing as we return, remember.”
-
-Clarence had something on his mind, nor
-could he keep from saying what it was.
-
-“Think you climbed up on me hand over
-fist, don’t you, George,” he remarked, as the
-two speed boats got under way once more.
-“Well, you’ve got another think coming, that’s
-what. He ordered me to hit up my hottest
-pace, and I told him I was doing it; but all
-the same I kept a bit in reserve. The *Flash*
-can do better; and some fine day you’ll all get
-your eyes opened, perhaps. I played my little
-game to get rid of unwelcome passengers,
-leaving the question about which was the
-faster boat to be settled some other time. See?”
-
-“That’s a likely story,” sneered George,
-who would not think of letting any one dim
-the glory that the dashing *Wireless* had so
-gallantly won; and least of all Clarence Macklin.
-“Tell that to the marines, will you? But
-if the chance ever comes I’ll try it all over
-with you for fair. Meanwhile don’t bother
-yourself boasting how you’re going to cut figure
-eight’s around me, with that pirate boat
-of yours. She looks dangerous; but in a race
-something besides looks counts. I’ve got it
-right here. That’ll be enough for you, Clarence,”
-and George declined to exchange any
-further words with the skipper of the defeated
-motor boat.
-
-CHAPTER XXII—BUSTER’S HOUR OF TRIUMPH
-=====================================
-
-It proved that Mr. Carson knew his St. Lawrence
-in the neighborhood of the Thousand
-Islands by heart, so that even in the misty
-moonlight he was able to guide the two speed
-boats back to the haunted island.
-
-Their arrival was the signal for an outburst
-of cheers from those of the motor boat boys
-who had been left behind.
-
-Great was the excitement that took possession
-of the four when they discovered that it
-was Clarence and Bully Joe who were now in
-charge of the mysterious dark speed boat;
-and after finding out that three smugglers lay
-in the bottom, with their ankles tied, and steel
-bracelets on their wrists, Nick and Josh were
-so overwhelmed with amazement that they
-could hardly speak for a brief time. And as
-the others realized, when the tall lad lost his
-voice it must be something wonderful indeed
-that had happened.
-
-Mr. Carson meant to lose no time. He sent
-his Indian assistant across the island to take
-the little canvas collapsible canoe, and cross
-over to a neighboring piece of land, where
-their noisy motor boat had been concealed
-earlier in the evening.
-
-Of course the boys now understood that it
-had been this river craft whose loud, rattling
-pulsations they had caught at the time George
-first mentioned hearing the sounds.
-
-When, a little later, the pilot returned,
-bringing the snub-nosed boat with him, the
-three prisoners were transferred without much
-trouble. After that the revenue man and his
-helper went ashore to complete the job. One
-by one they brought off the trio of prisoners
-who had been left there helpless.
-
-Finally they carried aboard the large packs
-that Jack had seen hidden in the cavity under
-the old straw in the cabin’s earthen floor.
-
-“I think that finishes the job,” remarked
-the energetic agent, as he wiped his wet forehead.
-“And I must admit that, taken as a
-whole, it’s about the most satisfactory piece
-of business I’ve handled for a long time.”
-
-“Did you get them all, sir?” Josh asked,
-filled with admiration for the man who could
-engineer a big scheme like this and bring it
-to a successful close.
-
-“The entire working force is now in custody,
-I believe,” replied Mr. Carson. “To be
-sure there are probably some persons connected
-with the band whom we will never lay
-hands on; such as those who supplied the
-funds, and shipped the goods across the border.
-But it may be possible to catch some of
-the guilty receivers over on our side of the
-river. When rogues find themselves fast in
-the toils, they frequently offer to confess all
-they know in order to curry favor with the authorities.
-And secretly, between us, I imagine
-Glenwood may yet be induced to turn state’s
-evidence.”
-
-“Are you going to leave us now, sir?” asked
-Jack, seeing that the other was evidently preparing
-to cross over to his own well laden motor
-boat.
-
-“Yes,” came the reply. “The sooner I get
-this cargo behind the bars, the better. But I
-want to shake hands with each one of you, and
-thank you again most heartily for the assistance
-you have given me in this matter. I don’t
-mean to let it drop there; and you may expect
-to hear from me again, since Jack Stormways
-has given me his address. Good night boys,
-and may the balance of your vacation be as
-peaceful as the beginning has been stormy.”
-
-“Oh! well, we’ve sure enjoyed it, Mr. Carson,”
-said George, “and it was worth a heap
-to me to have that chance to try conclusions
-with the *Flash*.”
-
-“I’ve no doubt of it, George,” laughed the
-agent, as he clambered over the side of his
-stubby little launch. “And since I miss that
-same evil looking boat, I surmise that our
-friend Clarence did not care to stay here in
-your company any longer than he could help.”
-
-“He scooted off as soon as you had gone
-ashore for the prisoners, sir,” observed Nick,
-who wanted to have a last word with the man
-he admired so much.
-
-And in another minute the Indian pilot had
-set his chatterbox of an engine to beating a
-lively tattoo, upon which the stub-nosed launch
-began to draw away. As long as it remained in
-sight in the moonlight the boys cheered, and
-called goodbyes, so that if there chanced to be
-any more ghosts lingering about that haunted
-island they must have taken this for a clear
-defiance of their power, and concluded to remain
-in hiding during the balance of the stay
-of the motor boat boys.
-
-“Think we can pick up a few winks of sleep,
-fellows?” asked George, when the clatter of
-the loud-voiced engine had been mellowed by
-distance.
-
-“We ought to try, anyhow,” said Jack,
-“Seems to me we’ve had our rest pretty badly
-broken up lately. For one I’m going to forget
-it all for a while.”
-
-But the chances were that none of them got
-any satisfactory sleep during the balance of
-that eventful night.
-
-On the following morning they prepared to
-vacate the cove that had been their anchorage
-for so long. All of them first went ashore; for
-Nick and Herb were very anxious to see the
-cabin, and the hole in the floor were the smugglers
-kept their goods concealed after secretly
-bringing the stuff over from the Canada mainland,
-waiting until a good chance opened to
-scatter it through the state, free of duty.
-
-“Well,” declared Nick, as they prepared to
-get underway later in the morning; “this has
-been a great experience all around, sure
-enough. And it ended fine—that is for us boys,
-though I guess poor old Glenwood and his fellow
-conspirators don’t feel so very gay over
-it.”
-
-“And don’t forget our friends, Clarence and
-Bully Joe, while about it,” spoke up George.
-“Just stop and think what Macklin went
-through—held a prisoner by those reckless
-men, and threatened with all sorts of trouble
-if he so much as squeaked on ’em. Then
-forced to do whatever they wanted. And last,
-but far from least, beaten in a fair race by
-this dandy little meteor boat that he once
-sneered at. That’s glory enough for me, I’m
-telling you, shipmates.”
-
-“I guess we all enjoyed it,” remarked Josh.
-
-“Yes, so far as I’m concerned I’d be quite
-contented and happy right now, if I only knew
-one thing,” remarked Nick, looking doleful
-again.
-
-“Here, don’t you go to starting up your
-tune about that break,” said George, “we all
-agreed long ago that if you *did* leak to Clarence,
-you never would have done it on purpose.
-So forget it.”
-
-“But I tell you I can’t,” flashed back the
-fat boy. “I feel sore about it; and I want to
-find out the truth so that every one of you’ll
-get down on your marrow-bones and ask my
-pardon. And something tells me the time ain’t
-so far away when that very thing is going to
-happen.”
-
-“Then speed the hour,” grinned Herb;
-“after you’ve seen us in a row asking forgiveness,
-perhaps we’ll have peace, and you’ll forget
-the incident.”
-
-“Don’t count too heavily on that,” George
-said. “You don’t know Buster as well as I
-do. Just as like as not he’ll turn out to be made
-up the same way as that thirsty young woman
-in the sleeping car, you know.”
-
-“But perhaps we don’t know, so suppose
-you tell us,” Nick himself burst out with curiosity
-consuming him.
-
-“Oh! I thought it was a chestnut; but if you
-will have it, listen. A traveling man, trying to
-go to sleep, heard some woman keep on saying
-out loud in the berth next to him ‘Oh! I
-am so thirsty! Oh! I am so thirsty!’ When he
-couldn’t stand for it any longer he got up, went
-and fetched a glass of water, and begged her
-to accept it. Then he went back to his berth,
-thinking he would have peace. But soon he
-heard the same woman saying over and over
-again: ‘Oh! I was so thirsty! I was so thirsty!’
-So look out Buster don’t play that game on
-you, Herb.”
-
-There was a shout at this, in which Nick
-joined; for being a good-natured chap in the
-main, he could take a joke that was leveled at
-himself.
-
-About nine o’clock the signal was given, and
-the three motor boats forming the cruising
-fleet pulled out of the friendly cove. Those on
-board looked back with more or less rejoicing
-and regret at the scene of their recent adventures.
-They would not soon forget all that
-had happened since first they dropped in there
-for a night’s stay. And Jack’s entries in the
-official log would doubtless prove very entertaining
-reading for the folks at home.
-
-Upon examining the bow of his speed boat
-George had found where that bullet had struck,
-that was fired last of all by the desperate smuggler,
-in hopes of frightening the boy at the
-wheel of the pursuing craft.
-
-It had made quite a hole, though fortunately
-doing no real damage. Later on he could
-of course, have the aperture plugged; but for
-the present it would stand as a mute witness to
-the truth of the adventurous story the boys
-had to tell. If any one of their mates at home
-ventured to scoff at the idea of their having
-been actually under a hot fire, he stood ready
-to pry that bit of lead out of its lodgings, and
-thus confound the skeptic.
-
-They were now on the second week of their
-vacation, and of course had lots of territory
-to cover still, before they could say they had
-exhausted the pleasures of this wonderful
-cruising ground. But already the motor boat
-boys were looking forward to another daring
-venture, and all of them had written home to
-gain the consent of those who must be consulted
-ere determining positively on their
-plans.
-
-This included a long trip through lakes Ontario
-and Erie, up past Detroit into Lake Huron,
-along the shore of this great body of water
-until the wonderful Soo was reached at the
-head of the St. Mary’s river; and then possibly
-into Superior; winding up with a run
-down Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, where the
-boats could be sent home the same way they
-had left, via railroad.
-
-Of course, being real boys, once a great undertaking
-like this had formed itself in their
-minds they could talk of little else. And Jack
-knew very well that if any determined opposition
-developed at home, that would put a
-damper on the grand scheme, there would be
-a feeling of gloom settle down over the whole
-expedition.
-
-After leaving the haunted island the first object
-of the boys was to get back to Clayton,
-and not only replenish their depleted supplies,
-but gather up any mail that would, according
-to orders, be held for them at the post office
-there.
-
-Josh went ashore to get the mail, while Jack
-looked after the supplies. Nick seemed unusually
-uneasy all the time they were gone;
-and upon their showing up he demanded
-shrilly that the letters be distributed without
-delay.
-
-“Only one for you, Pudding,” jeered the
-letter carrier, as he held it up; “and seems to
-me I smell violet perfume on that. Must be a
-dainty billet doux from Rosie Sinclair; but
-here, take it and go off by yourself. It would
-make us all die of envy to see you reading
-such sweet stuff, when we are forgotten by our
-best girls.”
-
-Nick eagerly snatched the missive from his
-hand, and with trembling fingers tore it open.
-A minute later the others were astonished to
-hear him give a loud whoop.
-
-“What did I tell you, fellows?” he exclaimed,
-trying to dance around like a wild
-Indian, and waving the open letter. “Mebbe
-I ain’t something of a detective myself? Come
-around here, every one of you now, and get
-ready to do that marrow-bone act you promised.”
-
-“What’s all this mean? Has he gone out of
-his mind?” asked George.
-
-“Tell us, Buster,” said Jack, who could suspect
-something of the nature of the communication
-Nick had received.
-
-“His dad has said he can take the northern
-cruise, that’s what!” remarked Josh, a bit
-enviously.
-
-“Oh! you’re away off there,” cried the fat
-boy, derisively. “Why, you couldn’t guess
-the truth in a month of Sundays, Josh. It
-takes real brains to figure out a solution to a
-mystery like that. And I did it, all by my little
-self.”
-
-“Great governor!” ejaculated George,
-“listen to him, would you, fellows? Honest
-now, if it don’t sound as if he’d found out
-where that leak lay. Here, Buster, it isn’t
-fair to keep us on the ragged edge so long.
-Open up now, and explain. Did anybody talk
-in their sleep? Who told Clarence our plans?”
-
-“You did, George; yes, and so did Jack and
-Herb and Josh—I guess Jimmie and myself
-had a hand in it too!” laughed the fat boy, to
-their great mystification!
-
-CHAPTER XXIII—HAPPY DAYS—CONCLUSION
-===================================
-
-“Poor old Buster! He’s sure getting weak
-in the upper story,” said George.
-
-“It’s going to be a strait-jacket for him before
-long!” sighed Josh.
-
-But Jack spoke not a word; for he could
-somehow see further than the rest of the boys,
-and understood that Nick held a strong hand.
-
-“Oh! is that the way you’re thinking?”
-said the fat boy, still trembling with the violence
-of his excitement. “Just wait till I read
-this little letter, and then if you’re honest
-you’ll do the right thing by poor old Buster.”
-
-“He’s going to read Rosie’s little note to us,
-fellows!” cried Josh, pretending to be horror-stricken
-at such a base betrayal of confidence.
-
-“Who said it was from Rosie, or any girl
-at all?” demanded Nick, indignantly. “Look
-at the name signed at the bottom, and you can
-read Aleck. Yes, it’s from my old friend, Aleck
-Sands. I wrote him a week ago, when that
-bright thought first dazzled me. And you remember,
-when Josh here gave me that start by
-talking through that old rusted tin water pipe?
-Well, that made me believe harder than before
-that I’d got on the track.”
-
-“Read the letter, plague take you, Nick!”
-roared impatient George; “don’t you see
-you’re giving some of us heart disease right
-now, with your everlasting slow way of getting
-at things.”
-
-So Nick, assuming a posture that, according
-to his mind signified the attitude of a victor
-awaiting the laurel wreath, began in his slow
-way.
-
- “Dear Buster:
-
- “As soon as I got your interesting letter I
- hit it up for the school house. Found old
- Crusty Bill Edwards hard at work, and had
- to bribe him to let me get in. Went up to the
- little room where we hold our club meetings.
- Yes, you were right, Buster; the register from
- the furnace in that room does back into the
- cloak room. Found both of ’em shut, but got
- old Bill to stand in the club room while I
- opened the registers, and then listened in the
- cloak closet while he talked to himself. And
- Buster, why, say, I could near hear the old
- man *think*, every sound came through that hole
- so plain. If you fellows talked about your
- plans that day you were there, and Clarence
- was hiding in the cloak room, make up your
- mind, old chap, he heard every word you said;
- In a hurry so I’ll ring off.
-
- .. class:: right
-
- “Yours, Aleck.”
-
-As Nick read the last word he paused and
-looked expectant. His motor-mates stared at
-one another as though for the moment rendered
-incapable of speech. The cleverness of
-the fat boy’s deduction was stunning; had it
-sprung from Jack, now, they might not have
-considered it so very wonderful; but to think
-that Buster, always so slow to grasp anything,
-could have done it, fairly staggered them.
-
-Jack was the first to recover. Laughingly
-he dropped on one knee beside Nick, and seizing
-the fat hand of the victor he pretended to
-kiss it with due humility.
-
-The others entered into the spirit of the occasion;
-and right there on the dock, regardless
-of the stares of passersby, the five clung around
-the grinning Buster, begging him to forgive
-their thick-headedness, and restore them to
-favor.
-
-Nick of course, enjoyed the game most
-heartily, and laughed himself into a fit of
-choking, as he raised his chums, one by one,
-and tapped them on the head in token of his
-pardon.
-
-“However did you come to think of it?”
-asked George, a little later, as they were once
-more aboard their boats, and ready to start
-forth in search of new adventures.
-
-“I dreamed about it, and that’s the truth,”
-declared Nick, solemnly; nor could they ever
-get him to change his assertion. “Woke me
-right up in the middle of the night too.
-Thought I saw Clarence peekin’ through a
-hole, and laughing to beat the band; and then
-I saw the silly crowd in the next room. That
-gave me an idea, and started me to thinking. I
-believed I remembered that register, and had
-an idea there was another one just back of it
-opening into that cloak room. Now you don’t
-blame me for wanting to get that letter, do
-you?”
-
-“I should say not,” declared George frankly.
-“Why you’ve just covered yourself with glory,
-Buster. After this, when anything mysterious
-happens, we’ll turn to you to guess the answer.
-You ought to be a lawyer, sure.”
-
-“Or a revenue man,” suggested Herb.
-
-“Guess Buster’d like to be the head steward
-on a big Atlantic liner best of all,” was the
-wicked remark of the envious Josh.
-
-But the fat boy was in a jolly frame of mind,
-and could not be provoked by any sort of fling
-just then. He turned to his tormentor, and
-smiling sweetly, remarked:
-
-“Josh knows my weak point; but then you
-fellows understand that it’s only green envy
-that makes him say such things. Right now
-he’d give almost anything if only he had my
-honest appetite. I never make faces at my
-meals. Why, I’m ready for one right at this
-present minute, fellows.”
-
-“Well,” said Jack, “let’s get off a few miles
-from Clayton before we think to start the
-stoves going. Perhaps we’ll find a nice quiet
-place where we can go ashore, and do the cooking
-stunt. This place is too thickly populated
-to make a show of ourselves to the gaping
-natives.”
-
-“Now, I know you mean me when you say
-that, Jack,” observed Nick, reproachfully.
-“But while I confess that I’ve got a bully good
-appetite, I hope I don’t disgrace the bunch
-when I join in the eating game. Herb, are we
-ready to start? While we are moving along I’ll
-try and hatch up a new dish out of my new
-book here, that will make your mouths water.”
-
-“If Herb was wise he’d have drowned that
-cook book long before this,” muttered Josh,
-as George gave his engine a fling and immediately
-started away in the lead.
-
-The three motor boats kept close company.
-George had apparently experienced all the
-running on ahead he wished, during that previous
-memorable cruise down the Mississippi;
-and was content after rushing half a mile in
-the lead to slow down and let the others catch
-up with him.
-
-He was in great spirits this morning. That
-wonderful little race in the moonlight on the
-preceding night, with its successful termination,
-had made him fall in love with his cranky
-speed boat more than ever. He could hardly
-talk intelligently about anything else; and
-finally the others declared that he was even a
-worse sinner in that respect than Nick had
-ever been.
-
-The day was sunshiny, and everything
-around them seemed joyous, so it was not to
-be thought strange that the motor boat boys
-were every little while bursting out in snatches
-of song, or exchanging joking remarks as the
-boats chanced to close up.
-
-“Wonder if we’ll ever hear from the gentleman
-again?” Herb was saying, as they later
-on headed for a bit of lonely shore, where it
-seemed inviting to campers.
-
-“If you mean Mr. Carson,” Jack replied,
-“I’m sure we will, for he gave his promise;
-and a man like him never goes back on his
-word. I’ve an idea he means to send us some
-little thing to put in our clubroom, to remember
-the adventure by.”
-
-“As if we’d be likely to ever forget it?”
-laughed George, patting his throbbing motor
-affectionately.
-
-“I’ve thought up that new mess, fellows!”
-called out Nick, just then.
-
-Everybody groaned in unison.
-
-“You know we’ve always had Boston baked
-beans and coffee for lunch whenever we got a
-chance to go ashore at noon. All right. I’m
-for progress. I like to vary our meals some.
-Let’s turn things upside down, and right
-around. If you agree, then today let the bill
-of fare be coffee and Boston baked beans.”
-
-“Bully for Buster! He’s the one bright
-mind in the bunch!” laughed George.
-
-“We can have a new dish every day at that
-rate, fellows!” sang out Herb.
-
-And so, joking and laughing in this way,
-they ran close in, found a deep place to anchor
-the three motor boats, and began to get ashore
-with such things as they needed for the meal.
-
-The future looked very bright to those six
-jolly fellows just then, with never a cloud in
-sight. Presently they hoped to be hearing the
-returns from home, when they would know
-whether their plan for an extended cruise was
-looked upon favorably by the powers that controlled
-their destinies.
-
-But no matter what the outcome of that
-proposition might be, they did not mean to
-worry over anything. The great St. Lawrence
-was an ideal cruising place, and doubtless if
-they were forced to stay there during the balance
-of the summer they could find plenty of
-amusement in the way of fishing, racing, and
-exploring.
-
-Only Josh solemnly expressed the hope that
-in their “nosing around,” as he called it, they
-might not happen upon another haunted
-island. Once spelled enough for him; and there
-was no telling but that on another occasion the
-ghost might prove to be more real than the one
-manufactured by Glenwood and his fellow
-smugglers, to frighten the owners of the three
-motor boats away from their pet cove.
-
-There was always the chance that sooner
-or later they would again run across Clarence
-Macklin and his crony, Bully Joe Brinker.
-George would be only too glad of another opportunity
-to test his beloved *Wireless* against
-the very best that the *Flash* could put forth.
-
-“Make up your mind, George,” said Jack,
-when his chum was mentioning this thing one
-day. “You never would get that tricky Clarence
-to acknowledge your boat to be better
-than his. If you beat him six times he’d have
-six good excuses ready, and each one different
-from all the rest. Whoever caught him with
-the goods on, and made him confess? A fellow
-he didn’t know stopped him and stuck the
-things in his pocket. He was right then on the
-way to hand them over to the police. Don’t you
-remember when he said that? Well, you may
-have your race, and win out handsomely, but
-don’t expect Clarence to hand you an honest
-admission that his boat ran second.”
-
-“I don’t,” grinned George; “but I’d like to
-race him all the same; and I only hope the
-chance comes along, sooner or later.”
-
-Perhaps it would, for stranger things were
-likely to happen to the motor boat boys than
-that they would run across Clarence again during
-their outing days.
-
-“I saw him in Clayton when ashore,” remarked
-Jack. “He was talking with a man
-who, from his soiled clothes, I’d take to be an
-engineer, or something like that.”
-
-“Sure,” laughed George, evidently pleased.
-“Knowing that in her present condition the
-*Flash* is no match for my bully boat, he’s going
-to see if she can’t be improved somehow, so
-as to squeeze just a little more speed out of her.
-Huh! perhaps I might do something of that
-kind myself. But just wait and see, fellows.
-If there is another race between us it’s going
-to be for keeps.”
-
-When some time later their mail began to
-arrive from home it might be judged from the
-excitement and congratulations to be heard
-that favorable replies were coming in from
-headquarters. And that this was really the
-fact, the reader who has been interested in the
-fortunes of Jack and his chums thus far, will
-take for granted, when he learns that the title
-of the next volume in this series, already published,
-and ready for his enjoyment, is: “The
-Motor Boat Boys on the Great Lakes; or,
-Young Pilots to the Rescue.”
-
-.. class:: center
-
- | THE END.
-
-|
-|
-|
-|
-|
-
-.. _pg_end_line:
-
-\*\*\* END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE \*\*\*
-
-.. backmatter::
-
-.. toc-entry::
- :depth: 0
-
-.. _pg-footer:
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diff --git a/35728-rst/images/cover.jpg b/35728-rst/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f8d5f9a..0000000 --- a/35728-rst/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/35728-rst/images/motor-fpc.jpg b/35728-rst/images/motor-fpc.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6c5ada4..0000000 --- a/35728-rst/images/motor-fpc.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/35728.txt b/35728.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e90e77a..0000000 --- a/35728.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5984 +0,0 @@ - MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Title: Motor Boat Boys on the St. Lawrence - -Author: Louis Arundel - -Release Date: March 30, 2011 [EBook #35728] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. -LAWRENCE *** - - - - -Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net. - - -[Illustration: _"Promise to read to me the log of your last trip, when -you went down the big river."_] - - - - MOTOR BOAT BOYS - ON THE ST. LAWRENCE - - - - - OR - - - - Solving the Mystery of the Thousand Islands - - - - By - - - - LOUIS ARUNDEL - - - - Chicago - M. A. DONOHUE & CO. - - COPYRIGHT 1913 - BY M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY - - Made in U.S.A. - - - - - - -Table of Contents - - - - CHAPTER I--AFTER THE GAME - - - CHAPTER II--CHUMS, TRIED AND TRUE - - - CHAPTER III--A CHANCE CLEW - - - CHAPTER IV--BLOCKING A SLY MOVE - - - CHAPTER V--THE GUARDIAN OF THE FLEET - - - CHAPTER VI--THE "FLASH" - - - CHAPTER VII--JOSH SCENTS TROUBLE - - - CHAPTER VIII--IN THE MIDNIGHT WATCH - - - CHAPTER IX--THE GHOST OF THE ISLAND - - - CHAPTER X--FOLLOWING A TRAIL - - - CHAPTER XI--BUSTER GETS AN IDEA - - - CHAPTER XII--YANKEE STUBBORNNESS - - - CHAPTER XIII--THE GHOST HUNTER - - - CHAPTER XIV--A STRANGE RIDE - - - CHAPTER XV--ANOTHER NIGHT - - - CHAPTER XVI--JACK'S DARING VENTURE - - - CHAPTER XVII--THE SECRET OUT - - - CHAPTER XVIII--THE ESCAPE - - - CHAPTER XIX--A RACE IN THE MOONLIGHT - - - CHAPTER XX--OVERHAULED - - - CHAPTER XXI--A CLEAN SWEEP - - - CHAPTER XXII--BUSTER'S HOUR OF TRIUMPH - - - CHAPTER XXIII--HAPPY DAYS--CONCLUSION - - - - MOTOR BOAT BOYS SERIES - - THE MOTOR CLUB'S CRUISE DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI - THE MOTOR CLUB ON THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER - THE MOTOR CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES - MOTOR BOAT BOYS AMONG THE FLORIDA KEYS - MOTOR BOAT BOYS DOWN THE COAST - MOTOR BOAT BOYS RIVER CHASE - MOTOR BOAT BOYS DOWN THE DANUBE - - List Price 60c Each - - - - - THE MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. LAWRENCE; - or - Solving a Mystery of the Thousand Islands - - - - - - -CHAPTER I--AFTER THE GAME - - -"That was a hard game for Macklin to lose, fellows!" - -"I should say it was, Herb." - -"He nearly pitched his head off, too. Wow! how they did come in like -cannon balls!" - -"And talk about curves and drops, Little Clarence was roight there wid -the goods," said a stout boy; whose freckled face, carroty hair and blue -eyes, as well as the touch of brogue to his voice, told of Irish blood. - -"But Jack met his hot pace, and went him one better. Clarence may be a -cracker jack in the box, but he can't _just_ come up to good old -reliable Jack Storm ways, of the high school baseball club." - -"Oh, shucks! enough of that taffy, fellows," laughed the object of this -praise, as he swung the bat he was carrying; "why, you know right well I -was up against the fence when they made that ninth inning rally. They -had found me with the goods on. And you know who won that game for -us--our never failing, heavy pinch-hitter, Buster Longfellow. When his -bat got up against the horsehide I knew it was all over but the shouting -for Clarence." - -"Wasn't he mad, though? Hurrah for Buster! He's not built for a runner, -they say, but he's got the batting eye. That hit was a peach!" - -"Thanks, George. I believe I did help Brodie dash home with the winning -tally. It's awful nice of you fellows to appreciate talent!" - -The boy called Buster made a mock bow as well as he was able. He was fat -and chunky, so that his baseball suit seemed moulded to his figure. -While his name was understood to be Nick Longfellow, he seldom heard it -save at home or in school. To his fellows he was known by such -significant names as "Buster," "Pudding," and "Hippopotamus." - -There were just five in the bunch, dusty, tired fellows, all on the way -home from a most exciting game with a rival team, and the most bitter -rivals for supremacy in the little river town along the upper -Mississippi. - -Besides Buster and Jack, there were the Irish lad, Jimmie Brannagan, who -lived with the Stormways, being something of a ward of Jack's father; -Herb Dickson, and George Rollins, all of them members of the high school -team. - -These five boys, with the addition of another who was not present just -then, composed the membership of a motor boat club, and between them -owned three very clever craft. George's was a narrow speedboat, called -the _Wireless_, the powerful engine of which had a faculty for getting -out of order just when most wanted. The one of which Jack was skipper -was named the _Tramp_, and while not so fast as its dangerous -competitor, could still make great time. Herb possessed a commodious -launch, which he had very wisely christened the _Comfort_, for she was -as staunch and reliable as a houseboat. - -During the preceding autumn, taking advantage of the school being closed -until New Year's because of an epidemic in the town, these boys had made -a long trip down the Mississippi river to New Orleans, being given -permission by their parents or guardians. - -To make the run more interesting Jack's father had contributed a silver -cup as a trophy; and the annals of that adventurous race have already -been given in the first volume of this series. The boys for some time -had been laying their heads together and planning another outing for the -coming vacation; but for various good and sufficient reasons they were -keeping their intended cruising ground a dead secret from everybody. - -"Where's Josh Purdue?" asked Herb, as the party swung into the main -street of the town. "We want him along when we talk over that letter -Jack had from Clayton, where our boats are going. What did you do about -hiding their destination, Jack?" - -"Yes," said George, quickly. "You know we agreed that those chaps were -nosing all about, trying to get a clew. Clarence has ordered a rattling -motor boat from some eastern maker, and if he could only learn where -we're going to hang out this summer, wouldn't he just try to make it -warm for us, though? Ten to one you hadn't left the station five minutes -after fastening on the tags before he was reading the same." - -"I expected that, fellows," laughed Jack, "and did the best I could to -fool him. The boats are only sent to the address in Milwaukee. From -there they will be rebilled to Clayton and shipped on a steamer through -the lakes." - -"But he might even have the nerve to write to that agent and make some -excuse for asking where they were sent. How about that, Jack?" asked -Herb. - -"I even thought of that," replied the other. "You see, when you're -dealing with wide-awake, unscrupulous fellows like Clarence Macklin, and -his toady, Joe Brinker, it pays to insure against trouble. And I've done -it as well as I knew how." - -"Tell us about it, please," asked Buster, anxiously. - -"Well," replied the one addressed, "I wrote the agent in Milwaukee, -stating the circumstances. He turned out to be a jolly good chap; for he -answered me and promised that if Clarence or Joe make inquiries he'll -put them on the wrong track." - -"Bully for him!" ejaculated Nick. "We'll vote him thanks at our next -meeting, fellows, that's what, and call on him in a body as we go -through to the steamer when on our way." - -"I wish the time was two weeks later," remarked Herb. "I don't see just -how I'm going to stand it until after the exams are over." - -"Oh, well, the days manage to pass along; and this glorious victory -ought to make you feel that life is worth living," remarked Jack, with -mock seriousness. - -"As for me," remarked Buster, taking in a long breath, as if in -anticipation. "I just dream of the bliss of cruising aboard a steady, -roomy boat like the _Comfort_. You can talk all you want, George, about -the delights of flying through the water at the rate of twenty-five -miles an hour; but me to the cozy home-like cruiser every time. Once is -out for me, you remember." - -"Do we, boys?" jeered George, looking at the rest. "Well, will I ever -forget how Buster used to sit there in the stern of my flier, looking -like a stuffed pillow, with a cork life preserver belted around him all -the time, and trying to keep his balance. And the less said about his -cooking the better. It haunts me still." - -"Oh! but I've improved in that respect, George, very much," the fat boy -hastened to exclaim. "Don't you worry about it, Herb. I'm taking lessons -from our colored cook right now, and expect to branch out as a real -prize box. You know when I once set my mind to a thing I generally get -there, even if it does take time. Great bodies move slowly, they say. -Didn't I learn to swim after all my disappointments; tell me that, -George Rollins?" - -"Sure you did, thanks to Jack here," replied the other. "But all through -that trip you gave me the nightmare because you had lost some silly----" - -"Hold on! you solemnly promised you'd never say another word about that -business and I'm going to keep you to it, George," cried Buster. "We did -have a glorious time of it, you know. And I can do a little once in a -while to help the crowd forget their troubles, can't I?" - -"Why, to be sure you can, Buster, and I'm the last one to deny it," -declared George. "I don't mean half I say. You know my weakness is a -quick tongue. And after the grand way you belted that ball today, I'd be -willing to forgive almost anything you'd ever done. Shake on that, old -partner of my joys and woes." - -"The boats got off all right, that's a comfort," observed Herb. - -"How do ye know?" demanded Jimmie. - -"I saw them on the cars, and moving out of town, just in that ninth -inning, when things looked so black for us," was the reply. "You know my -position out in right gives me a chance to look across the big field to -the railroad. And as I was getting my breath, after chasing that tricky -ball Carson Beggs whacked out, with two on bases, I had a glimpse of a -freight passing, and counted all three boats on gondolas, fastened up in -their waterproof covers. It just seemed to give me heart to go in and -root harder than ever. It was a lucky omen, too, fellows." - -"Well," Jack said, "of course they'll be waiting for us at Clayton when -we get there. And although we talked of taking the steamer ourselves, I -think, on the whole, it would be wise to go by train. In that way we'll -save a couple of days. Besides, some time we mean to cruise all through -the great lakes, and we'd better keep the trip until we can do it in our -own motor boats." - -"That sounds good to me!" cried Nick. - -"And I'm sure it hits my case to a dot, because it means less time to -wait," and Herb nodded his head in a way that plainly told how his mind -was made up. - -"That settles the lake trip, then," laughed George, "because I never did -care much about going that way. Jimmie, how do you stand on it?" - -"Wid both feet," replied the party addressed, emphatically. "The sooner -we kin arroive at the Thousand Islands, the better I'll be plazed." - -"Oh! well, let's forget we ever mentioned going the other way," said -Jack. "But that won't prevent our passing through Milwaukee, stopping to -shake hands with that obliging agent, and finding if the boats got off -all right." - -"You can learn that by writing in a few days, Jack," observed Herb, -sagaciously. "I only hope Clarence doesn't have a friend in Milwaukee -who would spy around and discover the truth, that's all." - -"If he writes the agent you can make up your mind he hasn't," said Nick, -as the party came to a pause on a corner, where, as a rule, they were -accustomed to separating, each one heading for his own home. - -"Wait a little, boys. I think I see Josh coming away back there," -remarked Jack, when one of the others made some remark about "seeing you -later, fellows!" - -"Looks like he was in a big hurry, too?" suggested Nick. - -"Well, he is half running, to be sure," admitted George. - -"And there he goes waving his hand to us," mentioned Herb. "I guess Josh -wants us to wait up for him here. Perhaps he's got something to tell -us." - -"Or it may be he just wants to wring the hand of our friend Buster, and -tell him, with tears in his eyes, how delighted he was to have him save -the day for our team," and Jack, as he said this, winked at George; for -it was a notorious fact that Josh and the fat boy were forever playing -pranks on each other, and often saying disagreeable things; that, -however, ended in nothing harder than a little froth and bubble, since -it was only surface and make-believe animosity after all. - -"Don't you believe it," declared the hero of the late game, shaking his -head in an aggressive way. "Josh was the next batter up, and I just know -he thinks I swatted that ball to cheat him out of the glory. For he had -his mind made up to send the horsehide over the fence for a home run." - -"Well," laughed Jack, "never wait to see what the next batter is going -to do. When the chance comes you just poke that ball out into deep -center, and then roll down to first as fast as you can. Then perhaps -he'll bring you home with his big hit. But Josh is getting here, and -we'll soon know now what ails him." - -"Don't you go to borrowing trouble too soon?" warned Herb. "I know Josh -pretty well, and how he likes to joke. He's a false alarm, that's what." - -"But he looks serious enough right now," said George, with whom the -runner was to keep company on this new cruise they had planned; and who, -therefore, felt an especial interest in Josh. - -The newcomer was a rather slender fellow, taller than any of the others, -and the best runner on the team. In times past Josh had been troubled -with indigestion; but the month and more spent during their memorable -Mississippi cruise had about cured him of this, so that he was looking -better than ever before in all his life. That was one reason why his -parents were only too glad to allow him the chance of getting in the -open again during the coming vacation; for they believed it would be the -making of the lad. - -Josh stopped running when close to the others, as though husbanding his -wind so that he could communicate the news he bore. - -"It's all up, fellows!" he cried, as he finally reached the corner, -where the other five gathered around him. - -"What do you mean?" asked Jack, anxiously. - -"Yes, explain, Josh. What's up?" demanded George. - -"They know where our boats have gone!" gasped Josh, excitedly. "Somebody -must have leaked, that's what. And they're going to have their new motor -boat shipped to the Thousand Islands, too. Now, see what a peck of -trouble we're going to have this summer!" - - - - -CHAPTER II--CHUMS, TRIED AND TRUE - - -"Josh, hold up your hand, and look me in the eye!" said Jack, sternly. - -"Oh! you don't believe me, do you? But I never was more serious in my -life!" exclaimed the newcomer, meeting Jack's look squarely. - -"Then I'm sorry, that's all," declared the other. "If Clarence Macklin -has found out where we expect to cruise this summer, he'll lie awake -nights trying to lay plans how to give us all the trouble he can." - -"How d'ye know all this, Josh?" demanded Nick, rather tremulously. - -"I just happened to be near where Clarence and Joe were having their -heads together, and the idea came to me to listen. I only thought they -were explaining how the game was lost, and I wanted to hear Clarence say -how somebody sent a ray of sunlight into his eyes with a pocket mirror, -just when he was handing out that ball Buster knocked out in deep -center. You know his way, fellows, and how he squirms out of every hole -so smoothly?" - -"Yes, yes, of course we do, Josh; but go on;" cried Herb. - -"Don't you see you've got us keyed up to the breaking pitch? Let loose, -and tell what you heard!" exclaimed George, always nervous and anxious -to make speed. - -"Well, it wasn't much, but it counted for a heap," replied the narrator. -"About as near as I can remember, and repeat, this was what Clarence -said: 'Never mind, Joe, we're going to get even soon. Wait till our -dandy boat gets to Clayton. Say, mebbe there won't be a lot of surprised -fellows then, as we cut circles around 'em, and make 'em wish they -hadn't blackballed us. You wait and see, that's all.'" - -Various exclamations broke out from the other boys. - -"Oh, yes, they must know, all right!" said Herb, bitterly. - -"All I can say is it's mighty queer, after we've taken such pains to -keep everything a dead secret, so even our folks don't know yet where -we're going," Josh continued to say, meaningly. - -Somehow or other, as if by mutual arrangement, every eye seemed to be -gradually focussed on poor Nick, who turned as red as a turkey cock. - -"Oh! yes, look at me, won't you?" he exclaimed, spluttering more or less -as was his habit when unduly excited. "You think I'm the one who leaked, -just because I stopped to talk with Clarence the other day on the -street, and George saw me. He never even said a single word about boats, -but asked me something else. Look all you want too, but I tell you, once -for all, that if there _was_ a leak, it didn't come through me! I never -told a single soul!" - -"Oh! nobody has accused you, Buster," said Jack, soothingly, for he was -fond of the good-natured fat boy. - -"That's all right, but I guess I've got feelings, and I can tell what -every one of you is thinking," the other went on, in an aggrieved tone. - -"Just forget it, Buster," Jack continued, for he knew only too well how -the fat boy liked to harp on anything that worried him, and in this way -make life miserable for the others of the club. "The mischief is done. -Like as not we may never know how it happened. And there's no need of -our bothering our heads now about spilt milk. The question is, shall we -change our plans, and go somewhere else this summer?" - -"I say no!" exclaimed Herb, immediately and with firmness. - -"That's my case, too," Josh echoed. "After we've made all our fine -arrangements, it would be cowardly to back down just because those two -mean skunks choose to tag after us and try to give us trouble." - -"Niver give up the ship! Thim's my sintiments!" observed Jimmie, -aggressively. "And I say the same," remarked Nick. "Sooner or later -you'll find out how they learned our plans, and then you'll all be sorry -for putting it on me, that's what." - -"Then it seems settled that we make no change," said Jack, with a stern -look on his face; "for I'm of the same opinion as the rest. We'll go to -the St. Lawrence, and if Tricky Clarence and Bully Joe try to upset our -plans, they'll find themselves barking up the wrong tree, that's all." - -"And so he thinks he's got a wizard boat that will cut circles all -around my _Wireless_, does he?" said George, with the light of -anticipated rivalry in his black eyes. "All right. Perhaps Clarence has -got another guess coming. He'll find me on the job all right, and ready -to give him a warm run for his money." - -"When did we start talking seriously for the first time about choosing -the Thousand Islands, and the St. Lawrence for our summer outing?" asked -Herb, who seemed almost as anxious as Nick to find out the truth -concerning the leak. - -"I can tell you that," replied the fat boy, quickly. "It was that -afternoon when Jack asked us to stay after school, and meet him in the -clubroom for a little talk. Don't you remember, he read that letter he -had from Clayton, the first one; and we soon voted to make the St. -Lawrence our cruising ground this summer." - -"Buster is right about that, for I remember it distinctly," remarked -Jack. - -"That was the little room in school that Mr. Sparks allows the various -clubs and organizations to use when they ask permission--the one on the -second floor? Am I right, fellows?" Herb went on. - -"Sure ye arre," declared Jimmie. "Doan't I just remember that we wint -till the door ivery two minutes to say if the inemy would be sphyin' -around in the hall." - -"But there was no sign of them, you also remember that?" observed Jack, -quickly. - -"Niver a wan," Jimmie hastened to reply. - -"Then it would stand to reason that they didn't overhear us talking. I -know you couldn't in the next room, for I've been in there during -recitation, and the wall is dead. I only mention this, because that same -day, after I left the rest of you down-town, I found that I'd forgotten -a book I needed to study, and hurried back to the school. And I met -Clarence coming along the street. He said he had been kept in by Miss -Stryker to do a task. But it looks as though the leak could not have -been at that time." - -"Somebody must have talked in their sleep," suggested Josh, humorously. - -"Perhaps some one in the post office got on to Jack receiving a letter -from Clayton, and writing there," Herb put in. - -"Well, now," remarked Jack, "there may be something in that idea; though -just now I can't think of anybody in the post office who would be that -mean. I know all the clerks, and none of them have ever been thick with -either Clarence or Joe." - -"Suppose we give the matter a rest," said Herb, with an uneasy look -toward Nick; for the fat boy was to be his partner during the coming -cruise, and he feared lest Buster would get to brooding on the unjust -suspicions that had been directed toward him, with the result that he -must be forever speaking about it, and suggesting the most astonishing -explanations of the riddle. - -"Agreed," Jack replied, readily, falling in with the idea. "After all, -the coming of these fellows may add some spice to our trip, who knows." - -It certainly did, as will be made manifest shortly; but just then none -of the motor boat boys suspected what a strange series of exciting -adventures was to be their portion, all through the decision of their -rivals to choose the same cruising grounds for their summer outing, and -to be as malicious and troublesome as possible. - -Nick seemed to have thrown aside the temporary gloom that had fallen -upon him, because of the unjust suspicions of his mates. He was -naturally so cheery that trouble and he could never hitch up together -for any great length of time. - -"If those two cronies do chase after us," he said, "perhaps the long -standing trouble between Joe and myself may be settled. You know we've -been growling at each other for going on a year now. And some day -there'll be a surprise due him." - -When Nick talked in that vein the others knew he was himself again, and -ready to joke. So Jack, pretending to be surprised, went on to remark: - -"Why, Buster, do you mean to say you'd pick on that poor fellow, who has -never been able to whip more than three boys at a time in all his life? -I'm surprised to hear you talk so savagely." - -"Oh! well, the thing is brooding, and bound to come off some day. Bully -Joe will go just a little too far, and get his. Why, there was one time, -not so long ago either, when I'd just about made up my mind to lick him -for keeps. And I give you my word, fellows, I'd have wiped up the ground -with him, only that I was grabbed from behind and held back!" - -"Wow! listen to the war chief, would you?" exclaimed Josh, pretending to -shrink away from the belligerent fat boy, who was doubling up his pudgy -fists, and assuming a warrior's pose. - -"He's sure got on his fighting togs today!" echoed Herb, soothingly. - -"Say, Buster," remarked George, when Jack nudged him in the side, "tell -us who was so mean as to grab you that way, and hold you back!" - -"Shucks! I just knew you'd never rest till you asked that!" cried the -other, as he pretended to show disgust. "Why, that was Joe, don't you -see!" - -At that there was a howl; and Jimmie doubled up like a jack-knife in the -violence of his merriment. - -"I can see Joe's finish, if he keeps on trying such tricks," whooped -George. - -"Oh!" Buster went on, in a calm manner, "I'll try and be as easy with -him as any one could expect. Perhaps after he's had one good lesson, Joe -may reform. It's keeping bad company that's been his downfall. Clarence -Macklin has oodles of money; and his dad used to be a sporty sort of a -Wall street man they say, when he lived east; so he don't care much what -his hopeful does, so long as he keeps out of jail." - -"Well, if he goes on much longer the way he has, I reckon he'll land -there after a bit," Herb remarked, soberly; for he had suffered on -several occasions at the hands of the vindictive Clarence, as was well -known to his chums. - -"All right," Jack put in. "And now, if there's nothing further before -the house, I move we adjourn. For one I know I'm as hungry as a bear, -and ready to tackle a good dinner after all that hot work on the -diamond." - -"Dinner!" exclaimed Buster, whose one weak point lay in his love of -eating. "Wow! don't you remember what bully good meals we had when we -all got together on that dandy Mississippi trip, and Josh here slung the -pots and pans? He's sure the best cook in seven counties. I hear he's -getting up a book on camp dinners. And right now I subscribe for the -first copy that's printed; if it don't cost over ten cents." - -"Just you wait," returned Josh, with one of his wide grins. "It won't be -long now before you'll have to get up and hustle the tin pans and -things, whenever you have that longing for grub steal over you. No -sitting down to the table and cleaning up everything in sight for you -then. It's work before you can eat. Herb is going to keep you down to -brass tacks, ain't you Herb?" - -"Oh! Buster and myself expect to get on first rate," the one addressed -hastened to say; for Herb was a lover of peace. "I'm ready to pitch in -and help him out on occasion. Everything is going to be lovely, and the -goose hang high, aboard the good, staunch old _Comfort_, when we sail -the stormy waters of the St. Lawrence, eh, Buster?" - -"Well," remarked Josh, as he started away, "anyhow, I'm glad you've -decided to give our friend Buster the upper berth!" - -A shout followed after him, and the last glimpse he had of the fat boy, -Buster was shaking both fists in his direction, and pretending to -display tremendous rage, though secretly chuckling with good-natured -laughter. Happy the boy who is so constituted that he can in the best of -humor take a joke that is leveled at himself; and that was Nick -Longfellow to a dot. - -The rest of the bunch soon scattered, as their homes lay in various -directions; and this particular corner usually served as a gathering -point as well as the place where they separated. - -Jack may have allowed the mystery of the suspected "leak" to crop up in -his active mind from time to time after that; but he knew just how -sensitive Buster really felt over it, and he always religiously -refrained from ever introducing the subject. - -Some of the other boys of course must have discussed it as the days -slowly passed; but they too seemed desirous that their fat chum might -not have his feelings further injured, and nothing was said in his -presence. But all the same Buster did not forget, as Herb was fated to -learn to his sorrow. - - - - -CHAPTER III--A CHANCE CLEW - - -"Why, hello Jack!" - -It was the first day of vacation, and being at the tail end of the week, -the motor boat club had wisely decided to defer their departure until -the following Monday morning, when they would say goodbye to the home -town, and start across the state for Milwaukee. - -The speaker was no other than Clarence Macklin; and Jack had come face -to face with his bitter enemy upon the main street of the town, as he -passed out from a shop where he had been making a little purchase. - -Clarence was smiling, after his usual manner; but there was always -something crafty about this look of his that made most boys suspicious. -Had he been given his choice in the matter Jack would have passed on -with a mere nod; for he did not believe in pretending to show anything -like friendliness toward this tricky lad, who had once tried to get into -the motor boat club, and been blackballed, a fact he had vowed to get -even for if it took him a year. - -But Clarence evidently had a reason for wishing to talk with the other. -He even thrust himself squarely in Jack's way; and the latter saw no -reason why he should avoid an encounter. - -"Well," continued Clarence, "I suppose you fellows are in high feather, -now that vacation has come, and you can break away?" - -"Sure we are," replied Jack, trying to seem good-natured; though -secretly he was wondering what the other had concealed up his sleeve, -and why he insisted on stopping him in this way; for it happened that -just a day or so before Jack had been reading that good old precept of -warning, to "Beware of the Greeks bearing gifts." - -"And I suppose, also, you mean to get away soon?" Clarence went on. - -"Monday sees us off, unless something we don't look for detains us," was -Jack's response, as he watched the play of emotions on the face of the -other, and noted how the pretense of friendliness was fading away. - -"Well," Clarence suddenly burst out with, "I just wanted to let you know -what me and Joe Brinker think of your sly trick in finding out where we -meant to go this summer, and then arranging to copy after us! It was -just what I'd expect such low-down sneaks as Herb Dickson and George -Rollins to do; but I am surprised to know how you fell in with such a -dirty game, that's what!" - -Really, Jack never had a greater shock in all his life than when -Clarence said this. It seemed to almost take his very breath away. - -"Now, do you know, Clarence," he said, steadily, watching that sarcastic -face, "the shoe seems to be on the other foot with us. To tell the -truth, we've been believing all this time that you'd copied after us. In -fact, poor Buster has been suspected of giving our secrets away, not -intentionally, of course, just because he was seen talking with you. -Queer, ain't it, how great minds often run in the same channel; and both -of us thought of going to the St. Lawrence this summer." - -"Aw! now you're just trying to crawl out of a hole," the other sneered. -"But you needn't think you can spoil our summer fun for us, if you are -six to two. I told my dad about it, and he advised me to go on, -regardless. Just make up your minds to keep clear of Joe and me, if you -know what's good for you!" - -Even while the other was saying this there suddenly flashed upon Jack's -mind the true reason for his being held up in this way by "Tricky -Clarence," as young Macklin had come to be known among the boys of the -town. - -He wanted to rub it into Jack, and exult in the consternation which he -expected his declaration would cause in the other's mind. But there was -undoubtedly something more than this. If trouble did follow the meeting -of the rivals among the many channels of the Thousand Islands, Clarence -wished to make it appear that he and Joe were the aggrieved parties, and -that they had been actually set upon by the members of the motor boat -club, who had a grudge against them of long standing. - -It was a clever bit of sharp practice, worthy of a shyster lawyer. -Perhaps Clarence may have inherited some of the shifty trickery by which -his respected father had laid the foundation to his big fortune in the -wilds of Wall street. - -But Jack had no desire to stand there and enter into a wordy war with -Clarence, who had a ready tongue, and never cared very much where it led -him. - -So instead of taking up the challenge, as Clarence doubtless wanted him -to, Jack simply elevated his eyebrows, and remarked: - -"Oh! is that so? Well, I'm going to tell you just one thing for good and -all, Clarence. Neither myself, nor any one of the club, want to set eyes -on you or Joe; and if it rests with us, we'll not run across each other -all summer. But, understand me," and his eyes flashed dangerously, "we -mean to strike back, and if there's trouble it will have to be of your -seeking. You can have all you want of it. Now, that's enough. I'm done -talking." - -Clarence hardly knew what to say. He looked at the other as though -tempted to blurt out the ugly things he had passing through his mind. -But somehow he realized that it would not be safe pressing Jack -Stormways too far. He was not the fighter Bully Joe had always been; for -as a rule he managed to get some one else to carry out his battles for -him. And Jack looked really dangerous just then. - -"Pooh! words come cheap with some fellows," he muttered, as he turned -away. "But you'll find they cut no figure with my partner and me. As to -our keeping away from any particular spot you chumps choose to -patronize, that for your silly warning," and he derisively snapped his -fingers, for he was now twenty feet away. - -Jack held himself in with an effort. He felt in a humor to have given -the exasperating Clarence the drubbing he deserved; but it would hardly -be nice to create such a disturbance of the public peace so soon before -they expected to leave home. If it seemed fated that he must teach this -contemptible fellow the lesson he so richly deserved it might be wise to -wait until they were far away from the town where they lived. - -He was looking after the departing Clarence when he saw him take out his -handkerchief to wipe his forehead, for the day was warm. - -Something fell to the ground, something that, even at that distance -reminded Jack of a yellow telegram blank. He could just as well walk -from the sporting goods store in the direction Clarence had gone as any -other way. And it was his full intention to call after the other, if the -paper seemed worth while. - -So, in this spirit Jack bent down and secured possession of the crumpled -yellow paper. - -Just as he had expected it was a telegraph blank, written on but not -signed. It seemed to be a message that some one had started, and upon -making a mistake in the wording had crammed in his pocket while he -started afresh. - -That some one, of course, could only be Clarence, since the paper had -fallen to the ground at the time he took out his handkerchief. - -Ordinarily Jack would not have been guilty of looking at a telegraph -message that had come into his possession under such circumstances. It -seemed excusable now. Clarence was a secret enemy, and had been plotting -to make trouble for the members of the motor boat club that had declined -to allow him and Bully Joe membership. - -And the very first glimpse he had of the writing gave him a thrill; for -he read the address, which was: - -"Jared Fullerton, Clayton, N. Y." - -On the spur of the moment Jack changed his mind. Instead of calling out -after the departing Clarence, and notifying him that he had dropped -something, Jack just crammed the yellow paper in his pocket, and -wheeling, strode away. - -He was considerably excited, and eager to learn what sort of -communication the other could be sending to Clayton that required the -use of the wires. And as he walked hurriedly away, with his nerves on -edge, he half expected to hear Clarence shouting after him, demanding -the return of his property. - -"I never would be guilty of doing such a thing," Jack was saying to -himself, on account of the mean feeling he had, "only that sometimes -it's just necessary to fight fire with fire. If I'm wrong in my -suspicions then there's no harm done. But I must know what he's -telegraphing to Clayton. Who Jared Fullerton is I don't know from Adam; -but I bet he's cut from the same pattern Clarence and Joe were." - -By then Jack had turned a corner. Unable to withstand the temptation any -longer, he looked around to make sure Clarence was not in sight; and -then drawing out the crumpled piece of paper, read what had been written -on the blank. - -"Glad to hear boat arrived, and is such a corker. I'm bringing that -hundred with me, and hope you've earned it before we arrive. Don't get -in trouble for----" - -Apparently Clarence did not like the way that last sentence looked, for -he had started to change it several times. Then, thinking he had better -write the whole message over again, he had doubtless thrust the first -draft into his pocket, and entirely forgotten it. - -Jack read it over twice, and looked grave. - -"Now what that snake's up to, I'd give something to know," he said to -himself, as he started to walk on, after placing the message away in his -pocket. "Some sort of dirty scheme has been mentioned in a letter, and -he's meaning to pay this Fullerton for doing the thing. What could it -be? He says it's to be done before he and Joe get there. A hundred -dollars is a lot of money. Oh! I wonder could he mean to have this other -scamp injure our boats in some way?" - -It was a dreadful suspicion that beset him right then. How easy for any -one to put a lighted match to the canvas tarpaulins that covered the -three boats on the steamer's dock at Clayton. Why, they might be either -entirely ruined, or else so badly injured as to be useless for the whole -season. - -Would Clarence be equal to conspiring to do such a serious thing as -this? Jack was sorry to admit that he believed the other was not past it -in the least. He had known him to play pranks that savored of the -criminal before now; and it had always been his rich father's money and -influence that had saved Clarence from getting the punishment he so -richly deserved. - -Obeying a sudden inspiration Jack turned and chased back to the railroad -station where the telegraph office was located. He knew that the strict -orders of the operating company would prevent his seeing the message -that Clarence had finally given in, unless they were compelled to show -it by a decree of the court. But Jack had no desire to go that deeply -just then. - -He knew the operator quite well, a young fellow who also sold tickets. - -"Clarence Macklin was in here sending a message to Clayton, New York, -wasn't he, Bert?" he asked, trying not to appear at all excited. - -"Yes, that's so, Jack," came the reply from the agent; who was really an -admirer of the young high school pitcher. - -"How long ago was that--could I find him in town now, do you think?" - -Note how cleverly this question was framed; and the operator fell into -the trap without even a suspicion that he was yielding up valuable -information. - -"I reckon you might," he said, promptly, "because he went out of here -not more than fifteen minutes ago, after sending his message. Start on -Monday, I hear, Jack? Well, I only wish I was along. You fellows do have -the best times going; while some of the rest of us have to keep our -noses to the grindstone. Good luck to you all, and a bully trip on the -river," for Jack, having picked up all the information he wanted, had -turned abruptly on his heel and was leaving the station. - -That settled it, then. Clarence had sent a message to the unknown Jared -Fullerton, that was presumably along the same lines as the one he had -first started. And doubtless that individual would be only too glad to -try and earn his hundred-dollar fee before Clarence and Joe arrived. - -Since none of the motor boat boys would be in Clayton to be injured, the -only way in which he could do anything would be to scheme to bring some -miserable catastrophe upon the precious motor boats that had arrived and -were waiting to be claimed by their young owners at the steamboat docks. - -It was surely a time for quick thinking, and action, unless they wished -to take the chances of having their whole summer outing spoiled. - -And Jack, as he hurried home, was laying out a plan of campaign in his -mind calculated to outwit the miserable plotting of the reckless -Clarence and his equally unscrupulous crony, Bully Joe. - - - - -CHAPTER IV--BLOCKING A SLY MOVE - - -"Is that you, Jack?" - -"No other. Say, George, can you come over here at once?" asked the boy -who was at the other end of the telephone wire; and there was that in -his voice to arouse the interest of George Rollins to fever heat. - -"Why, sure I can. My wheel is handy, and you'll see me drop in on you -inside of a jiffy. But what's the row, Jack; no bad news about our boats -I hope? They haven't been dropped overboard in the middle of Lake Erie, -and sunk?" - -"Oh, nothing half so bad; but I must see you," Jack went on saying. "And -George, start some of the rest along too, won't you?" - -"Buster and Josh are on my way, and if they're home I'll jolly both into -coming. But you'd better try to poke out Herb over the wire," came the -reply. - -"I will. So-long, George. Get a move on you now. Important!" - -Then Jack put up the receiver, to sever connection; although a moment -later he was asking Central to give him the Dickson house. By great good -luck Herb happened to be up in his den, doing some packing; for this was -the last day he would have at home saving Sunday, and he was a very -careful fellow. - -After hearing the "call of the wild," as Jack expressed it, Herb -consented to head for the Stormways domicile without any delay. He, too, -made use of his wheel to cover the intervening distance; and quite a -bunch of boys drew up in the yard about the same time. - -Jack and Jimmie met them at the side door. - -"Now, what under the sun has he got hold of, fellows?" queried George, -nervously, as they filed up to Jack's snug den; for the serious -expression on the faces of Jack and Jimmie gave him considerable -concern. - -Nick was puffing like a steam engine. The little rush had winded him -more or less; but at the same time he also looked anxious. For, as they -were on the eve of starting out on their anticipated summer vacation, -this sudden summons to headquarters gave him a shock. - -"I only hope it ain't anything about the boats," he remarked -plaintively, as he dropped down in a capacious chair that just suited -his stout figure to a dot, and was hence invariably appropriated by -Buster every time he came to see Jack. - -"Well," remarked Jack, "I might as well admit right in the start that it -does concern our three motor boats." - -"Don't tell me that any tragedy has happened to 'em, Jack?" pleaded -George, who was known to have a great affection for his _Wireless_, even -though the cranky speed boat did seem to delight in playing many cruel -tricks upon its skipper. - -"No, not yet, I believe," came the answer. - -"Good! You make me feel better already, Jack!" exclaimed George. - -"But hold on!" cried Herb; "you noticed that he said 'not yet,' didn't -you, boys? Don't you see what that means? The boats are in danger; ain't -that so, Jack?" - -"I've pretty good reason to believe so," replied the owner of the den; -and then he whipped out the crumpled telegraph blank. "Here, read that, -fellows, and tell me what you think. It fell from the pocket of Clarence -Macklin not half an hour ago. And I understand that he sent off a -message along these lines, after he had changed the wording a little." - -Eagerly four heads were clustered above the yellow paper which he had -smoothed out on the chess table. Clarence wrote a plain hand, so that -there was no trouble in making out every word. - -"Well, wouldn't that knock you?" gasped Nick, who had as yet failed to -entirely recover his wind after his quick passage on his wheel to Jack's -home, followed by the climb up two lights of stairs to the attic den. - -"Jack, you're right; he means our boats!" ejaculated Herb, with a trace -of indignation and horror in his voice. - -"Oh! the miserable skunk, what wouldn't I give for the fun of punching -his head for him. Just wait, the chance will come some fine day. Let -them dare do anything to my bully little _Wireless_! Why, Jack, they -could be sent to prison for a long term if they destroyed the boats." - -Of course that was Skipper George, whose father being a lawyer, visions -of the stern hand of justice were always cropping up in the boy's mind. - -"The way I look at it is this," Josh went on, deliberately; "Clarence -has a crony in Clayton, some fellow he knows by the name of Jared -Fullerton. Seems to me I've heard him mention that name, too, though I -don't remember anything about him. But he's meaning to hire this chap to -do something worth an even hundred. Fellows, we can give a quick guess -that something has to do with our three boats, which by now must be -lying on the steamboat dock there, waiting for us to arrive." - -"You hit the nail on the head that time, Josh," declared Jack. "And I've -asked you all to come here so we could talk the matter over, and decide -what ought to be done." - -An animated discussion followed. Some suggested one thing, which was -debated _pro_ and _con_; then another new idea would crop up, which they -eagerly seized upon, being deeply concerned about the safety of the -precious craft. - -"Whatever do you suppose that sneak of a Fullerton could do, to put our -craft out of the running?" asked Nick, finally. - -"Well, he might accidentally drop a lighted match under the tarpaulin -cover of one. You know it would flame up pretty quick, and might set the -whole bunch going like a pack of fire-crackers," Josh observed. - -"Well, I hardly think any one would take such chances at that," Jack -remarked; "because, you see, they are lying on a public dock, and if a -big fire resulted it would mean the penitentiary for Jared. But no -matter, if a fellow only happened to be mean enough he could find lots -of ways to injure boats like ours. And for one, I don't propose to take -the chances." - -"Tell us your plan, Jack; we'll stand by you," cried Buster. - -"All right," said the other, quickly; "then listen. I propose that -George and myself go and see his father, and ask his advice. You fellows -make yourselves at home here; and after we've got things going we'll -come back to report. How does that strike you?" - -"I say yes!" Josh hastened to cry. - -As the others were of the same mind, Jack and George hurried away. It -being Saturday morning, George knew that his father would not be very -busy at his law office and could easily spare them a little time. - -They found Judge Rollins without any client, which Jack considered -lucky, since haste was an element in their calculations just now. And -after he had heard the whole story, scanned the incriminating telegraph -blank, and asked numerous questions, the lawyer smiled, and said he was -ready to give his advice. - -"Here is the address of a party I know in Clayton, and whose name just -came to me while you were talking, Jack," he observed. "Try and get him -on the long distance phone, and explain the circumstances to him as you -have to me. I feel sure that if you can reach Amos Spofford everything -will be all right." - -Accordingly the two lads immediately hustled around to the central -station of the telephone company, where they could use the long distance -phone to better advantage than in a drug-store. - -Having the local number of the party to whom the judge had referred -them, Jack, who had taken it upon himself to do the talking, because -George was apt to get excited, and splutter in a way that might -interfere with the carrying of his message to such a long distance, -asked to be connected with the Clayton office. - -Of course, there was more or less delay, as usual, and the two boys -became quite nervous before there finally came a faint call. - -When Jack learned that it was really Mr. Spofford who was at the other -end of the wire, he started to explain that it was Judge Rollins who had -told the boys to get in touch with the Clayton man. - -Then as briefly as possible, for time was valuable, he told about the -trouble, and what they feared might happen. Happily, the man to whom he -was talking seemed capable of seizing on facts, and building a plan of -campaign instantly. - -"Telegraph the agent of the steamboat Company to let me have the boats. -I happen to know him very well--his name is James Matthews. Then forget -all about the matter, boys. Depend on me! Your boats will be guarded, -day and night, every minute of the time until you arrive. That is all. -Goodbye!" - -"Hurrah for Amos!" exclaimed George when his chum had related what the -man in Clayton had said. "He's all to the good! That was a bright -thought of yours, Jack, when you suggested going to ask my father's -advice!" - -"But let's get back to the others," laughed Jack, as they paid the bill -and left the telephone office; "for they'll be burning up with anxiety -to know what's going on." - -"Yes," grinned George, now as happy and light-hearted as he had -previously been gloomy, and oppressed with fears. "By now poor Buster -will have lost a pound or two in weight. He's the greatest fellow ever -to fret over things." - -At that Jack fairly shouted. - -"I know another of the same breed, George, and you can't deny it," he -said. - -"Oh! well, what's the use?" admitted the other. "I know I do see -mountains often, that turn out to be ant hills when you get up close. -But I'm feeling particularly jolly right now. Bully for Amos. Won't we -shake him by the hand till he yells out for mercy. His name will be -emblazoned on the annals of our St. Lawrence cruise as the best friend -the motor boat club had, barring none." - -Of course, they were set upon as soon as they entered the den in the top -story of the Stormways home, and made to tell what had happened. When -the balance of the club learned how neatly a spoke had been put in the -wheel of Clarence, they voted thanks to Mr. Edison for all he had done -in the interests of modern science. - -And it can be set down as positive that those lads spent a much more -healthy Sunday than would have been the case had their minds still -wrestled with the problem of what the mysterious message sent by -Clarence stood for. - -Then came the final morning when they were scheduled to leave the home -town, headed for the far distant Clayton, to begin their summer -vacation. - -A score and more of boys were at the station to see them depart, besides -those persons who constituted the various families of the club members. -Their baggage was properly seen to, and then the last goodbyes said. -Clarence and his crony, Joe Brinker, came sauntering along, and stood -watching the passing of the expedition. - -"He can't just help grinning all the time," Buster said aside to Herb, -as they were waiting at the car steps for Jack and George, still talking -with a group of friends. - -"Sure he is," replied George, looking out of the corner of his eye, "and -every little while he says something to Bully Joe that tickles him to -beat the band. But we can afford to keep quiet, because we happen to -know how the game is going. I'm putting my faith in Amos right along; -he's going to make good." - -"But why ain't Clarence and Joe starting, too?" demanded Nick at this -juncture. - -"Oh! they're too sly for that, you see," George replied, knowingly, his -lawyer blood standing him in good stead. "Like as not they've got -through tickets right through Chicago, while we stop over in Milwaukee. -And even if they slip away this afternoon they could get to Clayton as -soon as we do." - -"There's the conductor calling 'all aboard!' We're off, fellows!" cried -Buster, as he started to climb up the steps of the car, an operation -that required more labor on his part than in the case of more agile -lads. - -The entire bunch grouped on the last platform of the parlor car at the -end of the train, and as they pulled out, waved their hats in salute to -the cheering of the crowd at the station. - -Faster went the train, and presently a turn hid the home town from the -sight of the six vacationists. If any of them felt badly over parting -from loved ones they succeeded in concealing the fact as they passed -inside to take their seats, and while looking from the windows at new -scenes, lay delightful plans concerning the glorious time they -anticipated would be their portion when they got fully started on their -St. Lawrence river cruise. - - - - -CHAPTER V--THE GUARDIAN OF THE FLEET - - -"Well, here's the steamboat dock, all right; but I don't see anything of -our boats!" exclaimed George, as he and his five chums came to a full -stop close to the local office of the lake line running to Buffalo, -Milwaukee and Chicago. - -"Oh! dear me, I hope we don't have trouble, after all," started Nick. - -"Here, let up on that misery whine, Buster. Will you ever learn never to -squeal till you're hurt?" said Josh. - -"Well, if you'd lost as much flesh as I have lately, you'd be a nervous -wreck too," replied the fat boy, aggressively. - -"If I'd lost all you say you have, there wouldn't be anything more of me -left than a grease spot, and that's right!" grinned Josh. - -"What shall we do, Jack?" and Herb turned to the one upon whom they -usually depended to steer them clear of the shoals. - -"Well, here's the office right handy," replied Jack, smiling. "Suppose -we crowd inside, and make the agent give up some information. He ought -to know what's happened to our boats, because we understood they got -here safe." - -"A bully idea, Jack; you're the goods when it comes to doing the right -thing!" Josh remarked. - -Accordingly they fell in line, and rushed into the little office, where -a gentlemanly fellow, who was working at some freight accounts, in his -shirt sleeves, because of the heat of the day, glanced up in more or -less surprise. - -"We're looking for some motor boats, sir, that arrived on the vessel -from the west. They were billed from Milwaukee by your line." - -As Jack said this the agent smiled. - -"Which one of you wired our Mr. Matthews?" he asked. - -"I did. My name is Jack Stormways," replied that individual. - -"You gave him authority to turn the three boats over to some party, -didn't you?" - -"Yes, if that party's name was Mr. Amos Spofford," Jack replied. - -"All right. We gave them into his keeping. Let me see, that was last -Saturday afternoon about one o'clock he was here," the other went on. - -"But," Jack remarked, blankly, "we've been looking all around, and have -seen no sign of our boats on the wharf." - -"And they couldn't have flown away like aeroplanes," put in Josh. - -"I should hardly think so," laughed the other. "But have you looked -beyond the end of the dock, in the water?" - -"No. Do you mean to say Mr. Spofford had the three boats launched?" -cried Jack. - -"Well, there was something doing that way, I remember, on Saturday. He -had quite a gang of men working under him. That Mr. Spofford seems to be -something of a hustler. Over toward that point, boys." - -They were already trooping across the big dock, as excited as any eager -lads could be. And no sooner had they reached a certain point than a -series of whoops burst from every throat. - -"There they are, fellows! Don't they make a bully show, though, the -brave little boats? Say, ain't this like old times again?" cried Nick, -as he discovered the three craft anchored close together at a point -where they would not be in the way of any steamboat landing. - -"There's somebody aboard, too!" exclaimed Jack, as a head was poked out -of the deck tent of the _Comfort_, which was the only one of the trio to -be thus honored, the others being in cruising trim. - -"That must be Mr. Amos Spofford," declared Herb; "and he knows a good -sleeping boat when he sees it, too; for you notice he's camped in the -Old Reliable." - -Jack waved his hand, and then called out. - -"We're coming aboard. Are you Mr. Spofford?" - -"That's my name. Glad to see you, boys. Come right along. You won't be -fired into the harbor if you try to get aboard!" came back the answering -hail. - -"Gee! I wonder if that's what happened to Jared," remarked Nick, as the -party made for the landing, where a rowboat could be obtained in which -to paddle out to the anchored flotilla. - -Every boy had his eyes glued on the boat that, to his mind, represented -all that was delightful. Many a happy day and night had they spent -aboard these same craft in times that were gone; and the future opened -up possibilities just as joyous. - -One by one they climbed aboard the _Comfort_ and shook hands with the -jolly old gentleman whom they found there. None of the other boats could -have accommodated them as readily as the big launch. - -"Glad you got here safe and sound, boys. I imagine this is Jack -Stormways. Introduce me to your chums, please, Jack. Told you not to -worry. Camped right here ever since getting your message. Would have -stayed a week if necessary, because you see I happen to be an old -bachelor, without any family ties. Greatest pleasure I've had for many a -year. Used to knock about myself, once upon a time, before I took on -flesh. And let me tell you, lads, you've got the greatest little -cruising outfits here I ever set eyes on. In my day we never knew such -comforts, any more than we did such bully boats." - -In this fashion did Mr. Amos Spofford rattle on, for he was a great -talker, and a retired lawyer as well. He quite staggered poor Buster by -the immensity of his girth; for he was simply _tremendous_, and no -mistake. - -"Gracious!" Nick whispered to Herb, when he found the chance; "you don't -think, now, I'll ever get to be like that, do you, Herb? Oh, if I -thought so I'd starve myself." - -"Well, it would end your knocking about, just as it did his, so beware!" -answered the other; and chuckled to see poor Buster shiver. - -All the time they were in contact with Mr. Amos Spofford Nick could not -keep his eyes off the wheezy old lawyer; and every now and then he would -shake his head and sigh most dismally. It was really an awful lesson for -Buster, as Josh often declared. - -"Then you've really enjoyed camping here since Saturday afternoon, sir?" -asked Jack, as the party clustered around the guardian of the motor boat -fleet. - -"Beyond measure," came the quick reply. "I haven't let the boats go -unwatched a minute of the time. On Monday I hired a man to stay aboard -while I finished up some little business that was pressing. Then I came -back in the afternoon with a new supply of grub, and determined to hold -the fort. Why, boys, it's been the happiest days of the last ten years -to me. And I've made up my mind that I'm going to throw business to the -dogs, have a boat like this, only larger, built especially for a heavy -man, and take to the water. I thank you for the opportunity you threw in -my way for this pleasure." - -"And on our part we feel that you've been mighty kind to us, sir," said -Jack. - -"Don't mention it. Besides, I'm only too glad to do something for Rube's -boy. He was good to me once upon a time, and helped me get back on my -feet." - -"Perhaps our anxiety was all for nothing though?" remarked George; not -because he really believed what he was saying, but hoped it would tempt -Mr. Spofford to "open up," and tell anything he knew. - -The stout lawyer chuckled until he shook like a bowl full of jelly. He -reminded Jack of Santa Claus around Christmas time, both with regard to -his white beard and the size of his paunch. - -"Ah! that was a chip of the old block that spoke then," laughed Mr. -Spofford, "Rube for all the world; and a born lawyer, too. Follow in the -footsteps of your illustrious dad, George, and the world is yours. No, -to tell the plain, unvarnished truth, your anxiety _was_ well placed, I -have reason to believe." - -He looked over the side at the water, and chuckled again. - -"It is pretty wet in there for a fact, boys," he said, "and when a -fellow flops over with all his clothes on, he feels kind of squeamish, I -suppose." - -"Do you mean to say, sir, that Jared Fullerton actually attempted to -come aboard in the night, and that you dumped him into the river?" asked -Herb. - -"Oh! I didn't bother asking his name; and so far as I know he never had -the politeness to leave one of his visiting cards behind him," remarked -the big lawyer, still shaking, so that the staunch old _Comfort_ -actually quivered in sympathy. "In fact, to tell the truth, he was so -set upon leaving in a hurry after he discovered that there was a tenant -ahead of him, that lots of things were sadly neglected." - -"And you threw him overboard, sir?" asked Jack. - -"That was the easiest part of it," replied the other, calmly. "You see I -used to be a great athlete in my day, when Rube knew me; and the fellow -wasn't anticipating running up against a lodger. I just gave him a neat -push, and you ought to have heard the splashing that followed." - -"Wow! I'd have liked to, first rate!" declared Josh, in ecstacy. - -"But he managed to climb out again, of course, Mr. Spofford?" Jack -asked. - -"Oh! yes, after a lot of floundering around. I saw him climbing that -spile yonder, dripping at every move. And I've had no trouble since." - -"Then we owe you a vote of thanks for helping us out in this way," -declared George, warmly. "Only for your guardianship something serious -would have happened to our boats; and you can understand, sir, that they -are precious to all of us, after serving us so well on that Mississippi -cruise." - -"I want to hear all about that at the first chance, boys. But now I'll -move out, and give the rightful owners possession. This is a very well -named boat, Herbert. I give you credit for knowing how to get full -enjoyment out of a trip. Now, that speed boat doubtless pleases George, -but you see it would hardly do for a fellow of my heft. I'm going to get -the builder of this outfit to put me one up that will be a dream, a fat -man's paradise." - -"Hold on, Mr. Spofford," said Jack, who knew he was voicing the -sentiments of the entire club when he spoke as he did; "we are going to -stay around here until another morning, for we've got a lot to do, -stowing our stores, you know. And tonight, if you can do so, we invite -you to a little dinner, to be held on this boat. We hope you will please -us by coming; and let me tell you we've got the boss cook among us, who -can tickle your palate the best ever." - -All eyes were turned toward Josh, who got up and gravely bowed, pushing -back Buster, who had impudently been in the act of accepting the honor -himself. - -"I'll do it on one condition, boys," said the lawyer, as he started to -deposit his bulk in the boat Herb was holding to the side of the -_Comfort_. - -"What is that, sir?" demanded Jack. - -"That you promise to read to me the log of your last trip, when you went -down the big river; also tell me the many adventures that I'm sure must -have come your way during those glorious weeks." - -"Done!" cried one and all, as they shook hands with the jolly retired -lawyer, and Herb started to paddle him to the dock. - -"What time is dinner hour, fellows?" sang out Mr. Spofford, just as -heartily as though he might be one of the youngsters. - -"Six sharp; but we'll wait for you any length of time you say, sir," -replied Jack. - -"Look for me before that time; and remember, boys, I'm a man of some -size, so be warned," laughed the other, waving his hand. - -"Oh! we know all about that, sir; because, you see, we've got a shining -example of the same with us," called Josh, motioning toward Buster. - -"That's so; but I'm afraid you mean a _horrible_ example; for we fat -fellows are to be pitied," floated back to their ears. - -Nick sank back on his seat, looking plainly troubled. - -"Oh! my, if I thought there was any danger of my ever getting like that -I'd--I'd, well, I don't know what I'd do; but something pretty -desperate--skip a meal once a week, perhaps," he remarked to George. - -The other was already trying to draw his own boat alongside, so that he -might aboard; for naturally each skipper had thought of the craft that -was dearest to his mind; and Herb returning, both Jack and Jimmie used -the rowboat to reach the anchored _Tramp_. - - - - -CHAPTER VI--THE "FLASH" - - -For an hour or more the boys were busily engaged in rummaging. - -Then they began to think about getting their luggage aboard, as well as -the necessary supplies. Jack had his lists made out to the fraction. -Previous experience would prove of considerable benefit to them now, -since they knew just what was most needed, and what things to leave -behind. - -"I say, Jack!" called George, across the scant space that separated -their boats. - -"Hello! what is it?" asked the skipper of the _Tramp_, looking up. - -"We've all been so busy we haven't thought to look around," remarked -George; "and consequently missed seeing that dandy craft lying off there -a couple of hundred yards. Nobody seems to be aboard, as far as I've -noticed. My! but ain't she a beaut, though? Such graceful lines. I -warrant she can just skim the water, and make you _dizzy_ watching her. -Do you know what struck me, Jack?" - -"That this might be the swift boat Clarence has had built, and which he -said was going to cut capers all around our fleet," replied the other, -promptly. - -"Guessed it the first shot. Am I right?" asked George. - -"Looks to me like a regular black, piratical craft," observed Josh. -"Just notice how low she sits in the water, would you? And there's -something sneaky in her whole make-up. Yes, that sort of a boat just -seems to fit in with a fellow like Clarence Macklin, 'Sneaky Clarence,' -you remember." - -"There's a name in gold letters on her bow, but I can't quite make it -out. Here, Buster, just hand me my glasses, will you?" - -A minute later George, having adjusted the marine glasses to his sight, -gave utterance to a low whistle. - -"I've got the name all right, fellows," he remarked, "and what d'ye -think it is? Just the plain word _'Flash.'_ I guess that stands for -speed all right." - -"It also stands for what Clarence and Bully Joe represent," Herb -observed. - -Often, as they busied themselves during the balance of that day, -George's eyes would wander toward that long, narrow boat that sat upon -the heaving water with the grace of a black swan from Australia. George -believed he could see the times when it would be nip and tuck between -the _Flash_ and his own hitherto unbeaten _Wireless_; and he confessed -that perhaps the boast of the rival of the motor boat boys might not -have been without reasonable foundation. - -Knowing how many times they must go ashore before the stores and -supplies were all aboard, the motor boat boys realized that it would be -a saving of time if they raised anchor, and moored alongside the dock. - -This was accordingly done. As noon had come, they went in detachments to -the nearest hotel, and secured a meal; after which their baggage was -taken aboard. Then, leaving the others to stow it away, as on the -previous cruise, Jack, Herb and George went into town to purchase what -their long list called for. - -Nick called out after them three times, begging them on each occasion to -be sure and not forget a certain thing of which he happened to be -particularly fond. Josh poked a whole lot of fun at the fat boy, and -warned him to beware lest he equal the enormous girth of Mr. Amos in a -short time if he did not curb that tremendous appetite. - -"Oh! don't you fret about that," Nick answered. "In good time I expect -to gradually cut down my rations until I become as skinny as you. Then, -like enough, I'll want to jump overboard and end it all." - -That was always Nick's way--_tomorrow_ he meant to start in regulating -his diet; but as usual with those who put off the evil day, tomorrow -never seemed to come. - -That was a busy afternoon with them all. - -Jack saw to it that the eatables were put up in three separate packages -all around, so that they could be handed over to the several boats -without division. This helped wonderfully, for there was no choosing, -and no ill feeling because one happened to get a better looking -assortment than the others. - -"It's near stopping time, fellows!" called Nick, as he squatted on a -seat, like a big toad, Josh said, and wiped the perspiration from his -rosy face. - -"Well, I guess everything's ready," added Jack. - -"Ditto here," came from Herb. "And Josh is already rustling the kettles, -as if he meant business. So I move we pull out again and anchor. When -the gent comes we can get him aboard with the help of this rowboat he -hired for us." - -That sort of talk seemed to satisfy every one; and accordingly they set -about working the motor boats to the positions they had occupied -previously, at the time their mudhooks were down. - -Then began great preparations for a feast. Both the other boats handed -over their several batteries for cooking. Their previous experience had -taught George and Herb a lesson, so that they had discarded their -cumbersome oil lamps, and now each rejoiced in a fine new, brass Jewel -gas oil-stove, of the same reliable German brand as that which Jack -carried when on the famous Mississippi trip, now but a fond memory. - -And they were surely a busy lot, every one working under the directions -of the head _chef_. Josh might play second, and even third fiddle, many -times; but when it came to cooking he was right there, as he himself -said, "with the goods." Some boys may seem gifted in one way, and a -comrade shine in another; it was the privilege of Josh Purdue to be a -natural born cook. He could throw together the most appetizing dishes -with apparently little effort. Everything he touched had a decidedly -delightful taste. And even Buster admitted that he stood without a peer, -monarch of all he surveyed. - -So it came about that when Mr. Spofford arrived on the dock, and was -ferried across by Herb, he found some mighty fine odors wafting hither -and thither. - -"My goodness!" he said, as he sniffed vigorously, "I hope dinner won't -be long delayed, boys, because you've just got me keyed up to a -desperate pitch, with all these joyful smells afloat." - -"Ready right now, sir!" sang out Josh, who had donned a snow-white -baker's muslin cap, which he had fetched along with the intention of -coaxing Buster to wear, when engaged in his culinary tasks. - -They were a jolly crowd gathered in the roomy _Comfort_, and discussing -the glorious dinner prepared under the direction of the head _chef_. - -"Josh, you haven't forgotten how," observed Jack, as he started in on -the savory mess piled up on his pannikin. - -"Which pleases me a whole lot," said George; "because you see, Mr. -Spofford, on this trip Josh sails with me in my _Wireless_." - -"Alas! poor Josh! I see his finish. These are funeral meats, fellows," -giggled Buster, already warmly engaged. - -And so they laughed and joked as the meal progressed. Mr. Amos was as -merry as any one of the six boys. Again he seemed carried back to the -days when he loved this sort of life; and many times did they hear him -declare positively: - -"You've opened up the fount that has been closed for many years, boys. -And after this it's me for the free life and the fresh air. Perhaps that -may reduce my overabundant flesh somewhat. Anyway, it will delight my -heart. Away with dull care; and from this time on I'm going to study -Nature again! And I have you to thank for opening my eyes. It was a -lucky day my old friend Rube thought of me, and put his boy in touch -with Amos Spofford." - -"Perhaps you'd like to go out a few days, sir, with us," remarked Herb, -quite overwhelmed by the cordial ways of the retired lawyer. "This boat -is roomy, you see, and we might get along. The only difficulty would be -about sleeping quarters." - -Poor Nick held his breath in suspense. If so be Mr. Spofford accepted, -he believed he saw his finish. But the other only laughed heartily. - -"That's awfully kind of you, Herb, but I couldn't think of accepting," -he said; and Nick breathed easy again. "When I go out, I shall have a -boat that is suited to my heft. Every time I move here, something seems -to groan, and threaten to give way. I guess you will have all you can -manage with my friend, Buster." - -And after the hearty meal was finished they made themselves as -comfortable as possible, while Jack read the official log of the other -cruise, for the particular benefit of Mr. Amos. - -The latter asked a thousand questions, and in this way managed to get a -comprehensive history of all the stirring adventures that had fallen to -their lot between their home town on the great river and the Crescent -City. - -It was quite late when he left them, giving to each a squeeze of the -hand that would not soon be forgotten. - -"If I can only find a boat suited to my size, boys," he said, as he left -them; "I'm going to get afloat this very season. But at any rate another -year will find me fully prepared for the season, with the greatest motor -boat you ever struck. Goodbye, you fine and dandy fellows! My heart will -be with you all along. Think of me sometimes, won't you, Buster?" - -He chuckled as he fancied he heard a hollow groan from Nick; as if the -memory of Mr. Spofford's tremendous girth could ever long leave the -troubled mind of the fat boy. - -A quiet night followed. Jack advised that they keep on the alert, lest -some peril drop in upon them; but fortunately his fears were not -realized, and morning coming found the little fleet all serene. - -"Look, there he is!" said Nick, as they were gathered on the _Comfort_ -enjoying one of Josh's little spreads, that included some of the -lightest flapjacks ever put before hungry campers. - -"Clarence, as sure as anything!" ejaculated Herb. - -"And wasn't I right about that boat?" asked Jack. "You can see he's -meaning to go out to it right now. But one good thing, we'll be likely -to have twenty-four hours' start of them. And on these broad waters they -may have some trouble looking us up." - -"There's Bully Joe, too," remarked George. "See him look over this way -and scowl! Somehow the sight of our gallant little fleet doesn't seem to -please Mr. Brinker a whole lot. He'd be better satisfied if he could -only set eyes on them awash, with their decks level with the water." - -Clarence did not seem to glance once toward the three motor boats. A -third party joined them, and it was not hard for Jack and his friends to -guess that this must be the unlucky Jared Fullerton, whom the stalwart -Mr. Spofford had dumped into the waters of the St. Lawrence when he -attempted to board the _Comfort_ one night not so very long since. - -Just as soon as they were well through with breakfast, the motor boat -boys got ready to put out on the broad waters which were, from now on, -to serve them as a field of recreation. - -Jack gave the signal, when he had learned that both the others were -ready. Immediately there was a tremendous amount of energetic popping, -as the motors once more got into service after their spell of idleness. - -Clarence and the others aboard the long dark boat looked after the three -departing craft; and while none of our friends bothered waving a hand in -parting, Jack could see that the owner of the _Flash_ and his crony, -Bully Joe, were talking earnestly, as though laying some sort of plan -for the near future. - -He even saw Clarence pointing after them, and then sweep his hand half -way around, as if declaring that no matter where the departing boats -might vanish, he would have little trouble in locating them if he wanted -to do so. - -And to himself Jack was saying that there could be no doubt but that -Clarence, with that vindictive, cruel disposition of his, would put -himself to almost any trouble in order to get the laugh on those he -hated so bitterly. - -The sun shone brightly as they pulled out of Clayton, and all of them -believed it was a good sign. The last they saw of the suspicious dark -boat with the contour of a river greyhound, Clarence was still talking -to his mates, and doing a great deal of pointing. - -But before them was spread as lovely a stretch of water, with its green -and rocky islands, as ever a motor boat cruiser could wish to see. And -none of the boys believed on that glorious July morning that they could -wish for anything finer than fortune seemed to be placing at their feet. - - - - -CHAPTER VII--JOSH SCENTS TROUBLE - - -"What luck, Jack?" - -It was just a week later. The three motor boats were anchored in a -little cove near one of the numerous rocky islands that give this part -of the wide St. Lawrence river its great reputation for summer outings. - -Herb was leaning over the side of his boat, engaged in rubbing some -dingy part of the brass railing; and Jack at the time happened to be -approaching, seated in a little dinky or tender, which each larger boat -now trailed behind every time they made a move from one anchorage to -another; and which proved so useful in going ashore, fishing or -visiting. - -"Oh! pretty fair," replied the one who handled the short oars, as he -turned in his seat to reach for something that lay in the bow of the -skiff. "We can have a fish dinner tonight, anyway." - -Then he held up a monster muskalonge, that must have weighed all of -twenty pounds. - -"Great Jupiter, what a sock-dollager!" cried George, who was taking it -easy in his boat; while Nick thrust up his head to shout: - -"Bully for you, Jack! Now we won't starve to death! The country is -saved!" - -"Well, I like that," said Herb. "To hear him talk you'd think I'd cut -him down to one meal a day, when to tell the truth he----" - -"Stop right there, Mister Skipper!" cried the fat boy, threateningly. -"It's rank treachery to betray your boatmate to the common enemy. But -that is a dandy fish, Jack. Where did you catch him?" - -"I think in the upper jaw," replied Jack, solemnly, at which there was a -shout. - -"I see you did," replied Nick, bending over, "for there's a broken hook -sticking out of his mouth right now. Ugh! look at the cruel teeth, would -you? I'd hate to let him close his jaws on my finger. But if the gimp -snell gave way, how under the sun did you ever get him aboard, Jack?" - -"I'll tell you," came the calm reply. "It happened that I had to play -this old pirate for nearly twenty minutes before I could tire him out. -You'd have laughed to see how he towed my little punkin-seed of a boat -around. But finally he seemed all but exhausted, and I kept reeling in -until I had him right up close, where I could bend over and touch him -with my hand." - -"Wow! you couldn't hire me to do that now," exclaimed Nick, shuddering -as he gazed at that array of sharp, vicious looking teeth. - -"I could see right then and there," Jack continued, quietly, "that the -gimp had been twisted until it was ready to break away. So I knew I -didn't dare try to lift him aboard by the line; and I had no gaff hook -along. So I just let my hand slide over his back until I reached his -opening and closing gills. Then I suddenly inserted several of my -fingers, and gave a quick fling. He came aboard all right; but the line -parted. So you see, Nick, it was a close shave for our supper, all -right." - -Josh, having made sure the fierce-looking fish was actually dead, by -pounding it on the head several times with a piece of wood, started to -get it ready for the pan. It was really the first one of decent size -that they had thus far hooked; though several meals had been made of -small-mouth black bass, taken either by casting, or trolling with a -spoon. - -"It strikes me as rather queer," remarked Jack, as he lay there resting, -"while Jimmie was starting to get supper for the two aboard the _Tramp_, -that so far we've neither seen nor heard a thing of Clarence and Joe." - -"And haven't we had a great old week of it though?" George remarked. -"Outside of one stormy day the weather has been just prime; and even my -engine has given no trouble. I'm beginning to have hopes that it's -entirely cured of those tantrums that used to bother me so. Or perhaps -the Jonah has shifted to your boat, Herb." - -"That ain't fair," called out Nick, from some unseen place, where he was -wrestling with the cookery department, and slyly taking peeps in his -notebook as to whether salt pork was used in frying fish, or butter. -"Tell the gentleman, Herb, that I never brought you the least bit of bad -luck. Why, we've been getting along here in a perfectly harmonious way, -haven't we?" - -"Y--yes, I guess so," replied Herb, a little dubiously, "but I'd be a -heap happier if only you could forget that business about who leaked, -and let out our secret to the enemy. You ding-dong about that thing -morning, noon and night. And then you turn around to Mr. Amos, and fret -your head off because you're afraid some day you're going to be as much -of a whopper as he is." - -"Well," grunted Nick, without even taking the trouble to poke his head -out, "you know right well this is a world full of trouble, fellows. If -it wasn't for my worrying the way I do, just imagine how I'd be taking -on flesh. I say, Josh, do you put the salt pork on first, and try it -out, before dusting the fish in cracker crumbs and dropping it in the -frying pan?" - -It was not long before the appetizing odors that arose around the -anchorage of the motor boat fleet announced that supper was well under -way. - -One thing pleased Nick; being the cook aboard the _Comfort_ he was in a -position to prepare a sufficient quantity to suit his generous ideas of -what constituted a meal for a healthy person's appetite; and -consequently there was no complaint about short rations. But when, as -was inevitably the case, the _Comfort_ had to borrow from the other -boats, the powerful effect of the fat boy's appetite became very -apparent. - -"Say, Jack, did you have any particular reason in picking out this place -for our next stop?" asked George presently. - -"Why, yes, lots of them," laughed the one addressed. "In the first place -it was an extra big island, and situated near the Canadian shore, you -see. Then again, the place looked kind of fishy, don't you know; and I -had an idea we might pick up some large muskies. From the fact that I -did bring in a dandy, first start, it seems as if my guess hit the -mark." - -"It sure did," George went on. "But you don't know anything out of the -way about this heavily wooded island here, do you?" - -"To be sure I don't, since I couldn't tell you right now what name it is -known under," answered Jack, who knew the other had some object back of -his questions, for George always led up to things, and never took -delight in springing a surprise on his chums, as most of the others -would invariably do. - -"I just wondered if you could know any reason for it, that's all," -George said. - -"Reason for what? Now you've got me guessing; and that's probably just -what you wanted to do," observed Jack. "Speak up, and tell me what -you've noticed." - -"Well, we seem to be objects of considerable curiosity to some people." - -"Ashore, do you mean?" and Jack turned his head, to glance at the -frowning bank of the big island, the grim rocks of which were crowned -with a dense growth of trees and underbrush, so that it certainly looked -rather mysterious as the sun began to set. - -"Well, no, I don't believe any of us have seen a living thing there, -except a coon, fishing on the edge; and a kingfisher flying from stump -to stump along the rim of the water. But three separate times a boat has -come along just out there, and the people in her would just stare at us -without saying a single word." - -"Three, you say--the same boat and the same people?" Jack asked. - -"Not at all," George replied. "That would not have seemed so queer, you -know; for I could believe that they happened to have an interest in this -cove, and disliked seeing us stop here; or else that the Canadian -authorities thought Yankees had no right to be fishing over on their -side of the broad river. It was the same boat." - -"Three different boats, eh?" Jack mused. "And they looked unhappy at -seeing our fleet quartered here?" - -"I thought they looked mad," Josh put in right then, popping his head up -like a jack-in-the-box; for he still persisted in wearing that white cap -while engaged in his department of the pots and pans. - -"Were there any women or children aboard the boats?" Jack continued. - -"How about that, fellows?" asked George. - -"One boat had two men, another three, and the last one five," Herb -remarked, in his positive way. - -"And they all stood off some distance, just looking at us. Perhaps there -are thieves in these waters, just as we found down on the Mississippi," -Josh added. - -"Maybe we'd better change our anchorage after supper, and hunt a new -place. There's going to be a bully moon tonight, fellows," from Nick, -still unseen. - -"Oh! I don't think there's any call for us to run away--yet," Jack -laughed. "No doubt the men were from the Canada side, and there was some -reason why they looked at our little fleet so queerly." - -"Well," Josh said, as if he had been worried more or less about the -matter, "I only hope one thing; that this blessed old island ain't -haunted, that's all!" - -Jack laughed at that, it put such a new aspect on affairs. At the same -time he could not help thinking that superstitious Josh certainly had -some ground for allowing such an idea to seize hold of his mind; for the -island, with its dense vegetation, and its rough shore line, did look -out of the common. No doubt, when night dropped her blanket over the -broad river with its myriad of islands, both large and small, this -spooky place could easily be believed to shelter uncanny things. - -"Don't give yourself any more uneasiness on that score, Josh," Jack -urged. "If there ever was a ghost anywhere near this place it took wings -long ago, when the thousands of summer tourists began coming here for -their vacations. What with the big hotels, and the hundreds of cottages -perched on the islands, small chance a poor spirit would have today." - -While he said nothing more about the three boats with their unfriendly -crews, Jack did not entirely forget them. Perhaps there might have been -some deep reason for the strange actions of these men. Perhaps--but -then, without any foundation for a theory, what was the use bothering -himself forming any such? - -The night came on; but even while they were eating supper a change had -begun to take place in the weather conditions. Nick's prediction of a -beautiful moonlight night gave promise of being far from the actual -fact; for clouds had drifted over the heavens, some of them dark and -threatening, though as yet broken. - -"We may get a storm before morning," observed George, looking up. - -"And I wager Jack foresaw that same thing when he picked out this cove -for our anchorage," declared Herb. "You notice that it is to the -eastward of the island; and don't you see about all the storms up here -come out of the west. In that way we will be protected against a heavy -blow." - -Jack might have kept still, and allowed his chums to heap honors on his -unworthy head; but that was not his style. - -"Hold on, you're doing me too much credit, boys," he observed frankly. -"I took to this cove just because it looked good to me, and never for a -minute thinking how it would serve us in case of a blow. But just as -Herb says, we are protected here, and that's another reason for not -changing, as Nick hinted we should do." - -They ate supper before the dusk turned into night, and the whippoorwills -were calling from back on the wooded island, to be answered from the -further Canada shore. - -The three boats were close enough together to allow the boys a chance to -exchange any remarks they wished. - -"Better get ready in case we have a downpour tonight," remarked Jack, as -he cast a look upward to where the moon was just starting to peep out -from behind a threatening bank of clouds. - -"For one I'm glad I got that hole in my tent mended in time," observed -Herb. - -"Me too," spoke up Buster, "because, you see, it was so nicely fixed -right over my poor head. Think of a stream turned on while you slept! -Ugh! when I take my cold baths I'll choose my time." - -"I've known when you didn't all the same," ventured George, chuckling. - -"That's mean of you," Buster replied, reproachfully, "bringing up old -happenings. Yes, I did fall overboard into the river; but who wouldn't, -in that cranky speedy boat of yours, shivering and jumping to beat the -band. Why, hello! what ails Josh there?" - -"Yes, what are you staring so hard at, Josh?" demanded George, turning -his head. - -"Didn't any of the rest of you see it?" asked the other, eagerly. - -"See what? Are you beginning on that ghost racket already?" insinuated -Herb. - -"Ghost nothing," exclaimed Josh; "and yet truth to tell it did glide out -of sight behind the point yonder like a phantom boat. Then the moon went -under, and I lost it again!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII--IN THE MIDNIGHT WATCH - - -Everybody sat up and took notice when Josh delivered himself after this -strange fashion. If it had been a mere glimpse of some white object -which he claimed to have seen ashore they might have smiled, and let it -go at that. But a boat was a different proposition. They were interested -in boats; and indeed, expecting sooner or later to be visited by a -certain dark craft, fashioned along a piratical type. - -"Where did you see it, Josh?" asked George, hastily jumping to his feet; -and almost taking a header into the water; for his delicately balanced -speed craft did not allow such energetic movements with impunity. - -"Well, give a feller a chance, won't you?" grumbled the other, as he -clutched the brass railing just in time to save himself. "I'm not in -such a hurry to go after the phantom boat as to want to _swim!_ -Besides," he added, as an afterthought, "I haven't forgotten that savage -musky Jack brought in today. If they hang out around this region you -don't catch Josh Purdue doing any bathing, not much." - -"But tell us, where did you see this queer boat that moves along as -silent as a specter?" asked Nick. - -"Didn't you get on to what I said?" continued the other, impatiently. -"Around that point yonder it seemed to glide. I lost it in the shadows." - -"Listen to him hedge, fellows!" cried Nick. "Now he says it 'seemed to -glide.' That is as much as saying he ain't sure whether he was awake or -dreaming." - -"I tell you the boat was there," Josh persisted; "and if the mean old -moon hadn't just bobbed behind that cloud up yonder, all of you might -have had a chance to glimpse her." - -"But you had one look at her, didn't you?" asked Jack. - -"Sure I did. And because I didn't hear any noise of a motor I just had -to stare," came the ready reply. - -"Was it a white pleasure boat?" continued Jack. - -"Not much. I could have seen that sort right along, moon or no moon. I -know what you're thinking, Jack." - -"All right. Was it a dark-colored launch, then?" the other demanded. - -"This time it's yes--a long, low, narrow craft, that seemed to just spin -along like a shadow itself. But I know it was a boat, because I could -see the water curling over, where the bow cut through," Josh went on. - -"You hear that, fellows?" Jack remarked. "And of course, you understand -what it means to us?" - -"That boat was the _Flash_, and Clarence has found us out at last?" said -George; not without a trace of eagerness in his voice; for so well had -his speed launch been behaving of late that he was anxious to test her -against the newer craft of Clarence Macklin. - -"Just like him to come sneaking around at night to see how he can do us -some rotten injury," grunted Nick. - -"Lit him thry it, that's all," remarked Jimmie, popping his head up. -"I'm thinkin' the gossoon will be sorry for it, wan way or t'other." - -"But that means we shall have to keep watch, doesn't it, Jack?" - -Of course it was Herb who said this, for he might be set down as the -most timid of the six boys; though there had been times in the past when -even Herb had risen to the occasion, to prove that he could show valor. - -"No doubt about that," returned the other, seriously. "You know the -benefit we found in being prepared when on that trip to Dixie land. It -pays to be ready for trouble. Meeting it half way often ends in victory. -Oh! yes, the squad will have to turn out, and take turns tonight." - -All this had been carefully arranged beforehand. Jack knew his crowd, -and also what little failings they might be apt to develop. For -instance, he understood that it was hardly the part of wisdom to allow -Nick to stand his spell of sentry duty alone. However willing the fat -boy might declare himself he was apt to be overcome by drowsiness and -fall asleep at his post. - -"Think we'd better move out a bit from the shore?" asked Josh, after -they had talked matters over for a further spell, and looked in vain for -the mysterious dark motor boat to appear again around the point of the -wooded island. - -"What for?" asked George. - -"Sure, the howlding's foine roight here," asserted Jimmie, who had -personally seen to it that the _Tramp's_ anchor was well placed; though -it could be readily tripped in case of a sudden need for a move during a -storm. - -"But to tell the honest truth, fellows, I don't just like the looks of -this old island here," admitted the cook of the _Wireless_, boldly. - -"I don't see anything the matter with it?" remarked George. "In fact, -simply because it seems deserted is no reason we ought to cut loose, and -change moorings. If it belonged to some millionaire, and had a cottage -perched on the rocks, the chances are ten to one we'd have been asked to -move long before now." - -"I agree with George," Jack remarked. "And that was the main reason why -I determined to come here, where it looked so attractive. When fellows -are off on a little trip like this, the very places they should avoid -are those where too much civilization is found. Give me the wild spots -every time." - -"Oh! well, I withdraw my motion then," grumbled Josh. "But don't blame -me if anything happens, that's all." - -"Would ye be afther listenin' till him?" exclaimed Jimmie, hilariously. -"Sure he do be thinkin' still about that banshee. And Jack, since ye are -to sthand watch wid Josh, be warrned in toime, to look out for throuble. -If wishin' would bring ghosts it's me honest belafe Josh would raise a -whole raft of thim." - -But in talking of many other things the boys soon seemed to forget about -these fears on the part of the one who confessed to a belief in -hobgoblins. - -When several of the inmates of the gathered boats started to yawn at a -tremendous rate, word was given that they turn in. - -"It's eleven o'clock, boys, just think of it?" said Herb, as he lighted -a lantern in order to make up his bed more comfortably; for Herb -believed in getting all the benefit possible out of things, even when on -a cruise. - -"And we can count on broad daylight by four o'clock, though we needn't -get up till five," Jack observed. "So I've divided the six hours into -three watches. Josh and myself will stay on duty until one. Then Herb -and Jimmie will take our places, and at three they are to wake up George -and Buster. Understand that, fellows?" - -"Yes," came the response, in some cases very sleepily. - -"How about you, Josh; think you can stay awake two hours now?" Jack -asked. - -"I drank more coffee for supper than usual," the other answered, "and -the way I feel now, I don't seem to care one bit whether I get a wink of -sleep tonight or not." - -As things were reduced to a pretty good system by this time, with regard -to the making up of beds, it did not require much time to get these in -readiness. Herb was the only fussy one; and they were threatening to -call him an old maid, and get a cap and gown for him, if he kept on that -way. But Herb paid no attention to all this talk. When he had his mind -made up it required an earthquake to change it. - -Finally his lantern went out, although Josh kept it within reach of his -hand, in case he needed light in a hurry while doing his trick as -sentinel. - -He and Jack could converse in low tones without disturbing the sleepers, -should they care to do so. Jack meant to exchange a few words -occasionally, if only to convince himself that the other had not been -overtaken by drowsiness. - -No longer did the moon peep out from the dark curtains above. The cloud -banks had effectually covered the face of the heavens as with a pall. -Still it did not rain, and thus far there were no other indications of a -brooding storm. - -It was impossible to see for any distance around. Even out upon the -water objects were indistinct at fifty feet; and as for the nearby -island it rested there like a black hillock, above which the tips of the -inky pines could be seen outlined against the less opaque sky. - -Now and then the night breeze moaned dismally through these treetops, -making a queer sound. Jack noticed that every time this happened there -would be a slight movement in the _Comfort_; and he understood that Josh -must be turning his head to stare toward the island. Josh, then, had not -entirely given up the idea of seeing a ghost; and this uncanny sound -made him remember his prediction. - -It was impossible to note the passage of time by the stars, for they -were quite out of sight, and no clock striking could give warning; for -there was not a church within many miles of their anchorage. - -So when Jack began to wonder how much longer he and Josh ought to hold -the fort, he had to strike a match and consult the little nickel watch -he carried. - -"Gosh! how you scared me!" exclaimed the other sentry, as the match -crackled. - -"Half past twelve," Jack remarked, in a low tone. "That means another -half hour for us, Josh. How are you feeling about now?" - -"Well," admitted the other, "I guess I was near dozing that time. -Thought somebody shot at me when you scratched that match. How loud -everything sounds at this time of night. Wish that old bird would let up -on that screeching, over on the Canada shore. He makes me tired, for a -fact." - -"Depends on the way you look at things," chuckled Jack. "Now, for my -part I rather like to hear a whippoorwill call. Never yet kept me awake -either, like some things would do. Have a bite of this gingerbread, -Josh. Keeping watch is hungry work, after all, I find. Besides, while -your jaws are working, you won't get sleepy." - -Josh was nothing averse to a "snack," and so they sat there, eating, and -occasionally exchanging some remark, while the balance of the crowd -slept on. - -The boats were anchored far enough apart to avoid striking should a wind -arise. But on account of his desire to keep in touch with Josh, Jack had -seen to it that the stern of each craft was drawn toward the other. In -this fashion then they could have shaken hands by leaning over the -intervening foot or so of water. - -It so happened that while Jack was devoting most of his attention to the -watery expanse that stretched away toward the east, Josh on the other -hand found the neighboring island more interesting. - -Each acted on his own idea as to the nature of the danger that might -come upon them. With Josh it was the peril that stalks during the middle -of the night, and frightens men through its connection with spectral -forms. Jack, on the other hand, suspected that Clarence and his crony, -Bully Joe, might be planning some sort of a mean raid, that would spoil -the pleasure of the motor boat club. - -"Jack!" whispered the occupant of the _Comfort_ in a hoarse voice. - -"Well, what do you want?" replied the other lad, serenely. - -"I am sure I heard a suspicious noise ashore just then!" Josh continued. - -"Oh! rats! You're always hearing things, Josh. Like as not it was only a -poor old 'coon, hunting around on the beach for a fish that has been -cast up. Get it off your mind. It's only a little time longer, and then -you to dreamland." - -"There it goes again, Jack! Didn't you catch it that time? I tell you it -means something. Hark! now will you believe me?" - -Josh was growing more and more excited. He even raised his voice above -the low tone in which up to now they had conversed. But small danger of -any of those sound sleepers being so easily awakened. It would require a -shaking to accomplish that. - -Jack certainly did hear the sounds now. These consisted of a strange -clacking, the nature of which it was impossible to guess. Then would -come a plain, unmistakable groan! No wonder poor Josh shivered, and -turned cold with apprehension, considering what his recent belief had -been. - -"Oh, my! there's sure something moving up there, Jack! Don't you see -it--over by that place where we saw the silver birch? Watch it, Jack! -There, look! look!" and as he spoke Josh raised his voice still more -until it almost became a shout. - -Movements told that he had finally succeeded in arousing the sleep -squad. Nick was heard to yawn, and grumble, as usual; while Herb poked -his head out from the side curtains to ask what all the row meant. - -"Didn't I tell you it would come?" shouted Josh suddenly. "Just look -there on that blamed island, and see what we get for sticking here! Now -laugh at me for believing in ghosts, will you? Herb, can't we cut the -anchor rope, and make a quick getaway? Please say yes, because I'm that -scared I'm shaking all over!" - -And every eye was by this time glued upon the strange spectacle ashore -that had given poor Josh his fright. - - - - -CHAPTER IX--THE GHOST OF THE ISLAND - - -"Wow! it's sure a banshee!" whooped Jimmie. - -"A-am I dreaming, fellows?" exclaimed Herb, rubbing his eyes -desperately. - -"O-oh! look at it shake its fist at us, would you! It's ten feet high, -if it's one!" came from the quivering lips of Buster. - -But Jack as yet had not said a word, though he was staring just as hard -at the remarkable sight ashore as any of them. It was something -different from anything that had ever before crossed his path. Perhaps -Jack might have felt a little chilly sensation as he looked; but he was -not at all frightened. - -Up on the rise of the mysterious island there had appeared a dim figure -that seemed, just as Nick vowed, to be all of ten feet in height. At -first it was like a curling column of smoke, when a certain kind of wood -has been thrown on the fire. Then it seemed to take form, and change to -a flickering yellow glow. - -The groaning sounds continued all the while, as though this disturbed -spirit from the other world might be in great pain. And certainly the -figure was waving one of its arms as though waving them off. - -All of this Jack saw, yet no panic gripped him as it seemed to do the -rest, who were crouching there, staring, and gasping for breath. - -"Jimmie, hand me my shotgun, and let's see if it can stand Number -Threes!" - -Jack called this out in a loud, clear voice. Not that he wanted the gun -to any great extent; but he had an object in saying it. - -But Jimmie really believed he meant what he said. While he groped for -the gun he was saying aloud: - -"Sure, now, 'tis mesilf as doan't belave ye kin knock the daylight out -of that banshee wid little shots, Jack, darlint. But if so be ye mane to -thry, take the gun, while I shut me eyes." - -"'Tain't any use," broke in George; "the thing's disappeared!" - -And so it had, vanishing as mysteriously as it had come, and leaving -only a black void in front of them. Even that steady groaning had -stopped, proving conclusively that it had had to do with the appearance -of the spectre. - -Jack laughed, to the utter astonishment of the rest. - -"I don't see anything funny about this business," complained Nick. - -"Well, p'raps you fellers will quit quizzing me after that experience!" -said Josh, with just a little ring of triumph in his unsteady voice. - -"And will you please stop shaking that way?" remarked George. "For you -make the boat rock the worst kind. It was bad enough seeing that blessed -thing, without taking a header overboard right now." - -"Jack, what makes you laugh?" asked quiet Herb, who knew that the other -would not have acted in the way he did unless with good and sufficient -cause. - -"Do you really want to know?" asked Jack, quietly. - -Somehow the fact that one of their number did not seem to be affected by -the panic that had swept over the rest began to make George and Jimmie -ashamed. - -"Sure we do, Jack," remarked the latter, eagerly. - -"I was laughing because it was so funny to see how our fine ghost bobbed -out of sight the very instant I called to Jimmie to hand me my Marlin," -said Jack. - -"Oh! I see now!" cried George; "you mean that ghosts needn't be afraid -of a handful of bird shot. Is that it, Jack?" - -"That's what I meant. I've read lots of ghost stories, just like Josh -here; though I never believed them for one minute. But in every case the -fellow who tells the yarn declares that bullets have no effect at all on -real goblins. Am I right, Josh?" - -"It's true, every word of it, Jack!" the other answered, promptly. "Why, -I've heard where a soldier whacked the head off a ghost, who coolly -picked it up and stuck it on again as neat as you please. Oh! no, they -needn't be afraid of little bird shot, not a bit of it." - -"Well, this ghost was timid, you see," Jack proceeded. "He fell over -just as soon as I called out about my gun." - -"Look here, you mean something by that, sure you do!" remarked Herb. - -"Fellers, he's hinting that it was a job set up on us--that's what Jack -means," declared Nick. - -"Out with it, Jack. Don't you see that we're all in a blue funk over -this queer deal? If you know anything, share it with your pards," said -Herb. - -"That's it," observed Josh, who had by now somewhat recovered from his -fright; "put us wise old commodore. What d'ye think it was, now?" - -"I'll tell you, boys," Jack said, impressively. "In my opinion, honest -Injun, now, somebody was trying to frighten us away from here." - -"Say, it did wave its long, bony arm, all right!" exclaimed Josh. - -"We all saw that," Herb put in; "but what do you suppose anybody would -want to make us move our anchorage so much as to go to all that fuss and -feathers to scare us?" - -"Well," answered Jack, "that's a thing I can just tell--yet! You all -admit it did keep waving its arms. And you heard those lovely groans -stop just at the same time the thing disappeared. I thought I heard a -sound like something falling to the ground. Did anybody else get that?" - -"I heard some noise," admitted George. "But, Jack, you certain must have -some little suspicion about who engineered this silly game, if it was a -set-up job?" - -"Well, Josh saw a boat," calmly remarked the one addressed. - -"Listen to that, would you?" exclaimed Nick. "He means that it was -Clarence who got up that cute game right now--Clarence, our old friend -of the baseball diamond. And perhaps the ghost that groaned was only -Bully Joe. Fellers, it sound good to me." - -"Well, it would be just like Tricky Clarence, as sure as you live!" -admitted Herb, who had possibly been the least alarmed of the five. - -"But why should he want us to vacate?" demanded Josh, who disliked very -much to give up his pet illusion, and believe that the ghost was only -the result of a clumsy trick on the part of some person or persons -unknown. - -"Perhaps he wants this fine little cove himself," suggested George. - -"That hardly fills the bill," Jack went on. "He might think to get even -for some of the times we've won out in the past. I tell you right now -I'm bothered to understand it." - -"Do we clear out in the morning, then?" asked Herb. - -"I hope you won't say yes to that, fellows. In the first place, it goes -against my grain to be chased away by Clarence Macklin or anybody else, -who has no right to order us around. And then again, there are some -things I'd like to look into connected with this queer affair." - -When Jack talked like that he knew the others would fall in with his -wishes; for they had long ago come to look upon him as a leader. - -"Oh! we'll stick it out if you say so, Jack," declared George. "But you -ought to tell us anything else you've got on your mind." - -"There was one thing that puzzled me," Jack continued. "It happened -while Josh was dozing, or else looking somewhere else, for he didn't -seem to notice it. And I didn't say anything, because there was no use -waking the rest of you up then." - -"But what was it, Jack?" questioned Kick. - -"Why, we settled it in our minds that the old island was uninhabited, -didn't we boys?" asked the other. - -"That's so," several hastened to declare. - -"Well, about half an hour ago, as I chanced to turn my head and look -that way, I caught sight of a dim light moving along near the ground. It -would disappear, and then come in view again, all the while moving." - -"Now, I've seen just such a funny light, when a man with a lantern was -walking through the woods," burst out Herb. - -"Just what I settled it in my mind that was," chuckled Jack. "But it -wasn't so strange that some one should be ashore, and I didn't let it -bother me any. After what has happened, though, you can see it must have -meant something." - -"That's a fact," admitted George. "And, fellows, I'm coming around to -Jack's way of thinking. I just bet Tricky Clarence was behind that -show." - -"Oh! well, let's try to forget it for tonight," Jack observed; "and as -it's now just one o'clock, George and Nick will have to take their turn -on guard." - -"Sure," replied Buster, cheerfully. "Sleep and me have parted company -for the rest of this night, after what I saw. So it's me for a four hour -stretch; Herb, you can snooze right along till sun-up, if you want." - -"Oh! can I? Thanks," laughed the one addressed, with a touch of -skepticism in his voice; for he knew only too well what a difference -there was between Buster's promises and the keeping of them; he always -meant well, but found the flesh weak. - -And it proved just as wise Herb supposed would be the case; when the -time came for George to go off duty he found Nick fast asleep; so that -Herb had to be aroused by repeated calls and punching of the side of the -_Comfort_. - -Then daylight came; but according to Jack's arrangements no one was -aroused until the hour of five, when the sun was well up. July days are -long indeed in this northern clime, and the twilight lingers until -nearly nine in the evening. - -"Who's going to try the fishing today?" asked Jack, as they were -partaking of their bacon and egg breakfast, a supply of the hen fruit -having been obtained on the previous day from a Canadian farmer, near -whose place the little fleet of motor boats had stopped. - -"Why, Herb and myself talked of going, if so be you'd post us about the -best trolling ground," George remarked. - -"Tell you all I know about it," replied Jack, readily enough. "But if -you are lucky enough to strike a big musky like the one I got, you'll -have your hands full. Better take the gaff hook along. I wished many -times yesterday I had it." - -"Will we, George?" asked Herb, in a vein of sarcasm. - -"Catch me putting my hand on a pirate like that while he's got an ounce -of fight left in him," the other declared. "Why, one snap of those jaws -and he'd take your whole paw off, sure. Yes, give us the gaff hook, or -we don't go." - -"Then you don't intend to keep us company?" asked Herb of Jack. - -"I think I'll just hang around here this morning, boys." - -"Oh! all right. I can see with half an eye that you've got something up -your sleeve, Jack; but post us when the show comes off, won't you?" -George remarked, laughingly. - -An hour later, long after the two ambitious fishermen had departed in -their little rowboats for a siege of trolling along the lonely shores of -the island, Jack quietly stepped into his own dinky, and paddled ashore. - -"Now what can he be up to?" Nick asked Josh, as they looked after the -other. - -"Give me something easy, will you?" replied that worthy. "But all the -same, I noticed that Jack was careful to take his gun along." - -"But he can't shoot any game now; the law is on nearly everything, you -know. And up here the wardens are always on the lookout for poachers," -Nick continued. - -"Oh, shucks!" Josh complained, "you don't see through a millstone, even -when it's got a big hole in it. Can't you understand that Jack is bent -on looking up that ghost business? Wonder if it was Tricky Clarence at -the back of it. Gee! but when I first set eyes on the same I really -thought it was a dead sure spirit of some old Injun chief come back from -the Happy Hunting Grounds to warn us away." - -"Huh! I noticed that you hung on to that same idea to the bitter end," -Nick continued pugnaciously. "Right now, I bet you believe deep down in -your silly heart, it was a regular hobgoblin. Oh! I know you all right, -Josh Purdue; and you've got a scary heart all right. But I saw, just as -soon as Jack spoke up, how we'd been fooled by Clarence. Wait till he -comes back, and he'll prove it." - -"I'd like to know how?" demanded Josh. "Expect him to interview that -_thing_, and get a written confession? I'm just wondering what we'll run -up against if we're bound to stay here in this cove another night." - -"Piffle!" scoffed Nick. "What about guns, hey, tell me that? Ghosts -don't appear to like guns much, do they? Jack says not, and Jack, he -ought to know. Stay here? Of course we will; a week, two of 'em, if we -feel like it!" - -"Oh! yes, how brave some people are in the middle of the day, when the -sun's shining," jeered Josh. "But wait; that's all! I expect to see you -get the scare of your life tonight, don't you know. If that _thing_ gets -real mad, and digs in for us you needn't bother worrying about taking on -any more fat, because you'll shake that hard you'll lose pounds and -pounds! But let's wait till Jack comes back, and find out what he's -discovered. I've got a good notion to follow him ashore, if I can pull -up the anchor and beach the _Comfort_. Watch how I manage it." - - - - -CHAPTER X--FOLLOWING A TRAIL - - -Josh found his little plan was not hard of accomplishment. All he had to -do was to push the _Wireless_ around, after letting out all the cable -connected with the anchor, when he was able to jump ashore. - -He took with him another rope that was fastened to the stern of the -motor boat, and this he fastened to the nearest tree. Now, when he -wanted to go aboard, all he had to do was to unfasten this latter -hawser, climb over the side, and draw the _Wireless_ back to her -original anchorage. - -"Good boy!" cried Nick, who had been a close observer of this clever -little game. "You go up head. When it comes to dodges like that, you -take the cake." - -It was not often that Josh heard a compliment from this source, and he -had to stop and wave his hand toward the cook of the _Comfort_, before -following after Jack. - -He had not gone twenty feet before he discovered the object of his -concern, who appeared to be bending over something that seemed to -greatly interest him. - -"Hello! there, what've you found, Jack? Signs of a diamond mine, or -traces of the ice age they tell us about?" Josh demanded, as he reached -the side of the other. - -"Hello yourself, Josh," replied Jack, looking up with a smile, as though -pleased because he was to have some one to talk to, and possibly confer -with. "Well, no, I can't just say that either of your guesses comes -anywhere near the truth. I'm only examining a trail." - -"What's that? Then this old island hasn't always been as deserted as it -looks right now, if people sometimes drop ashore here?" remarked Josh, -his interest at once aroused. - -"Look here and tell me what you see," the other lad continued, as he -pointed to the ground near his feet. - -"Say, as sure as you live, it is, for a fact," exclaimed Josh. "Looks -like they'd done a heap of passing up and down this way, too. D'ye know, -Jack, I wondered what those marks on the little beach meant, and now I -understand. Boats, that's what; boats that have been drawn up there when -the water was higher than it is now." - -"Yes, I saw them," said Jack, quietly. "In fact, I looked to find such -marks on the sand. And this broad trail began there, too." - -"Oh! I'm beginning to tumble to a few things. I guess that in the -season, this same tight little island may be a place for duck shooters -to hold out. Perhaps we might even find an old deserted shanty somewhere -back yonder in which they camp out during the blustery fall months." - -"Hold on, Josh," remarked Jack. "Is that all you know about signs?" - -"Why, whatever do you mean?" asked the other, puzzled. - -"Take another squint at these marks, and then tell me what you think, -Josh." - -"Say, I tumble to what you mean!" exclaimed Josh, after he had bent down -once more. "You expect me to say that if these marks had been made -months ago, with a winter's ice and snow, and a summer's heavy rains, -they'd have been washed out long ago. And so they would, Jack, so they -would. You're right about it. They've been made lately! They look fresh, -for a fact!" - -"Now you're tumbling to facts, Josh. Remember, we had a big downpour -just three days ago, don't you?" Jack went on. - -"Sure I do. And you're on to that, too. But I grab your meaning now, all -right. There are marks here that must have been made since that rain." - -"Well, what do you say about it now?" continued the boy who could read -signs. - -"Instead of duck shooters they're fishermen," observed Josh, calmly. -"Yes, and you remember how those three boats came along, and the men in -each stared so hard at us? Jack, I see it all now. We just happened in a -favorite place of theirs, and they didn't like it for a cent. Why, they -even tried to scare us off with that silly ghost business that gave poor -old Pudding such a fright." - -Jack only smiled. - -"Well," he said, "suppose we follow this trail for a bit. I have an idea -it will lead us to the very place where I thought I saw a moving light, -like a swinging lantern, last night." - -Josh was eager to keep step with him; but there was no trouble -experienced in picking up the trail, so plainly marked were the tracks. - -"There it is, Jack!" exclaimed Josh, suddenly; for he had been looking -ahead all the time his companion kept his eyes fixed on the ground. - -"It is a shanty of some sort, isn't it?" remarked Jack, without much -emotion; for he had been absolutely positive as to what they would -discover, so that the announcement did not excite him. - -"Why, yes, a tumbledown sort of a shack," observed Josh, with a trace of -disappointment about his manner. "I'd pity the fellows who spent a rainy -day in such a rookery. Why, the roof is falling in at one end; and the -door hangs on one rusty hinge." - -Jack saw all these things as quickly as did his companion, even though -he failed to cry out and express himself as vehemently as Josh took -pains to do. - -"Old dilapidated cabin as it is, note one thing, will you," he remarked. - -"You mean that the tracks lead up to the door, is that it, Jack?" - -"Well, yes," the other continued, "but just notice that there's a rusty -padlock on the door. Stop and think if that doesn't look queer, -considering that if anybody wanted to get in, all they'd have to do -would be to knock that one hinge, and the whole door would drop flat?" - -"Say, that makes me laugh, for a fact," Josh chuckled. "But it's just -what you'd expect to run across up among these simple people of the -border. They make me think of the ostrich. Don't you know we read the -silly thing just sticks its head in a little bush, and thinks because it -can't see anything that it's got a bully hiding place." - -"Yes, that sort of covers the bill," said Jack. "I guess this padlock is -only meant to tell people who have no business here that they are not -wanted inside this shack. It stands as a warning. To enter after that -would be a breach of the rights to property, as Lawyer George would -say." - -"Looky here, would you!" cried Josh, presently, while his companion was -prowling around, and peeping through a hole in the wall, as though -curious to know what the interior of the cabin looked like. - -"What have you found now?" asked Jack, who was himself wondering why -that new single trail had been made, coming out of the dense bushes at -the back of the hut, and showing signs of recent passage, which somehow -he could not help connecting with the flash of that lantern on the -preceding night. - -"The bally old lock don't hold even a little bit," announced Josh, as -though that circumstance added to his hilarity. "See, I can lift it off -with one finger. It's a fake, that's what it is, Jack. But while it -might fool ordinary people, it can't a live Yankee. Now what d'ye say to -going in?" - -Jack laughed as though amused at the reasoning of his chum, and -remarked: - -"I see you think we wouldn't be breaking the law of possession if we -walked in when the lock was out of gear. That sounds nice, Josh, but -many a chicken thief has found that such a plea didn't save him. But all -the same, I'm going to step in and look around a bit." - -"Seems to me it smells fishy around here?" observed Josh, sniffing -eagerly. - -"Oh! that's easy enough to explain," and Jack pointed to several heads -of black bass that lay near by. "Somebody has had a fish dinner, for -there is the ash bed of a fire. It may have been passing sportsmen from -one of the big hotels; then again, perhaps the people who made the trail -also cooked a meal or two here!" - -Once inside the cabin he looked around. There was virtually nothing to -see. The place had not a sign of furniture of any description. Some -straw lay on the hard earthen floor, as though it might be made useful -in case one wished to pass the night there. - -Josh almost doubled up with laughter. - -"This is sure the greatest joke ever," he remarked. "To think of trying -to keep trespassers out of this old trap, just like it held all a -squatter's possessions. Jack, what d'ye think the silly donkey meant by -that padlock? Did he keep his stuff here once, and locked the door? I'm -all in a fog." - -Jack said nothing, only "browsed" around, as he expressed it, kicking -the straw aside in places, only to replace it as he had found it, as -though not wishing to leave any signs that trespassers had invaded the -cabin of the mysterious island. - -But all the while he was thinking deeply. - -And once, after the laughing and scoffing Josh had stepped outside to -look about him again, Jack stooped down and picked some object up off -the earthen floor, which he seemed to examine with considerable -curiosity before stowing away in one of his many pockets. - -"Seen all you want to of the strange palace of the Thousand Islands?" -asked the merry Josh, when his companion again appeared. - -"Oh! yes, and I'll put the lock back just as we found it," replied the -other. - -Then he started to follow the plain trail that led through the dense -thicket to the rear of the cabin. It took him nearly twenty minutes to -zigzag through the intricate growth, for all manner of obstacles caused -him to turn aside, even as they had the one who had come and gone this -way on the preceding night. - -When he finally reached the shore it was far around the point that -jutted out above the cove where the motor boats were anchored. And after -Jack had stooped down to examine the sandy beach, he arose with a -peculiar smile, and a knowing shake of the head; but the only words he -used as he walked along the sandy stretch near the water's edge were: - -"I thought I'd find where the keel of a boat landed on this beach!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI--BUSTER GETS AN IDEA - - -"Find anything new worth while, Jack?" asked the cook of the _Wireless_, -as he got up from the warm sand where he had been taking a sun bath, -while waiting for his companion to put in an appearance. - -"Oh! I don't know," replied the other, in what seemed to be a careless -manner, calculated to put Josh off the track, and smother his curiosity. -"One or two little things that I'm going to puzzle my wits over. But -look here, the fishermen are in sight!" - -"Good gracious! how you scared me, Jack!" exclaimed Josh, whirling -around to look. "Honest Injun, now, I thought you meant those rough men -in the three boats, and knowing how guilty we were about breaking into -their shack, I started to shiver, never having been arrested, you know. -But it's only George and Herb." - -"They've been successful, I expect," observed Jack, wisely, "because -both seem to be trying to look disappointed; but can't help glancing -down in the bottom of the little dinkies. I reckon each has got a musky, -all right." - -"Sure we have," remarked George, as the two small boats pulled in close; -"and dandies at that. Talk to me about pull; that pirate was a hummer." - -"But, George, you know he didn't come up to mine," remarked Herb. - -"Well, I rather guess not, Herb," grinned the other. "I suppose you -notice, fellows, that my comrade has been in swimming. Funny part of it -is, he never even bothered taking his clothes off when the notion struck -him." - -"Well, it came right sudden, for a fact," laughed Herb. "That big -muskalunge was tearing around like the dickens, when swoop! he took a -turn under my boat, and in my haste to swing around, I upset." - -"Wow!" cried Nick, "Oh, why wasn't I there to see the fun? I'm always -missing all the good things, seems to me." - -"But you hung on to your rod, apparently," remarked Jack; "seeing that -you got your game in the end." - -"That's just what he did," declared George with sincere admiration. "You -know our friend Herb has a touch of stubbornness in his make-up. No -measly old musky that ever swam in the St. Lawrence was going to get the -better of him in an argument. He hung to that rod even while he went -under. It was the greatest thing I ever saw, for a fact; but he managed -it fine, let me tell you." - -"Tell us how?" begged Nick, breathlessly. - -"All right," answered George. "You see, the little dinky had turned -turtle when it dropped Herb out; so there it was, floating beside him, -bottom-side up. Would you believe it, that fellow just climbed up over -the stern, and straddled the boat as he kept on playing that fish as -cool as you please." - -"Great! Hurrah for our Herb! He's the champion fisherman; only, because -we haven't got a photograph of that game fight to show, be careful how -you tell the boys when we get home," remarked Josh. - -"While he played the fish I picked up his paddle," George went on. "And -when he got the musky in where I could gaff him, we pushed ashore, so he -could turn his boat over again. Then, as each of us had a prize, we -thought we might as well quit for the day. What you doing ashore, -fellows?" - -"Jack wanted to nose around, that's all," Josh hastened to say. "Found -an old shack up in the woods here. Guess that spook lives there when he -doesn't want to be seen. Funniest thing, though, he keeps an old rusty -useless padlock on the broken door. But there wasn't anything worth -while to be seen. Jack followed some tracks he found; that seemed to -amuse him." - -Josh went aboard, pushed the _Wireless_ out, and presently the skipper -joined him. - -"Any other news?" asked Nick. - -"Oh, yes," said Herb, stopping in the act of changing his soaked clothes -for dry ones. "I forgot to say we saw that boat again." - -"What's that? Do you mean the mysterious, dark, piratical craft that, -believe me, ought to be flying the skull and crossbones at her stern?" -demanded Nick. - -"The same," Herb replied promptly. "She flashed by us while we were -trolling, though at some little distance. And, fellows, as sure as you -live, Clarence was at the wheel, though neither of us could see a thing -of Bully Joe. I thought Clarence looked scared, for he was awful white; -but George declared he was only in one of his mad fits. We know what -they stand for, don't we?" - -"Did you call out to him?" asked Jack, quickly. - -"I did," replied George, "and dared him to accept a challenge to race -the _Wireless_. I thought he was going to answer me; but he only turned -his head and stared. But it was Clarence, all right. I give you my word -on that." - -"Now, what d'ye know about that?" observed Nick; "dodging around like -that, and declining to even speak! Generally Clarence is always ready -enough to get into a hot argument. And you'd just think he'd be wild to -take you up on that challenge business, George. It beats me all hollow, -now." - -"And even that ain't all," added George. - -"What! more adventures?" cried the chagrined Nick. "I tell you it ain't -fair for everybody to get in the lime light, and leave poor me in the -lurch. What have I done to deserve this? Say, I hope you fellows ain't -holding that silly thing up against me yet, about betraying our secrets -to the enemy, and all that rot, you know? That would be mean." - -"Oh! shucks, cut it out, Buster," said Josh; "and let George tell us -what else happened. This mystery is getting on my nerves, I tell you, -boys. Go on, proceed, George, old chum. Give us the harrowing details." - -"You won't find much to alarm you in this," laughed the other. "Only, -while we were fishing a boat came along, and it had two men in it. They -rowed up close, and we could see they had a fishing rod in action. The -one who held it kept watching us as sharp as the mischief. He spoke to -us pleasant like, and asked a few questions about our luck, how we -happened to be so far over toward the Canada side, if we expected to -move away soon to new grounds, and such things." - -"Did you recognize the boat, or the men, George?" asked Jack, quietly. - -"Herb and myself talked that over afterwards; until his tumble overboard -knocked it all out of our heads. And we thought that perhaps those men -were one of those couples we saw yesterday, passing here and staring in -at us." - -"Say, perhaps they may have been Canadian custom officers, who patrol -the river to keep American fishermen off their side," suggested Nick. - -"That might be," George said. "We thought of that; but they didn't give -us any warning. And besides, from the chart we've got we've learned that -this island is American territory all right, you know." - -"Oh! well, what's the use of bothering our heads over it," declared -Herb, from inside the outing shirt he was pulling over his head. - -"That's right!" cried Josh. "Fling away dull care while the sun shines, -and we've got enough grub left to keep Nick here from starving to -death." - -When the fat boy was not looking, Josh reached down, and took hold of -some object he had smuggled aboard without the others noticing the fact. -It was a length of old tin waterpipe that he had found up alongside the -deserted shanty, and which had evidently been useful at some time in the -past, to convey the water from the roof to a spot where it would not -back into the cabin. - -This old pipe was possibly six feet in length; and to the mind of a -practical joker like Josh it presented some alluring possibilities. - -Swinging it upward when Nick was not looking, he managed to bridge the -watery gap between the _Wireless_ and the _Comfort_, and quickly called -in a sepulchral tone through the novel speaking-tube: - -"Hello! down there! Give me connection with Buster Longfellow! I'm the -ghost that walks in the night. I want to have a heart-to-heart confab -with Buster!" - -"What you trying to do, give me heart disease, or an attack of delirium -tremens?" exclaimed Nick, who had started violently upon hearing that -muffled sound so close to his ear. "Say, you don't know how queer that -does go. Talk about your megaphones! That tube carries sound to beat the -Dutch. I wonder now--gee!" - -"Hello! What ails Pudding? Look, fellows, the poor fellow's got an idea, -and it seems so strange that he don't know what to do with it!" jeered -Josh. - -"Huh! don't I?" replied the fat boy, whose face had turned pale, and -then rosy red. "You just wait and see. Perhaps you'll say it was an -inspiration some fine day. And no use to josh me about it, for I ain't -going to squeal one little bit. But, oh, my! I wonder if that could just -be so! This is the second time it's give me a start. If Aleck only does -what I asked him!" - -He stuck to his word about saying no more; and although Josh kept on -teasing him for quite some time, Nick kept his lips resolutely closed on -that subject. - -The balance of the day passed away without anything happening that -seemed out of the way. They saw nothing more of the mysterious dark -boat; nor did any small craft come prowling around to have the occupants -glower at them, as though begrudging them their pleasant anchorage just -on the edge of that little cove. - -Supper was a great success. Josh fairly outdid himself in cooking the -fish, all of them going ashore on the beach to where he had made a camp -fire. And afterwards they sat around, telling stories, and singing many -of their favorite school songs, until the hour grew late. - -When they went aboard, the night was dark; for it seemed to cloud up at -sundown almost every evening now. All of them were busily employed -getting their blankets arranged for sleeping, and the two who were to -keep first watch had even settled down comfortably in their places; when -to their ears came the sudden rapid popping that would indicate the -presence of a motor boat in the near vicinity. - -"Oh! look, fellows!" exclaimed Nick, as from around the point a dazzling -glow suddenly shone, bearing down rapidly straight toward them. - - - - -CHAPTER XII--YANKEE STUBBORNNESS - - -The most tremendous excitement reigned aboard every one of the three -anchored motor boats, when it was seen that the bright white light was -headed straight for them. - -"He's going to smash us!" whooped Josh. - -"Hey, hold off there, Clarence! Don't be a fool!" shouted George. - -Herb and Nick could not find their voices at all, to make the least -sign; and there was a cause for their feeling more alarmed than any of -the rest. It happened that in arranging their anchorage the _Comfort_ -came further out than either of the other boats. Hence, she was more in -direct line with the swiftly advancing speed boat than either the -_Wireless_ or the _Tramp_. - -But if Nick could not use his tongue he certainly could use his limbs; -and the way he threw himself over to the port side of the roomy -_Comfort_ was worth seeing. There he crouched, hugging the railing, and -ready for a plunge overboard should the expected collision take place. - -But just when it seemed as though the sharp prow, which they fully -believed must belong to the _Flash_, was about to cut through the stern -of the helpless _Comfort_, the hand at the wheel must have diverted her -course just a trifle, for she shot past like an arrow, almost grazing -the varnished side of the broad-beamed launch. - -While that dazzling glow from the acetylene searchlight shone in their -faces, none of the boys could make out anything with certainty. On -comparing notes afterwards they were unable to declare whether the dim -figure at the wheel was Clarence or some other; though Nick did say he -heard a low chuckling laugh as the phantom boat passed, which he knew -was a favorite way of expressing pleasure on the part of the Macklin -boy. - -"That was a close shave, sure!" remarked Jack, as coolly as he could. - -They could hear the rapidly retreating rattle of the exhaust of the -"pirate boat," as some of them liked to call the other craft; but as it -was circling around the island, apparently, all other signs of its -presence had vanished. - -"Too close for comfort!" gasped Herb. - -"Listen to him joking at such a time!" remarked Josh, thinking Herb -meant to apply his remark to the name of the boat, when, truth to tell, -that was the last thing to occur to him. - -"Believe me, fellows, I confess that I'm quivering like a leaf," said -Nick, "and it ain't cowardice, either. Brave men tremble after the -danger is over, cravens before. You noticed that I wasn't paralyzed with -fright, didn't you? I could think, and lay out a plan of escape. That -proves I wasn't really scared then." - -"But," declared Herb, indignantly, "whatever did they mean doing that? -Why, if that sharp nose of the _Flash_ had ever banged into us, going -like she was, we'd have been cut in two! It's criminal, that's what, -fellows!" - -"Oh!" Jack remarked, "to tell the truth, I don't think Clarence would be -such a fool to take such chances as that. In the first place he might -kill one of us. And then again, you know, his boat would be sure to -suffer, too, and might be wrecked." - -"That sounds reasonable, Jack," admitted George; "but whatever do you -suppose tempted him to do that crazy thing?" - -"Well, he might think it a good lark," was the reply. "And then again, -there may have been some other reason pushing him on, which we don't -know anything about as yet. I'm going to try and think out an -explanation, and if I hit a hot trail I'll tell you about it, boys." - -"That means Jack's got an idea," said Nick. - -"All right," spoke up Josh, instantly. "Don't think you're the only one -in the bunch who can have such things, Buster." - -"But what if they circle around the island, and come down booming at us -again?" ventured the nervous Herb. - -"I don't believe that will happen," Jack replied, seriously. "But if you -feel anxious, just pull further into the cove, Herb, and he couldn't -strike you then." - -"I tell you what I'm going to do," declared the impulsive George. "I'm -on the first watch, and I want you to let me have that Marlin -scatter-gun of yours, Jack. If that fool bursts out from behind that -point again, and heads for us at full speed, I declare to goodness if I -don't bang away, and touch him up with bird-shot a few. He deserves such -a lesson." - -"But why should Clarence want to scare us away from here?" asked Nick. - -That was what Jack was himself wrestling with, and he waited to find out -if any of his mates put forth an answer; but they seemed to be unable to -grapple with the puzzle, for no one spoke. - -"My boat is heading that way, and I'm going to light my glim. Then if he -tries his funny business again, I'll spot him in good time," George -remarked. - -It was some time before the excitement died away. Even after those who -were entitled to sleep had lain down, they would raise their heads at -the least suspicious sound. Did a wavelet lap the adjacent beach, Nick -was sure to bob up and look about him in alarm. When an owl started to -call out "Whoo! whoo!" from a tree on the dark island, he sat up -instantly, and seemed almost ready to crawl over the side of the boat -into the water. - -But nothing happened, and gradually silence fell upon the three anchored -boats. George and Jimmie gave way to Jack and Nick when several hours -had passed; and finally Herb and Josh wound up the night. - -When morning came, the boys joked one another over their red eyes, -showing that, after all, none of them could have secured much comforting -sleep. - -"I suppose we're going to pick up our mudhooks today and climb out of -this?" suggested Josh, as they were enjoying breakfast. - -All of them looked at Jack, who smiled. - -"Suppose we put it to a vote, fellows," he said. "All those in favor of -scuttling out of this, like dogs with their tails between their legs, -simply because certain parties want us to move, signify it by raising -their hands." - -Not one went up; even Josh, who had seemed inclined that way, upon -ascertaining that Nick declined to show the white feather, allowed his -half raised hand to drop again. - -"Contrary, no, raise their hands!" - -And six of them went up like a shot. - -"Do we vacate?" asked the fat boy, sarcastically, turning on Josh. -"Nixey. And the more they try to scare us off, the closer we stick. -Ain't it so, fellows?" - -"Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute!" spoke up George, -grandly. - -"Remember the old story of the battle between the wind and the sun, -don't you?" asked Herb, who was always bringing into play fables and -yarns he had soaked in during his younger days. - -"No; what was that, Herb?" asked Jack. - -"Why, they got into a dispute as to which of them was the stronger, and -decided to settle it on a traveler. So the wind began to blow harder and -harder; but the traveler just wrapped his cloak the tighter about him. -Then the sun started to try, and as it got hotter and hotter, first the -traveler unfastened his cloak, and then threw it off altogether. So the -bully old sun won out, after all." - -"Hear! hear!" cried George; "that is a good illustration, Herb. You see, -fellows, he means that we ain't going to be chased away by hard knocks -and bluffing; but if some one would come and ask us politely to vacate, -and give us a good reason why we ought to move along, we'd do it -willingly. That's the Yankee policy." - -"Then, as we're going to be here for another day, anyhow, suppose Jimmie -and me take a turn after the muskies?" suggested Nick. - -"It's only fair you should have a chance," Jack observed; "but you can -see what risk there always is in one of the clumsy little punkin-seed -boats, when handling a big fish." - -"You forget that I can swim like a duck, Jack!" observed Buster, -proudly. - -"All the same," Jack went on, seriously, "you know you're not quite as -spry as some of us; and I hope you will keep that life preserver on all -the time. This water is deep, and the current makes it treacherous." - -"Oh! I promise that, sure," Nick assented. "Between us, believe me, I -meant to carry that bally old cork life preserver along, anyway. Jimmie -might take a crab while rowing, and upset. There's no telling, you know. -All right, us for the grand sport today, Jimmie. And now, post us about -the place, Jack, and just how you do the business." - -"Wouldn't I just give a cookie to see Buster fast to a hustler like I -had on yesterday," chuckled Herb. - -"Well," remarked the fat boy, coolly, "it would do you good, I guess. -You'd know how to manage, after that, so as not to let a measly fish -upset your boat. It takes brains to be a successful fisherman, Herb, -real brains." - -Jack went ashore again a little later, but none of the others seemed to -care to accompany him, being satisfied to lie around, taking things -easy, and talking of their future plans; for a new idea had been -broached which had to do with an extended cruise up through the great -lakes, rather than knock around here on the St. Lawrence for two full -months; and all of them were full of suppressed excitement over it. - -If Jack made any further discoveries during the time he was on the -island, he did not think to take the others into his confidence when he -came back; but that may have been because just then a noisy little motor -boat was heading straight toward the cove, and every one was guessing -what new developments were about to be sprung upon them. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII--THE GHOST HUNTER - - -"Wonder if this can be the same parties we met yesterday?" George -remarked, as they watched the approach of the bustling little motor -boat, which pushed over the water with a series of fierce explosions, -not unlike the discharge of a pack of giant fire-crackers. - -"No, I don't think it is," Herb spoke up, in answer. "Fellow at the -wheel looks like a Canuck guide from one of the hotels, a full-blooded -Indian, and the man with the glasses and the fishing rod is more like a -college professor, I'd say." - -"That was just what I thought," put in Jack. - -"Anyway, we'll soon know, for they're coming in, as sure as anything," -Josh added. - -Inside of five minutes the noisy little boat swung close to where the -boys sat watching. The gentleman sitting holding the rod, and winding up -his reel with a clicking sound, waved a hand in cheery greeting. - -"How d'ye do, boys?" he said, cordially; and somehow Jack rather liked -the tone of his voice, as he also did his looks. - -"Any luck, sir?" he inquired, as is the custom at such a time. - -"Had two fierce strikes; but I'm afraid I've lost my cunning, for I let -the beggars have a slack line, and lost both. Are you fishing any? I saw -two lads in little dinkies like that one yonder, fishing over by the -long island, and guessed that possibly they belonged to your party." - -"Yes, they do," George replied; and went on to tell about what luck they -had had, with the usual pride of a successful fisherman. - -Jack meanwhile was not saying much, but observing the gentleman. It -struck him that the other was trying to make himself very agreeable; and -somehow he could not help remembering the fable that Herb had spoken -about so recently. Having failed to scare the motor boat boys off by -stern means, were milder tactics about to be adopted now? - -Presently the other thought he ought to introduce himself. - -"I am Professor Herman Marshland, of Ann Arbor," he said, modestly. - -So Herb started to tell just who they were, and how they happened to be -knocking around on the St. Lawrence at this time. - -"Have you been stopping long in this cove?" asked the other, in what he -doubtless intended to have appear as a casual way; but Jack saw that he -seemed to set more store by the question than surface indications would -indicate. - -"Why, sure, we have, Professor," George said. "We might have gone on -before now, but we just hate to leave under fire, you see." - -"Excuse me, but I hardly grasp your meaning, I fear," remarked the -gentleman, with one of his winning smiles. - -"Well, you see, some persons appear to have taken offense because we've -monopolized their dandy cove here. And they've been trying in all sorts -of ways to shoo us away. Last night they threatened to run us down with -a speed launch that came buzzing around that point of the island there. -And then, would you believe it, sir, they even went so far as to attempt -to scare up-to-date American boys, by setting up a silly ghost game on -us." - -"What's that you say?" remarked the gentleman, interrupting George. "A -ghost? Now, that's right in my line, you see. I've been making a study -of all manner of strange and incomprehensible manifestations along that -line for five years. In that time I've investigated dozens of so-called -haunted houses. Why, you arouse my interest at once to fever heat, my -young friends." - -"And did you ever discover a real, genuine bona fide ghost, sir?" asked -Josh. - -Professor Marshland smiled. - -"I never have," he replied, with a forlorn shake of the head; "but I -still live in hopes. What knows but what this may be the golden -opportunity I have waited for so long? You must tell me all about it, -boys. And afterwards I'll just drop off and take a little look around, -on my own responsibility." - -Of course George and Herb were only too willing. Assisted by an -occasional word from Josh, they soon told the story. Then Josh in turn -related what he and Jack had found out when they investigated ashore. -The college professor seemed deeply interested in the forlorn cabin, the -dilapidated door of which was fastened by a broken padlock. - -"They say ghosts are peculiar in many things," he remarked at the -conclusion of the little talk. "And that might account for the padlock. -It's all very interesting, boys. I only regret that I was not here when -the manifestation occurred. Perhaps, if I hung around tonight, the thing -might get up courage enough to show again. It would repay me for all my -trip here. I came for the fishing; but to catch a ghost in the act, -would be positively refreshing, I assure you." - -Jack was still watching the professor. While he liked the other, somehow -he seemed to feel that there was something rather strange about him. He -seemed to be studying the four lads as though seeking to read them, and -make up his mind as to whether they were just what they claimed. - -Could it possibly be that he was connected with those mysterious men who -seemed so bent on chasing the motor boat boys away from the lonely -island? - -After chatting for some time, and making quite a favorable impression on -Herb, George and Josh, the professor remarked that if they would excuse -him he would step ashore, and take a look at the delightful old ghost -cabin. - -Josh was just about to volunteer to accompany him, when he caught the -quick look Jack cast in his direction, accompanied by a negative shake -of the head. - -"If he wanted us he'd have said so, Josh," came in a whisper. - -A minute later the gentleman, having managed to land, vanished amid the -heavy growth of timber and brush. - -Josh looked at Jack. - -"Sure as you live, he's following that trail, Jack," he said. - -"That's only natural," remarked the other, "because, you see, it was -mighty plain, as though lots of people had gone back and forth." - -"Yes," observed Josh, simply, "if them chaps were camping in the cabin, -and going out fishing every day, of course they'd make a well-worn trail -down to this cove here, where their boats must have been tied up. I've -been thinking, Jack, that p'raps they're engaged in some sort of fishing -that's illegal, such as setting nets against the law. Say, wouldn't that -be an idea now? And if true, it must explain just why they watched us so -close. They thought we might be wardens getting on the track of their -business. How's that for a guess, fellows?" - -"Sounds kind of fishy," remarked George. - -"Scaly, I should say," Herb spoke up. - -But Jack said nothing. He was thinking along the same line Josh had -suggested, but in an altogether different way from the lanky cook of the -_Wireless_. - -To tell the truth, Jack would have been pleased could he have slipped -ashore to observe what the professor from Ann Arbor could be doing just -then; but he did not dare venture. It would look too much like -impudence. As he himself had said, if the gentleman had wished for their -company, he certainly must have asked them to go ashore with him. - -As to his being deeply interested in ghosts, and a patient investigator -of remarkable manifestations for years, Jack took all that with a grain -of salt. Perhaps it might be so, but Jack believed he was not far wrong -in believing that Professor Marshland had only mentioned the fact to -excuse his evident desire to go ashore and look around. - -He was gone a long while. Indeed, Jack guessed that perhaps the -gentleman could have explored the whole island in the time that elapsed -before he again showed up. Still, there was also a chance that he might -have been doing something in connection with the old cabin. - -When he did appear he was smiling broadly. - -"Sorry to say I couldn't find any evidence of the supernatural," he -remarked, in answer to the eager look Josh gave him as he clambered -aboard his stubby little boat once more. "And that inclines me to the -belief that some one who loves a practical joke was only trying to throw -you into a state of fright, boys. I regret, too, that I cannot remain -over a night with you, in the hope of being granted a look at this -wonderful spectre. If anything more remarkable occurs, I'd be very much -obliged if one of you would write an account of it and mail me at the -college." - -"Sure, we will, Professor," said the willing Josh. "And if so be we -capture that flickering ghost, we'll send it to you by express, charges -collect." - -"Do so," laughed the gentleman. "I won't object, I assure you. Well, -here's wishing you luck, boys. And thank you for all the information -you've given. It may be of more assistance to me in my calling than you -imagine. Start up, John. It's back to the hotel for us now." - -So the noisy little motor went chugging away, passing around the point; -and by degrees the sound died out, as other islands came between. - -"Say, let me tell you, I like that man," Josh up and said, without any -urging. - -"He is a smart one, all right, and don't you forget it," remarked -George. - -"Was he really trolling, do you suppose, in that horrible, noisy power -boat?" asked Herb, skeptically. - -Jack himself had a suspicion that the rod and line were only being used -for a mask of some sort. Everywhere he looked, the mystery seemed to be -getting deeper. First the strange actions of the men in the rowboats; -then the appearance of that foolish ghost on the island; the questioning -of the fisherman whom George and Herb had met while away on the -preceding day; the peculiar things he himself had discovered ashore; and -now, last but not least, the coming of this pretended fisherman, who -asked skillful questions, and made out to be a genuine ghost -hunter--taking all these things together, and it can be seen that Jack -had about all he wanted to ponder over for the rest of that day. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV--A STRANGE RIDE - - -"Time those two fellows were showing up, don't you think, Jack?" asked -Josh, as the noon hour came around. - -"Oh! I don't know," replied the other. "I noticed that Nick carried a -bundle with him, and guessed it might be a little snack to keep off -starvation, in case they were detained. Sometimes it's hard to give up, -when you are fishing, you know." - -"Snack!" echoed Josh, with a sniff of scorn. "Well, I wish you'd seen -just what that elephant did roll up in that paper. Herb wasn't looking, -but I kept an eye on Buster. Snack! Say, take it from me, that he had as -much as I would eat in a week of Sundays." - -"Well," laughed Jack, "you're prejudiced against poor Buster, you know, -Josh. Just because you have a bird's appetite, and he that of a hog, you -pick on him. His greed is his only weak spot. His heart is as big as a -bushel basket; and he'd go out of his way any time to do you a good -turn." - -"Oh! I know it, all right, Jack," returned the other. "You mustn't take -everything I say for what it stands. But listen, fellows. Talk of the -angel, and you hear the rustle of its wings. Unless I miss my guess, -that's the tuneful voice of Buster right now. What in the dickens can he -be shouting that way for?" - -All of them were on their feet by now, and listening to the yells. - -"They seem to be coming from around the island," said Jack. - -"I bet you it's Jimmie having some fun with poor Pudding. He does like -to hear him put up a howl," chuckled Herb. - -"Well, I don't know about that, fellows. Just listen, and hear what he -seems to be saying. Perhaps, after all, there may be something crooked -about it. We seem to be up to our necks in all sorts of queer mysteries, -you know." - -George was not smiling when he said this; indeed, all of them could now -realize that there was something of appeal and alarm in connection with -the lusty yells Buster was letting loose. - -"Hey! stop it, you! What d'ye mean trying to drown me? Let up, I tell -you! Can't you give a feller a chance? Somebody head me off, won't you? -Help! help!" - -"There he comes!" shouted Jack, pointing. - -"Well, what under the sun is he doing?" cried Herb. - -"Since when did Buster put a motor in his dinky?" asked George, feebly. - -"And ain't he just making the time, though?" ejaculated Josh. "Just look -at the way the foam flies up before the blunt bow of the dinky!" - -Jack looked again and then gave a shrill laugh. - -"Motor!" he exclaimed. "The only motor Buster is dealing with now has -got fins and scales, and is in the water. Don't you see what he's doing, -boys? He got a whooping big muskalunge at the end of his line. In some -way Buster has got the line twisted around his body. And there he sits -in the dinky, bracing his feet against a knee of the boat, and holding -on for dear life, while the fish runs away with him." - -Then the others burst into a loud laugh, seeing the comical side of it. -To Buster it was not so funny, however. He had been straining so long -now that he fancied he might be pulled over the side of the cranky -little snub-nosed craft any time; and with that cord wrapped around his -arms, drowned because of his inability to swim, despite the cork life -preserver. - -"Quit your laughing, and chase after us, fellows," he bawled, as he shot -past the mouth of the cove; and at the same time sending a mute look of -appeal toward his mates. - -"Why don't you get out your knife and cut loose?" shouted George, making -use of his hands in lieu of a megaphone. - -"Can't move--got my arms tied down at my sides. Ouch! it hurts, for the -line is cutting into the bone of my wrists. Come and help me before it's -too late. You'll be sorry if I get drowned. Then you'll never learn the -truth of how our secrets leaked. I'm the only one who is on the track. -Hurry up, boys; I mean it!" - -Jack saw that after all the situation was more desperate than might have -appeared at first sight. It must be an enormous fish, the grandfather of -all the muskies around the Thousand Islands, and powerful enough to -drown poor Nick, if once it succeeded in upsetting the boat, or dragging -him out of it. - -Accordingly he immediately jumped over, and unfastened the cable that -held his anchor. - -"Hold that for me, will you, Herb?" he said, tossing one end of the rope -over to the skipper of the _Comfort_. - -Then without any further delay he started his engine with one energetic -fling of the wheel. - -Immediately the boat started, amid a rattling fusillade of sharp reports -that told how responsive the well equipped motor was to the demands of -its master. - -Of course, once Jack fairly started after the little dinky that was -being so vigorously towed by the captive fish, he had no difficulty in -overtaking it. - -"Now keep a firm hold on your seat, Buster," he said. "I'm going to push -in ahead of you, and see if I can fasten on to that line myself. The big -thing can't well pull both boats. After that I'll free your arms. I want -you to pull him in by yourself, if possible." - -"Not me!" cried Buster. "I'm done with the brute. Shoot him dead. Hit -him with a club. He's a villain, a desperate villain, because he wound -me up like this, and then tried his level best to yank me over. Jack, -bless you, I believe you've saved me from a watery grave. Have you got -him now? Are you real certain he can't jump into my little boat and take -a chunk out of my leg? Oh, my! what a puller! I was sure going a mile a -minute that time. Talk about Neptune and his sea horses, they can't ever -come up to a pesky muskalunge that feels the barb of the hook. I'm all -tired out, Jack. You finish him, please." - -Jack saw that this was so; and having untangled the line from Nick's -body, he took the rod and proceeded to get in touch with the now sulking -monster. - -Nick clambered aboard the motor boat in a hurry, as though really afraid -that the fish in its anger might leap into the shallow dinky to bite -him. - -"Glory! just look at him jump and kick, would you?" shouted Nick, as the -baffled captive sprang from the water, shaking its massive head -furiously in an effort to dislodge the hook, which, however, was too -securely placed by this time in the hard bone of its mouth to be shaken -out. "He's trying to locate me, that's what! Let me have that gun of -yours, Jack. Next time he jumps I'm going to pot him sure." - -And he did. - -As a rule Nick was a poor shot. Whether luck entered into it, or his -fear that the big fish was meaning to climb in after him, stirred him to -unusual exertions, Jack never knew; but as he leaped into the air, not -twenty feet away, there was a tremendous bang close beside Jack, and he -saw the muskalunge drop back into the water as though fairly riddled -with shot. - -Poor Nick also tumbled over backwards, and lay there grunting and -rubbing his head; for he had in his excitement pulled both triggers at -the same time, so that a double discharge had followed. - -"D-d-did I g-get him, Jack?" gasped the fat boy. - -"Deader than a door nail or Julius Caesar!" laughed the other, as he -began to draw in the line hand over hand; for there was no longer any -positive resistance from the object at the other end. - -"Look out! Be careful, Jack," warned poor Nick, in fresh alarm. "You -don't understand how treacherous one of these muskies can be. 'Twouldn't -surprise me if he was playing 'possum right now. Throw him in the dinky -when he comes along. Let him bite a chunk out of that with his old teeth -if he wants to. I wouldn't touch him for anything now." - -"Oh! you'll enjoy a steak from the same old hooker tonight, never fear. -But he's dead as a herring, Buster. And what a monster! None of the rest -of us are in it with you after this. I bet he weighs all of thirty-five -pounds!" - -By degrees, when he really saw that the big fish was dead, Nick -recovered his courage; and by the time they drew up in the cove he was -swelling with importance over the wonderful degree of success that had -attended his maiden effort at capturing a muskalunge. - -True, Josh was mean enough to elevate his eyebrows when Nick spoke of it -that way, and hint that he had imagined that the shoe was on the other -foot, in that the fish had captured Nick; but the other gave him a -withering look as he said scornfully: - -"Now, what d'ye know about that, fellows? This simple guy actually -believes I was in earnest when I let that fine and dandy fish at the end -of my line tow me for half a mile. Why, silly, didn't you take notice -that I drove him like you might a horse? Didn't we come in a bee line -for this very cove? Give me a little credit, won't you? Be fair and -square. I know it's an effort for you, but when you're in the company of -gentlemen you ought to brace up and try hard to act like one, Josh." - -Of course that took all the wind out of Josh's sails; he could only sit -there, mumbling to himself, shaking his head, and casting occasional -looks toward Nick, as though inclined to give him the banner when it -came to nerve. - -Then came Jimmie, laboring furiously with his paddle, and excited -because he did not know whatever could have become of his fisherman -companion, whom last he saw flying off in a mysterious fashion, and -yelling for help as though the ghost of the island had indeed laid hold -of him; since Jimmie could not see what amazing power it was causing the -dinky to rush through the water five times as fast as he could urge his -own craft. - - - - -CHAPTER XV--ANOTHER NIGHT - - -Of course the whole story had to be told over again for the benefit of -Jimmie. The Irish lad found some little difficulty in swallowing Nick's -bold assertion that he might have been setting up a little game for the -amusement of his companions. He even went so far as to poke the defunct -fish in the side with his finger and pretend to ask the captive if it -were really so. - -"But look here, Jack and Herb and George, let's have some lunch!" -finally remarked Josh, naming the three who had remained at home, with -malice in his manner. - -Nick fell into the trap, sprawling. - -"Now, I like that!" he observed with a deeply injured expression on his -red and fat face. "Just listen to him, would you? He cuts poor old -Jimmie and me out of the call. Say, don't you think we ever eat?" - -Josh pretended to be astonished, and threw up his hands to indicate as -much. - -"Eat?" he cried. "Well, what's to hinder you from getting out that big -lunch you took away with you? We can spare you a cup of coffee to wash -it down, I guess, hey, fellows?" - -Then the two returned fishermen stared at each other. - -"What are you talking about, Josh?" said Nick. "That little snack we -carried off with us, is it? Oh! say, you don't count that, do you? Why, -Jimmie and me, we got nippy about nine o'clock and punished that off. -Why, I'm just about starved right now, if you want to know it. Bring on -your grub, unless you want to see me faint dead away." - -Josh had had his little fun, and knew that it would do no good to draw -it out any longer; so grumbling about the "rise in the cost of living," -he proceeded to comply with the demand. - -Of course there was enough; Josh had seen to that in the beginning. -Indeed, it would have been a highly dangerous proceeding for any one -entrusted with the cooking arrangements of the party not to consider the -enormous capacity of Nick and Jimmie, when laying out provisions for a -meal. - -Naturally enough the conversation soon took on an interesting color. - -"How long are we going to stick right here in this cove?" Josh asked, as -he sat curled up on a seat, enjoying a platter of Boston baked beans, -with which some frizzled dried beef had been heated up. - -"Yes," added Herb, "that's a subject we ought to consider. It's all very -fine to be enjoying the fishing and the wonderful stunts of Buster at -harnessing the finny tribes as horses; but you know, fellows, we came -here to the St. Lawrence to cruise, not squat on our haunches. Jack, -it's up to you. Tell us." - -"I've been thinking right along that it must be getting rather -monotonous to some of you," said Jack, slowly. "Only for the fact that -we've been badgered by some unknown parties who want to chase us off, -we'd have gone before now. But it does seem a shame to lose so much time -in this way. Tell you what I propose, boys." - -"Glad to hear it. Let's know!" several of the others cried in unison; -for somehow what Jack thought right usually appealed to the rest; -because in the past as a leader he had often been tried and never found -wanting. - -"All right," the other went on. "Suppose we put in just one more night -here in this anchorage. Then some time tomorrow, no matter what happens, -we'll pull out. How does that suit you, fellows?" - -"I'm agreeable," George immediately replied. - -"Suits me from the ground up," Herb put in. - -Three others added their voices after the same fashion, so that in this -amiable way the question was settled without the least friction. - -"That means another night of guard duty," mused Nick; whereupon Josh -burst out into a harsh laugh. - -"Hear him, comrades all!" he remarked. "The poor fellow is worn out with -his arduous work. No wonder he drops off into slumber-land when on duty. -He is so near a living skeleton that even a poor lone little minnow can -pull him and his boat along by the mile. Some of us ought to volunteer -to take Buster's place, and let him get about fifteen hours of sleep. He -needs it." - -Nick only grinned, not at all abashed. - -"Fine!" he exclaimed. "Suppose you start the ball rolling then, Josh. -How long will you carry me on your stretch--half an hour? That would -count for something. I think I might gain an ounce of flesh on the -strength of that extra sleep." - -"I think you would, all of it," said Josh. "The trouble with you, -Buster, is that you take life too easy. That's why you get so fat. Just -keep on and see where you land pretty soon. Remember Mr. Amos Spofford, -will you, and take warning." - -"Now, that's what I call a mean dig on your part, Josh," complained -Nick. "Talk to me about the strenuous life; did you ever know anybody -have a bigger job than I did today, landing that giant muskalunge? When -I go in for anything I do it with my whole heart, don't I boys?" - -"You sure do, Pudding," assented George, "and with your whole stomach, -too." - -Nick only gave him a reproachful look, as though it pained him to -receive this unexpected blow in the house of his friends. - -"Then it's settled we leave here tomorrow?" remarked Herb, meaning to -cast oil on the troubled waters; for Herb was by nature a peacemaker. - -"Unless something unexpected crops up that might hold us back," said -Jack. - -"What could do that?" asked Josh, uneasily, for he wanted to get away -from the vicinity of the haunted island as speedily as possible. - -"Oh! one of the engines might break down, for instance," laughed the -other. - -"Now I know that was meant for me," retorted George; "but, thank you, -the bully old _Wireless_ seems to be on her best behavior this trip. -Haven't had the least trouble up to now, and don't expect to. Wish I -could only get a chance to race that _Flash_ of Clarence's, though. -Never will be happy till I do, and find out whether his boat or mine is -the faster." - -"Look out yonder, fellows," said Josh just then. - -"A rowboat, and holding two men," remarked Jack. "Seems to me we've seen -those fellows before, eh, boys?" - -"We certainly have," George spoke up. "They are some of the ones who -passed here the other day and scowled to beat the band. They're doing -the same right now, as if they'd like to order us away, but don't dare. -Guess they've come around to see if we show any signs of leaving. Look -at 'em talking together, and shaking their heads. Perhaps it means more -trouble for us tonight, boys." - -"Mebbe the ould ghost has been patched up again for a sicond show!" -suggested Jimmie, grinning at Josh, who had turned a bit pale, and moved -uneasily. - -"Well, there they go off without saying a single word to us. Talk about -your good manners, these fishermen along the St. Lawrence are a lot of -soreheads," and George mockingly waved his hand after the retreating -boat, though Jack considered his act as bordering on the reckless. - -"George, suppose you and I go ashore after a while, and shoot at a mark -a few times with that rifle of yours?" Jack suggested later on. - -"Now you've got some notion in your head, or you wouldn't say that," -remarked George. "Tell us what it is, Jack." - -"Only this," replied the other, without hesitation. "Some of those men -may be hanging about within earshot. We don't know but what they have a -camp on the island here or some other close by. It might be as well to -let them know we've got a gun and can shoot if necessary. Is that -straight?" - -"It's what you would call good and sufficient warning, in law," George -replied. "And I call it a bright thought, Jack. Let's start now. I -challenge you to a trial of skill with my rifle. And Josh here can go -along to keep tally." - -"Please excuse me," retorted the party mentioned. "But I've got plenty -to attend to right here. Try Nick; the exercise will do him good." - -"All right!" exclaimed the fat boy, promptly. "I'm on deck every time. -You never knew me to shirk; even if some of you did allow terrible -suspicions to creep into your minds about my entire trustworthiness. But -in good time I expect to clear up that dark mystery of the past. I can -afford to wait my time; the triumph will be all the sweeter. Shall I -tumble into your dinky, Jack?" - -So the three went ashore, and for some time the rivalry was keen, the -sharp reports of the rifle sounding at intervals, accompanied by more or -less shouting and merriment. As Jack said, they might as well notify -everybody within earshot of the fact that even the appearance of a ghost -had not frosted their spirits to any appreciable extent. - -So the afternoon gradually passed away. - -Josh often cast apprehensive glances toward the silent shore of the -nearby island as the shadows grew longer, with night coming on. -Sometimes he fancied he saw something moving amid the thick brush, and -was almost inclined to tell his comrades; only he feared their shouts of -derision, and the accusation that he allowed memories of that silly -ghost to haunt him. - -And after all, it usually turned out that the moving object was some -innocent little denizen of the woods, a prowling 'coon perhaps, out -ahead of time in search of a supper; or possibly only a chipmunk -searching for tempting roots to satisfy its desire for food, while -waiting for the new crop of nuts to come along. - -Night settled down at last, and this time the boys were pleased to note -that the heavens were almost clear, so that the moon would have a fair -chance to play hide and seek with the few floating white banks of -clouds. - -Most of the boys seemed in high spirits. They laughed and joked as they -went about the usual duties of the evening hour. If Jack had anything -serious on his mind he failed to take his comrades into his confidence. -And yet, now and then he would smile, as though certain thoughts that -pushed themselves to the front amused him; and this seemed to be the -case more especially when he heard the others talking about the pleasant -professor from Ann Arbor. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI--JACK'S DARING VENTURE - - -Somehow no one suggested having supper ashore that night. There was -something chilling about the mysterious island that dampened the ardor -of the boys in this respect. Had it been anywhere else, they would have -looked upon the opportunity for having a jolly camp fire as too good to -be lost; but somehow all seemed satisfied that they remain aboard. - -Josh for one was just as well pleased. He even neglected several golden -chances to give Nick those customary sly digs; and this was a most -unusual thing for Josh. - -Nevertheless, even the proximity of a haunted island could not long hold -in check the natural bubbling spirits of a pack of healthy lads. After -supper, as they lay around in as comfortable attitudes as was possible, -some one started singing, and presently six voices took up the chorus, -so that a volume of sound welled up out of that cove calculated to -startle all the ghostly visitants that were ever known to gather there. - -No one seemed to be sleepy; for even when the hour began to grow late -there was little talk of getting out the blankets. Stories were told, -jokes flew around, and taken in all they were a merry group, apparently -without a single care in the wide world. - -George broke into this delightful harmony finally by saying: - -"Now, I guess you fellows will tell me I'm hearing things that ain't so; -but, honest, I believe that was the chug-chug of a motor that came down -the wind. It was just as Nick was singing that funny song of his about -the Dutchman who didn't know his own name, because he and his twin -brother got mixed in the cradle, and the other fellow died. Did anybody -else get the sound, or are my ears the only sharp ones?" - -"I thought I did," Jack spoke up; "but you see, Nick was leaning over -the side of his boat and sending his voice right at me, so I couldn't -make sure." - -Herb also admitted that he had heard something, he couldn't say what. - -"Now, don't laugh," George went on; "but it struck me I'd heard that -rackety chug before." - -"Meaning the noisy engine of that stubby little boat the Ann Arbor -professor came in?" asked Jack, quietly. - -"You hit it right at the first jump, Jack, for that was in my mind," -George said. - -"Well," remarked Nick, "don't you remember that he said he'd like to -spend one night with us here, in hopes of seeing our pet ghost. Perhaps -he's concluded to return and do it." - -"Oh, rats;" exclaimed Josh, "We ain't going to see any more ghost. -What's the use of keeping that silly idea up? But I reckon all of us'd -like to see that gentleman again. He was good company, and he knows boys -from the ground up." - -"He ought to, seeing that it's his business to be with boys and young -men all the time. I bet you he's a prime favorite at college," Nick -remarked; and then looked in surprise at Jack because the other actually -chuckled. - -"I don't believe Jack takes much stock in Professor Marshland," said -George, who had also noticed this little demonstration. - -"Oh; but you're very much mistaken there," the one indicated hastened to -say. "I admired him and hope some time to see more of him. I think we -shall before we leave the St. Lawrence cruising grounds." - -George shook his head. He seemed to guess that there might be a hidden -meaning back of these words; but if so, it was beyond his capacity to -fathom it. - -"But look here, if he's coming along, why don't we hear his old boat any -more?" Josh asked. - -"That's so," declared George. "I wonder, now, if the engine could have -broken down." - -At that everybody smiled, for in their Mississippi cruise it had been -George who was frequently in trouble through the inability of his motor -to stand the strain of great pressure. And consequently the subject was -usually one that was frequently on his mind. - -"Oh! the chances are that he was just going past, and has gotten beyond -hearing. You know sometimes a flaw in the wind will carry a sound for a -mile or two," Jack remarked. - -"That's so, on the water," George observed. - -A little later, while the others were engaged in some wordy dispute, -Jack quietly slipped into the little tender attached to the _Tramp_ and -paddled softly off out of the cove. - -"What d'ye suppose he's got on his mind?" asked George, looking after -the other. - -"Give me something easy," replied Nick. "Jack always is a puzzle for me. -He has such bright thoughts I don't just seem able to grapple with 'em. -But depend on it, he's thinking of something right now." - -"I guess he's worrying about those men," suggested Josh. - -"Oh! I don't think so," George hastened to say. "They wouldn't dare try -attack us here, you know. It would be a breach of the law for which they -could be sent to prison for years. Jack's got some other notion in his -brain, believe me." - -Meanwhile the object of all this speculation idly paddled a little -distance out on the moonlit water, and sat there in his small craft, as -though enjoying the silvery glow. - -He looked around him on all sides, and particularly in that quarter of -the wind from whence had come the faint "chug-chug" of a motor's -eccentric pulsations. But nothing could be seen save the dim outlines of -the next island. - -After a while, as a cloud covered the moon, Jack came back and clambered -aboard once more. - -"Here, is this an all-night session of the club?" he asked. "Already -it's ten minutes after eleven. If you fellows want to get any sleep -tonight, better be turning in right now. Josh and myself have the first -two hour watch, you understand." - -Accordingly there was a breaking up of the conference; goodnights were -exchanged, and those who had drawn the first spell of rest crept into -their comfortable blankets. - -Of late their sleep had been somewhat broken, as we happen to know, what -with the coming of specters and such things. On this account every one -of the four soon dropped off asleep. - -Jack could hear Jimmie breathing heavily in less than ten minutes. -Apparently Jack had something on his mind, for leaning over toward where -he could see Josh sitting he asked in a low tone: - -"How is it there, Josh; is Herb asleep yet?" - -"I guess he must be," came the answer; "because he's snoring to beat the -band, even if he don't make much noise." - -"That's where you made a mistake, for it's Nick doing that. Listen -again, and you'll see I'm right. And George was yawning when he turned -in, so I reckon he's gone over the border, too." - -"What do you want to know for?" asked Josh, aware that Jack must have -some reason for asking such a question. - -"I'll tell you, Josh. I mean to go ashore soon," replied the skipper of -the _Tramp_. - -"Thunder! do you really mean it, Jack?" queried Josh, taken aback; for -it would have to be something tremendous that could tempt him to set a -foot on that same island in the night time. - -"Listen, Josh," Jack went on. - -"I am, with all my ears, so go right on," the other sent back over the -few feet of water separating the two boats they occupied. - -"I didn't say anything about it to the rest, Josh, but I think I saw a -gleam of that lantern ashore a while back. And I'd like to investigate a -little." - -"Oh, my! you wouldn't catch me trying it," declared Josh, with an intake -of breath that told of suppressed excitement. "But will you take your -gun along?" - -"Perhaps I'd better, though I don't really expect to use it," Jack -replied. "Because, you see, ghosts can't be reached with common lead -pellets. But I want you to help me Josh." - -"Me? Oh! please don't ask me to go along, Jack. That lame foot of mine -has been hurting again like anything, and I'm that clumsy I might tumble -all over myself and give the thing away." - -"Oh, shucks! I don't mean that," Jack replied. "But when that big cloud -sails over the moon I want to slip into my little dinky here, and paddle -quietly ashore. I'll hand you the rope I've got tied to the stern; and -when you feel that shake three times, pull the boat out again, and let -it float with yours. Understand?" - -"Yes, yes. And I'll do it all right, never fear. If it wasn't for that -plagued lame foot, now, Jack." - -"Let up on that, please. Now, look out, there she goes under." - -Even as Jack spoke the moon said goodbye to the world for a short time, -and hid her smiling face behind a cloud that was darker than any that -had thus far sailed across the starry heavens on this particular night. - -Being all ready, Jack crept into the small tender, gun in hand. He -pushed alongside the Wireless and managed to pass the end of a rope to -Josh, who was waiting to receive the same. - -Gently the paddle was wielded, and the little "punkin-seed of a boat," -as the boys sometimes termed the dinkies, was noiselessly wafted -shoreward. Landing, Jack shifted his person to the sand, and then gave -the requisite number of tugs at the rope, after which he shoved the boat -off. - -He knew that Josh would attend to all that part of the business, and -gave it no further heed. Indeed, he had all he wanted to take care of in -following out the rather venturesome plan of campaign he had arranged. - -For somehow Jack was of the opinion that the mystery of the island was -to be revealed to any one daring enough to go ashore and investigate, -which was just what he had determined to do. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII--THE SECRET OUT - - -Out came the moon again, sailing into a clear field. - -But Jack no longer stood there on the little beach. He had taken time by -the forelock, and slipped among the rank growth; so that although Josh -strained his eyes to the utmost, not the faintest sign of his comrade -did he discover. - -Jack's idea, of course, was to reach the vicinity of that tumbledown -shack. In his mind, that must be the central point of interest in the -game. He fully believed, though he had not mentioned the fact to the -rest, that the attempt to frighten the boys off with such a ridiculous -show of a pretended spirit waving them away, was meant to cover this -cabin. - -What did it all mean? Why should any man, or set of men, wish to keep -others from prowling around that rickety building? Surely, any one with -common sense would hardly think to occupy it for a night's refuge. The -open air would be far more preferable in every way. - -Still, Jack was positive that there was something in connection with -this same cabin that moved the unknown parties to endeavor to influence -an early departure on the part of the motor boys. - -And he wanted to know what that mystery might be. - -That was why he had come ashore so silently. It also accounted for his -creeping along through the bushes as carefully as he knew how, avoiding -the trail which he and Josh had followed on that other occasion. - -It took him considerable time to draw near the vicinity of the cabin, -because he wanted to go without making any noise; and he was not -positive but that hostile eyes and ears might not be on the alert. - -Twice some sudden little sound close by had sent a thrill of alarm -through his heart. But nothing followed, and he realized that these -noises must have been made by some little animal, disturbed in his -retreat by the creeping past of the intruder. - -Jack had made a discovery before he was more than half way between the -beach of the cove and the cabin. There was a light inside the old -building! He could see little glimpses of it through what must be holes -in the walls, where the chinks between the logs were open, the mud -having fallen away in the process of decay. - -And as Jack said to himself with a chuckle, ghosts did not, as far as he -knew, need lanterns in their business. - -Finally the boy found himself close to the side of the cabin. With his -heart beating like a trip-hammer, he crept to the first little gap in -the wall, and glued his eyes to the aperture. - -What he saw was nothing so very astonishing. A man stood inside the -cabin, holding a lantern. He was not doing anything, and seemed to be -waiting for some other person. - -"One of the fellows in that boat today," was what Jack immediately said -to himself, as he fastened his eyes on the bearded face. - -Even inexperienced as he was, Jack fancied that there was something of a -desperate type about the man's countenance. He did not seem to be such a -man as one was apt to trust on sight--like that jolly professor from Ann -Arbor, for instance. - -But what on earth could the man be doing here? He did not seem to have -any sort of bundles with him, as might have been expected. Once Jack was -made to shiver just a trifle, when he saw the fellow take out a pistol, -and handle it with a grin of pleasure on his face. - -Jack was beginning to see light. This could not be simply the ordinary -desire of some fishermen who disliked seeing strangers occupying a cove -they had come to look upon as theirs by right of previous use. - -And this man he now saw had none of the characteristics of a rough -fisherman. He was rather nattily dressed, and would pass for a gentleman -in a crowd. The mystery seemed to grow more dense; but as it is always -darkest just before dawn, so Jack believed that he must be on the point -of seeing daylight appear in this matter. - -By chance he raised his eyes a trifle. Perhaps some little movement may -have attracted him--he never knew. But again he was thrilled to discover -a face pressed against the broken pane of glass forming the sole window -on the opposite wall. - -It was the strange gentleman who had claimed to be a college professor. -He did not wear his nose glasses now, and doubtless the look of culture -had given way to one of an entirely different nature; but Jack knew he -could not be mistaken. - -Nor was he so very much surprised, come to think of it. He had half -anticipated something of this sort, at the time he heard what seemed to -be the peculiar chug! chug! of the noisy motor belonging to that -snub-nosed boat. The professor had indeed come back to the haunted -island; nor had he thought it advisable to inform his new boy friends of -his return. - -Had Josh been there to see, he must have surely jumped to the conclusion -that it was his wild desire to set eyes on a ghost that had lured the -professor back. - -Jack looked at the matter from an entirely different standpoint. He, for -instance, did not believe that the gentleman was one-half so much -interested in mysterious visitations from departed spirits as he was in -the movements of certain persons who might be engaged in a trade that -shunned the light of day, because it was by nature evil, and in defiance -to the laws. - -And this party who stood there, holding that lantern and waiting, was -evidently something in the line of a leader. - -Only for a brief space of time did the so-called professor remain at -that broken window; then he vanished from the view of the watching boy. -But it gave Jack considerable satisfaction and confidence just to know -that Herman Marshland was near by. - -Already he had his hand upon the solution of the whole puzzle that had -been eluding his best efforts up to now. And just like Columbus -discovering America, it was so exceedingly simple, once you knew how, -that Jack silently laughed at himself for not having grasped the prize -answer before now. - -Smugglers, that was what the rough-looking men in the boats were! This -must be a central point with them, where for some time they had secretly -landed the goods ferried over from the nearby Canadian shore. Here on -American territory they were perhaps secreted until such favorable -opportunity arrived to send them further afield into the sovereign State -of New York, when all trace of them would be lost to any government -agents who might be prowling around on the lookout for such -law-breakers. - -Since coming to the St. Lawrence the boys had heard more or less about -such a class of persons, who made it their business to try and evade the -revenue men. In some cases it was Chinamen they shipped across the -border, receiving so much per head to get them into the protected -country. Then again it meant laces, diamonds, silks, anything that was -small in dimensions, but upon which the government at Washington levied -a heavy toll. - -Pleased with having guessed the secret, Jack could not think of slipping -away. It might be none of his business what these bold and bad men were -doing; but somehow he could not help feeling a deep interest in the -movements of the man who had visited them that very afternoon, and made -such a hit with the boys. - -Of course the pretended college professor must really be one of those -sagacious revenue men, engaged in running these rascals to earth. - -Besides, the "professor" might need help, and Jack was of a mind to -render such a service if the chance came. A strange freak of fortune -seem to have thrown them in contact with these warring factions; and -while some timid people might consider it the height of folly for any -one of the boys to take sides, Jack's bold spirit would never allow of -his standing there and seeing the man who represented law and order -outclassed. - -He half expected to see the "professor" step into the cabin through the -doorway, and call upon the unknown man to surrender. But then, as there -was as yet no evidence of crime, possibly a cautious revenue agent would -be apt to hold his horses and await further developments. - -A sound came faintly to the ears of the crouching lad--voices of several -persons, and approaching the cabin at that. - -Jack dared not keep his position, with his eye glued to the crack; there -was a chance that he might be discovered; and so, although he wanted to -look more than ever, he dropped flat upon the earth and waited. - -At any rate, he had made no mistake about others approaching, for -presently he knew they had entered the cabin. After that he ventured to -look again. Yes, two rough-looking fellows had entered, and were already -conversing in low but eager tones with the one who had waited for their -coming. - -Seeing was all very well, but just then Jack thought that if he could -only hear what was passing between these fellows he would have the last -bit of fog cleared away. To this end he clapped his ear against the side -of the cabin at the very point where the mud had fallen, leaving a hole -in the chinks between the logs. - -Nor was he mistaken when he believed he might pick up some of the words -passing between the men. The two newcomers seemed more or less worried -about something, and kept urging delay; but the leader would have none -of it, apparently. - -"Antoine," he said, gruffly, "you go and watch the three boats lying in -the cove. If there's any sign of life about them, come back and warn us. -We must get those goods ashore tonight. It's too risky holding them any -longer. And one of the cubs might break away, to inform on us. That -would ruin all. Bart, you be off and start things moving this way. I -know the new trail is rough and long, but it can't be helped. Next time -we'll have things back the old way again. These kids ain't going to hold -on much longer. Now, both of you be off!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII--THE ESCAPE - - -When the tall leader spoke in that stern voice, evidently his men knew -better than to put up any further complaint. They both passed out, and -Jack could hear Antoine making his way down the broad trail to gain a -point where, hidden himself, he could still watch the trio of modern -motor boats, and discover the first indication of any desire on the part -of the crews to come ashore. - -It was surely growing very interesting. Jack felt that he was being -treated to a real life drama of the most thrilling description. When the -boys decided to come to the St. Lawrence river for their summer outing, -not one among them dreamed that before they left that region of many -islands they would have run up against a series of strange adventures -well worthy of being given a place in the log of the motor boat club. - -Indeed, all the trouble they had anticipated was possibly frequent -ructions with Tricky Clarence and his side partner, Bully Joe Brinker. - -At thought of the two a sudden idea seemed to flash through the mind of -Jack. He remembered the event of the dark boat, when Herb and Dick were -given such a fright. At the time he had wondered whether Clarence, on -his own account, could have ventured to dash by at full speed, and come -within an ace of smashing into the Comfort. The new idea was along the -line that perhaps the two boys might have fallen into the hands of the -smugglers, who were using the Flash to suit their evil purposes! - -It was so stunning a thought that Jack felt his very breath taken away. -Yet after all was there anything utterly improbable about it? These men -must be daring after their fashion. They were being hunted all the time -by shrewd government agents; and consequently must adopt new methods of -carrying on their business. - -And if it were indeed true, would it not account for many things--the -white face of Clarence at the time he passed the boys who were -fishing--his refusal to even answer the wave of the hand they gave -him--he may have been in no position at the time to appear jovial, or -even half-way friendly. - -Voices again! - -Jack moved up to his crack, prepared to see all there was going on. Such -a glorious opportunity did not come across the path of most fellows, off -on their summer vacation; and he ought to improve the golden chance to -the limit. - -It would be folly not to admit that the boy was trembling as he crouched -there, for he never denied the fact himself. But after all it was more -the excitement of the adventure than any bodily fear on his part that -caused this. - -He had hardly settled himself comfortably when through the doorway came -a stooping figure. It was a man bearing a package on his back. This he -deposited on the earthen floor, and turned to assist a second fellow -whose bundle seemed of even larger dimensions than the first. - -One of them had also fetched a shovel along, which had a long handle. -This the leader seized upon eagerly, and commenced digging in a certain -corner, first removing the accumulated straw, which was apparently used -as a means for hiding signs of recent disturbance. - -Jack's eyes grew hot with straining at the little crack; but he could -not draw himself away; it was all so thrilling, so picturesque, that he -must continue to look, no matter what the discomfort. - -Now, the man with the shovel had succeeded in arriving at what seemed to -be the lid of a large box. He lifted this, and one of the men tossed his -bundle into a yawning aperture. - -Here the stuff would lie unsuspected, until some time when the -opportunity seemed ripe to dispose of it, when the deal would be -completed. - -Jack wondered what could be in those packages; undoubtedly something of -particular value, since these men would never venture to take such -chances of capture for a trifling gain. - -He also found himself guessing whether the strange "professor," whom he -now knew to be a government agent, could be watching all these -operations from some other friendly crack across the way. - -What would he do? Having witnessed all he wished, would the other -attempt to arrest these fellows? Since there seemed to be something like -half a dozen of the smugglers it hardly seemed likely he would go to -such extremes. Possibly he might be satisfied to capture the spoils, -after the men had departed; and trust to future good fortune to arrest -the delinquents later on. - -One of the men left the cabin, probably to return to the upper end of -the island, where the boat lay from which these packages of goods had -been carried. He was in an ugly humor, judging from his manner. The -stubborn way in which the motor boat boys stuck to that cove was giving -these worthies a tremendous lot of unnecessary work; and it was no -wonder they felt badly disposed toward Jack and his chums. - -Five minutes later the second man was sent off, leaving the leader there -to finish up the job of smoothing off the earth and replacing the broken -straw as before. - -When he had finally completed his task it would require a practiced eye -to notice anything queer about the floor of the cabin. - -Then he, too, prepared to depart. Jack saw him stoop down and take hold -of the lantern, which had all this while been resting on the ground. In -his other hand he carried the long-handled shovel with which the digging -had been done. - -The tall man straightened up suddenly, and his manner was that of one -who had been startled. Jack knew why he should act in this way, for the -same sound that had come to the man's ears had also reached his. - -It was a shrill whistle, twice repeated, and it came from the same -direction in which the two men had gone a short time before. - -Undoubtedly it was a signal denoting urgent need of haste. The actions -of the tall smuggler would indicate as much; for he dashed out of the -cabin like a shot, and Jack heard the thud as he threw the shovel into -the shrubbery surrounding the lone hut. - -Then followed the crashing of bushes as the man started by a circuitous -route toward the upper end of the island. He must know every foot of the -ground, and by taking to the open beach, could gain a given point much -sooner than one who kept to the thick undergrowth. - -Jack saw the lantern had been hastily dropped, though it was still -burning. He was trembling with excitement, and feeling very much as -though he wanted to yell at the top of his voice as he picked up this -abandoned tool of the discovered smugglers. - -He could hear the boys talking down there where the trio of motor boats -were anchored; and could imagine how they must be wondering what all the -racket on the island meant; while Josh would doubtless start in to tell -them how he, Jack, had persisted in going ashore. - -Some one was coming, for Jack could hear quick footsteps near by. He -still held his Marlin gun, but was loath to even threaten to use it. Nor -was there any need, for a moment later the moving dim figure took form, -and proved to be no other than Professor Marshland. - -At sight of Jack standing there, lantern in one hand and gun in the -other, the gentleman allowed something like a grim smile to creep over -his face, even as he came hurrying up, almost out of breath from his -exertions. - -"Do you know what it all means, Jack?" demanded the other, as soon as he -reached the side of the boy. - -Jack nodded his head eagerly. - -"I was looking in through a crack, and saw what that man did. But I'm -sorry he got away from you, sir," he replied. - -"I managed to capture the two fellows who left the hut!" the government -agent exclaimed. "My Indian has meanwhile overcome the chap who was sent -to watch your boats. But unless I can overtake the ring leader of the -bunch, I shall feel that my work has not been wholly a success." - -"He headed for the upper end of the island," Jack put in. - -"Yes, and I have reason to suspect that the other two men are there with -the boat. You will be surprised when I tell you that they actually -turned pirates and captured the speed launch which you told me belonged -to an acquaintance of yours." - -"The _Flash_," echoed Jack. "No, I am not surprised, for I had begun to -suspect something like that. They must have made Clarence threaten to -run us down, hoping we would pull up anchor, and get away. But if that -is so, you could never hope to overtake them in that slow little boat of -yours." - -"Well, I should say not!" declared the other. - -"Now, if it were the _Wireless_, for instance, you might have some -chance," Jack went on. - -"Which is just the point I wanted to put up to you boys," cried the -government agent, eagerly. "Would you be willing to assist me run that -clever scoundrel down? Do you think George would care to try conclusions -with the _Flash_?" - -At that Jack laughed. - -"Why, sir," he declared, "he's been just wild for the chance, ever since -we first set eyes on that narrow boat. He believes he can beat her out -in a race. Suppose you come down with me right now, and we'll ask him." - -"Thank you, Jack; it was a lucky day for me when I ran across you boys. -But let us lose no time; for doubtless they'll be off as soon as they -can, knowing that the game is now up, and all that remains to them is -escape." - -Nothing loth, Jack accompanied him as he started along the broad trail -leading down to the cove. He could readily understand now that the -revenue man must have investigated to some purpose that day while at the -cabin; and knowing there were no smuggled goods in the cache then, had -laid his plans to come back in the night, in the expectation of catching -the rascals in the act; which was just what he had done. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX--A RACE IN THE MOONLIGHT - - -"Hold on!" said the agent abruptly. - -A dark figure had risen up before them; and as the moonlight fell upon -the man Jack saw that it was in truth the Indian guide who had been with -the "professor" in the noisy motor boat. - -"Did you get him, Josh?" demanded the employer, eagerly. - -"He lies under hemlock, tied hand and foot. No danger he get away," came -the confident reply. - -"All right," said the other. "Come along with me, John. These boys will -guard the cabin and not let any one steal the hidden goods. We have -other work cut out for us. We want to get our hands on that head man, -Glenwood. So long as he is at large there can be no peace on the -border." - -Great was the astonishment of the five boys when Jack and his companions -made their appearance on the shore, and the former called to have the -small boats pushed in, so that they might come aboard. - -"Jack, what's all this mean?" asked George, greatly excited. - -"Can't tell you everything just now, fellows," the other replied. "This -gentleman is a government revenue agent, and he's on the track of a band -of smugglers who have been using this island as a place to land goods -brought over from Canada. He captured three, but the leader got away. -George, he wants to borrow your boat." - -"What?" gasped the other, astounded beyond measure. - -"He and his man and myself will go with you, Josh changing over," Jack -continued. "While we're gone the rest of you keep on the watch and don't -let anybody come aboard, no matter who he is. These scoundrels have -captured the _Flash_." - -"Now, what d'ye know about that?" exclaimed Nick, as he helped Josh over -the side of the big _Comfort_, so as to make room for the others who -were to go in the speed boat. - -"But George, you haven't said yet whether you are willing to chase the -_Flash_, and try to overtake her?" said the energetic agent. - -"Sure I am," came the ready response; "and I believe we can get her, if -nothing happens to my motor. I've had some hard luck with it when I -tried to push the thing to the limit. But tumble in here, and we'll be -off." - -George was trembling with delightful anticipations. If anything in all -the world appealed to him it was a race. None of the others had the same -feeling, and, like Jack, they preferred comfort in a boat beyond speed, -though none were averse to making good time. - -Everybody wanted to help, and as many hands make light work, the -_Wireless_ was in condition to start almost as soon as the two men -climbed aboard. - -"Sit as near the middle as you can, please, to balance her," the others -heard the skipper say, as she shot away. - -"Yes," called out Nick, derisively, "and be sure your hair is parted in -the middle, or it's all up with you. I know, because I was there for -some four weeks." - -"Which way, sir?" asked George, wisely paying no attention to this -shout, which, after all, was Nick's only method for getting even, after -all the agony he had endured in that cranky narrow motor boat. - -"Turn to port, and head for the upper part of the island. We haven't -wasted much time, and I hope to discover that boat somewhere," replied -the agent. - -"If we do," said George, with firmness, "make up your mind the good old -_Wireless_ is going to hang on like a bulldog till she cuts down the -lead, and overhauls that _Flash_. Always said she had the look of a -pirate, and others thought the same thing, it seems, since those men -picked her out as the boat they could use." - -"Just think of Clarence and Joe being in their hands all this time," -remarked Jack, as they tore through the water. "Must seem like a pretty -tough vacation for those boys, all right." - -"Oh! I don't suppose Glenwood has really harmed them," said the agent; -"but he's a hard man to deal with; and unless they knuckled down to him -perhaps they've felt his fist before now. I'm hoping that, perhaps, when -Clarence sees who is after him he may find some way to slow down and let -us overhaul him." - -George only laughed at this and remarked: - -"That's because you don't know Clarence, sir. He hates me like poison, -and sooner than have me beat him with my boat I believe he'd take the -chances of staying in the power of those smugglers for a month. Oh! no, -when he sees who is after him he'll put things at top-notch speed, and -try every trick he knows how to win out. But I'm not afraid, if only -things go right with my engine." - -"Look yonder!" cried the eagle-eyed agent just then, the Indian having -pulled his coat sleeve and pointed ahead. - -"Say, that's her, as sure as fate!" cried George, as he altered the -course of his own boat a little. - -"And they know we're after them, too," remarked Jack. - -"Then the race is on; and good luck attend the better boat," said the -government agent, coolly taking out a cigar, biting off the end, and -proceeding to apply a lighted match to the same. - -They were fairly flying through the water. On either side the waves -parted, and rolled over smothered in foam; while in their wake a roller -kept following close on their heels. - -"Twenty miles if anything?" the gentleman guessed. - -"More than that, sir," replied the skipper, proudly; "but she can do -better still. I've got another notch to let out if I have to. Don't want -to take the chances unless it's positively necessary; because you see -the quivering rattles her so much. Are we holding our own, do you think, -Jack?" - -"I am sure of that," came the reply. "And if you asked me again I'd say -we are gaining a little all the while." - -"Bully old _Wireless!_" exclaimed George, his voice filled with pride. -"She can do the stunt all right if only something don't happen to throw -us out of our gear. She's a wonder, that's what, and I've always said -so. Talk about sprinting, did you ever go as fast as this in a small -boat, sir?" - -"I certainly never have," replied the government agent; and from the way -he was staggering around, clutching hold of every object that promised -to keep him erect, it looked as though he might just as well have added: -"and Heaven deliver me from ever experiencing it again." - -"Everybody keep a sharp lookout for rocks or anything of the sort," said -George; "because those men must know this region like a book, and it -would be just like 'em to lead us in a trap, so we'd be wrecked." - -"Yes, you're correct there, George," observed the agent, "and I give you -credit for having a long head. That's the kind of chaps you're up -against right now, full of trickery; desperate men, whose one idea is -escape." - -"This moonlight is all right as long as the other boat isn't any further -away than she is," remarked George a minute or two later. - -"I'm sorry to state that you can't count on the candle up in the sky -much longer," remarked the gentleman; "for there is a suspicious bank of -black clouds hovering near, and at any time she's apt to be eclipsed." - -"All right," and George laughed a bit hysterically, since he was -laboring under so great a strain of excitement. "Jack, would you mind -attending to my searchlight. Then we'll be ready for the trouble when -she comes." - -And a couple of minutes later, when the dark mask did cover the face of -the moon, a long vivid white gleam reached out from the brass -searchlight on the forward deck of the quivering speed boat. It widened -as it extended in the distance; and plainly seen was the flitting craft -they pursued. The position of the _Flash_ could be detected better by -means of the white foam-tipped waves thrown aside by her swift passage, -rather than by viewing the boat itself. - -"That's splendid!" remarked the government agent, as he looked along -this lane of illumination, and watched the desperate struggles of the -_Flash_ to outrun her determined pursuers. - -"Still picking up on her, ain't we, Jack?" asked George, after a little. - -"No doubt about that, I think," came the reply. "And I guess you were -right when you declared the good old _Wireless_ was the better boat. She -can certainly walk over the water some. I would enjoy this more if it -was day-time." - -"I guess we all would," laughed the gentleman, still gripping hold of -the brass rail to make sure he might not be plunged overboard should -anything suddenly go wrong. - -"If only the engine behaves half-way decent," sighed George. "She's -doing nobly right now, though, ain't she, Jack? But I hope they don't -toll us in among the rocks. If we ever come slap up against one at this -rate there's going to be some high vaulting, I tell you. Whew! did you -see that one sticking out of the water? I just swerved in time, though. -Keep watching, everybody, and tell me quick if you see anything ugly -ahead!" - -Their pace was not abated a particle, even though George knew that new -perils were strewn in their course. If that other boat ahead could speed -through this same tortuous channel he believed he dared take the same -chances. And George had always been reckoned a daring boy by his -schoolmates, in football games or on the diamond; so that this -venturesome spirit was no new freak on his part. - -It was only by the greatest effort that he refrained from throwing on -the last atom of speed, and hastening the overtaking of the fugitive -motor boat. - -They were rushing on at this tremendous pace, and constantly gaining, -when George gave vent to a sudden loud exclamation. - - - - -CHAPTER XX--OVERHAULED - - -Jack had seen the same object that had given George such a start. Across -the white path of illumination thrown forward by the powerful little -acetylene searchlight, a shadowy, moving thing suddenly appeared. - -It was a sailboat, beating up against a head wind, and aiming to reach -its home port while the possibility of moonlight lasted. - -Whatever tempted the man at the tiller to try and cross between the -swift moving motor boats no one might ever know. But it was the nearest -to a collision, without an actual calamity, Jack had ever experienced. - -He instinctively understood that the only thing that would prevent the -_Wireless_ from plunging into the luckless sailboat would be a prompt -reversal on the part of the skipper at the wheel. And such an action was -apt to endanger the working abilities of the _Wireless'_ engine, never -too trustworthy under a strain. - -Had George failed, Jack stood ready to butt in and execute the speed -maneuver; for this was a case that would admit of no ceremony. Life and -death might be in the balance. - -But, fortunately, George kept his head. He instantly did what was -necessary, and the tremendous forward movement of the rushing speed boat -was instantly checked. - -Indeed, so astonishing was the change that the government agent came -near plunging headlong over the rail into the river. Jack stretched out -a hand and caught him just in time. As for the Indian, he sprawled on -all fours in the bottom of the craft, trying to keep his head from -bumping against some obstacle. - -But Jack was delighted to see that the engine had actually redeemed -itself; for it still continued to work at the old stand. - -The adventurous sailboat glided out of the way, so close that the sharp -bow of the _Wireless_ almost touched the boom that was hauled well in -during the tacking process. A couple of white, scared faces could be -seen for two seconds; and then the sailboat was engulfed in the shadows -that lay on either side, out beyond range of that searchlight radius. - -"Bully for her!" gulped George, almost unable to articulate under the -tremendous strain, yet thinking only of the able work of his engine. - -"Speed her up again, George; but not with a rush!" called Jack. - -Looking ahead he saw that, just as he expected, the _Flash_ had managed -to take advantage of the momentary detention of her rival, and increased -the distance separating them. - -"That was tough luck!" said the government agent; "but I owe you thanks -for saving me from a wet jacket, my boy." - -"I guess we're fortunate not to have smashed into that silly crowd, and -played hob with everything," Jack remarked. - -"But look where they are," groaned the anxious George. "Just about as -far ahead as in the start; and it's all got to be done over again. Oh; -what fools some men are when they get in a boat. All they had to do was -to come up in the wind till the procession passed. Instead, they tried -to butt in, and came near spoiling the whole game. What shall we do, -Jack?" - -"Do you want me to say what I'd do if this was my boat?" asked the -other. - -"Sure I do," George spoke up. "They've got some clever trick ahead, and -may lose us yet. You notice that they hardly make any noise, even while -the muffler isn't working. That boat was just made for a smuggler, or a -pirate. But go on, Jack, tell me." - -"All right," said the other. "You see how well your engine is going. -She's had all the freak rubbed off her, I guess, and is now buckling -right down to business. And honestly, George, I believe you can trust -her with that reserve notch of speed! I'd try it, if I were you." - -"Now, I'm glad to hear you say that, Jack," exclaimed the skipper, -eagerly. "For during that other trip my engine played so many pranks -that she got a black eye among my chums. If so be she's settled down to -a steady stage, the sooner I know it the better. I'll be delighted to -find it out. So here goes. Steady, all; hold on tight!" - -The government agent, not knowing what to expect, for they were as near -flying now as he ever expected to get, thought the policy of his crafty -Indian helper worth imitating. So he simply dropped down in the body of -the boat and braced himself against a shock. - -But there was none. When George applied that last little reserve bit of -power a slight jump forward resulted; and then after that the only -difference seemed to be that they drew up on the fugitive _Flash_ hand -over hand. - -George was nearly wild with delight. To him the fact that his cranky -engine had finally determined to be good and do the duty which her -makers had meant she should, far outweighed all else. So far as he was -concerned it did not matter much whether the three men in the _Flash_ -were captured or not; but it was an affair of exceeding importance that -the good, reliable old _Wireless_ should overhaul its rival in this -masterly manner. - -"See her hump herself, Jack!" he ejaculated, as he balanced himself in -the swaying craft, and peered eagerly ahead toward the other boat. -"Ain't she coming up nobly, though? Talk to me about the _Flash_ making -circles around us; why, she ain't in the same class with this same old -_Wireless_. Oh! but this pays me for all the troubles I've had in the -past. I can hardly keep from yelling, Jack!" - -"Better quit that monkey business, then," cautioned the other. "You need -all your wind and eyesight and everything else right now in handling -such a greyhound." - -That just about finished George. - -"Thank you, Jack, for giving her that fine name. But she deserves it," -he said. "I understand what you mean; and, believe me, I'll try to hold -my spirits in check until the game is won. I'd hate to have any accident -happen now, I tell you." - -And he did buckle down to business with new determination and grit, -grasping the vibrating wheel with all his strength, and watching to see -just what the tricky skipper of that other craft might do. For George -knew Clarence only too well, nor would he put anything past the other -when it came down to cunning. - -They were now so close that it was easy to see everything taking place -on board the fleeing _Flash_. Clarence was at the wheel, and several -figures crouched along either side, evidently holding on for dear life. -One was in the stern, and Jack had little difficulty in making him out -as the tall man he had first seen in the old cabin, and whom the agent -had called Glenwood. - -"Looks like we would run alongside in less than five minutes, sir," -observed George, trying to steady his voice, but hardly succeeding, for -his nerves were tingling in a manner he had seldom if ever experienced -before. - -"Keep just a little to the left, then," answered the agent. "And watch -out, for it is barely possible they may try to foul us at the last, -hoping to escape in the confusion." - -Jack was changing his mind now about that same thing. He had an idea -that perhaps Clarence had played a trick on the men who held him in -custody; he may not have let out all the speed of which the _Flash_ was -capable. Besides, now that the race seemed virtually over, and the -_Wireless_ had proven the superior why should he want to bring about a -collision that would wreck both boats, as well as endanger the lives of -all the occupants? - -"Steady, George, steady!" Jack cautioned, as he thought he saw a slight -change in the course taken by the boat ahead. - -"Duck down, boys; he's going to try and scare us by firing!" suddenly -said the keen-eyed government agent. - -Even George managed to partly drop, so as to be shielded by the forward -deck. And that the revenue man had guessed correctly was made evident -when there broke out the sharp report of a revolver. Jack even believed -he could hear the peculiar whine of the flying bullet as it passed over -the boat. - -"Stay where you are!" cried the agent; "that was only one. He's got a -few more of the same kind to follow!" - -There came other shots in rapid succession. Really, it would not be -surprising if George lost his head under such circumstances, for usually -it takes a veteran to preserve his coolness under fire. But, singular to -state, the nervous one of the motor boys now proved that he could shut -his teeth together and hold on tenaciously with bulldog courage. - -The _Wireless_ may have wavered just a little, but still kept swiftly -on, diminishing the narrow lead of her rival with constant rapidity and -steadiness. - -"That's all!" called the revenue man, as the sixth shot sounded; and -every one felt a perceptible thud, telling that this time the desperate -smuggler had lowered his aim, and that the bullet had struck the boat -somewhere. "And as it's a poor rule that won't work both ways, perhaps I -can have a little better luck in scaring some one. Watch out, George, -and be ready to stop short if he does!" - -With that he threw out his arm, and instantly there was a flash and a -report. - -"Oh!" exclaimed George, startled in spite of the warning. - -Jack's heart was fluttering with excitement. He also felt something like -regret that Clarence was there in line with the fire. Though the agent -might be only seeking to frighten the boy at the wheel of the _Flash_, -still something serious was apt to happen. Jack wished in his soul that -it was all over and nobody injured. - -The _Flash_ began to wabble badly, showing that Clarence was trying to -shield himself from the battery in the rear, something which he would -find it hard to do. - -Jack stood ready to lend a hand in case of an emergency that George -might seem unable to manage alone. - -And it was right at that critical moment, just when light was needed -most of all, that the fickle moon shot out from behind the bank of -clouds, illuminating the surface of the broad St. Lawrence, dotted still -with islands, upon which in many cases cottages could be seen. - -Jack thought that was a good omen; but there was no time to spend in -reflection. Another sharp report close to his ear told that the revenue -man believed in following up a good thing. He knew that Clarence was on -the point of surrender, and intended to strike while the iron was hot. - -"Look out, George!" - -Jack shouted this warning in the ear of his chum, for the leading motor -boat had suddenly slackened her speed, the quick pulsation of her engine -having ceased to beat upon the air. - -Instantly the motor of the _Wireless_ followed suit; and driven forward -by the impetus of her "push," she shot alongside the other craft, not -three feet away. - -Jack breathed easier, for he saw now that a collision was not to follow. -The nerve of Clarence had possibly failed him at the climax; and his -last move had been to stop his engine, before dropping flat in the -bottom of his boat. - -"Over into her, John! We must make prisoners here!" shouted the agent, -as he balanced on the rail of the _Wireless_, and in so doing almost -brought that side of the narrow-beam boat awash. - -"There he goes, sir!" called Jack. - -A big splash followed, as a figure sprang from the opposite side of the -other boat. Evidently the desperate smuggler, as a last resort, had -taken to the water, in the hope that he might yet baffle his pursuers, -and escape to the Canada shore. - -Jack had snatched up a boathook with a brass knobbed end. This he -fastened to the rail of the _Flash_, and exerting all his strength, -began to draw the two boats closer together, so that the revenue agent -and his assistant might make the transfer safely. - -He saw them leap across, and felt the boat rock violently under the -strain; but not for an instant did he let go his hold. There was -something of a rumpus going on aboard the _Flash_, as though the -government men might be struggling with the two smugglers whom they -found there, lacking in nerve to follow after their leader, or else not -knowing how to swim. But in another minute these sounds ceased, from -which he guessed that the pair had been subdued. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI--A CLEAN SWEEP - - -"Jack!" - -It was the revenue man calling, and he appeared at the side of the other -boat. - -"Yes, what is it, sir?" replied the lad who held the boathook. - -"I'm coming over again," continued the other. "I hate to let that clever -rascal get away; and we must try to pick him up. Hold steady now." - -The transfer was made without any accident, though both boats careened -wildly under the strain, thanks to their sharp keels, fashioned only -with an eye to making speed. - -"I see him, sir!" cried George, as he once more started his engine, and -began to curve around the now stationary _Flash_. - -Jack could also readily pick up the swimmer. Evidently Glenwood must -have kicked off his shoes, and divested himself of coat and vest, before -jumping overboard; for he was making splendid progress through the -water, using a hand-over-hand stroke. - -This necessitated more or less churning of the water, however, and since -the moon persisted in playing into the hands of his enemies by staying -out steadily, his course was readily seen. - -They bore down rapidly upon him, once the boat had been turned around. -But Jack knew only too well that a strong and desperate swimmer would be -apt to give his pursuers a hard pull before they could get him. If -Glenwood knew his business, as seemed evident, he would hold himself in -readiness to duck under, just when they thought to reach over and grasp -him. - -"Now, steady while I nab him!" said the revenue man, leaning over the -bow. - -"He's gone under, sir!" cried Jack, who was holding on to that -serviceable boathook, with the idea that possibly he might find a chance -to get it fast in the garments of the man in the water. - -"Yes, I expected that," replied the other. "And of course we don't know -just where he'll come up again. Our only chance is to keep him going -until even his iron muscles weaken. We hold the advantage, boys. Look on -that side, Jack, and I'll take care of this. George, be ready to work -around or back up, as the case may be." - -Ten seconds later and Jack called out: - -"Here he is, on this side, George!" - -Then began one of the queerest experiences Jack had ever participated -in. All of his hare and hound and paper chases must sink into -insignificance after this hunt; for a desperate man was seeking to -effect his escape. - -Glenwood would wait until they were close upon him, meanwhile trying to -recuperate. Then, at the critical instant, he would sink out of sight, -and swim under water to the other side of the boat, or the rear, never -ahead. In this way he kept them guessing; and besides, after the boat -was started it was necessary for them to make more or less of a circuit -before they could bear down on the fugitive again. - -"What does he hope to gain by all this, sir?" asked George, when they -had missed the swimmer for the fourth time, and were waiting for him to -appear again. - -"Oh! Glenwood is a keen one," replied the government agent. "Depend on -it he has several irons in the fire. Perhaps he expects to get a chance -to land on the Canadian shore, where I could not very well chase him. -Then again he keeps hoping that our good friend, the moon, will kindly -hide again. That would give him all the opportunity he wants to come up, -get a breath, and vanish without being seen. There he is, George; back -up this time!" - -So the merry chase continued--at least it may have seemed that to the -two boys, but must have assumed a more serious aspect with the man they -were after. Jack could not but admire the nerve and audacity of the -swimmer. He even secretly began to hope Glenwood might get away; for -after all it was none of their business, though the fellow was really a -criminal, in that he was breaking the laws of the land. - -But George had entered heart and soul into the game, and was determined -to do all he could to assist the revenue man. He backed the boat so fast -that soon the swimmer had to duck again. - -"He's getting weaker all the time, boys," remarked the agent, in a -satisfied tone. "We have only to keep this system of tactics up a little -longer, and Glenwood will be only too glad to come in out of the wet, or -drown." - -"Oh! I hope that doesn't happen," said George. - -"Little fear," replied the other. "Like most of us, Glenwood clings on -to life, and always has hopes of escaping. Do you see him yet, either of -you?" - -"Not on this side," replied Jack. - -"And I don't glimpse him here," George went on. - -"But he's been under almost a full minute now, and that's a long time -for one as exhausted as he must be," the agent remarked, seriously. - -"Oh! I hope he hasn't acted like I've known wounded ducks to do," said -George, "go to the bottom, and hold on to the eel grass until they -drown. That would be terrible." - -"And if he'd only held out a few minutes more he might have had the -chance he was looking for, sir," said Jack; "for there's another bunch -of clouds making up toward the moon." - -"Just so, Jack," remarked the revenue man, glancing aloft; "and I wager -Glenwood knew that fact, too." - -"But where can he be, sir? It would be impossible for any one to stay -under so long. I'm something of a swimmer myself, and I know I -couldn't," George went on, anxiously. - -"Sure he didn't bob up quietly, take a breath or two, and sink out of -sight again?" asked the other. - -Both boys declared they were positive that such had not been the case. -The revenue man remained there for another minute, as though pondering. -Then Jack saw him look up and smile. He did not call out, but made a -mysterious motion with his hand that seemed to call for silence. - -Then Jack saw him creeping slowly and cautiously toward the stern of the -boat. George stared with wide open eyes, as though the startling thought -had come to him that their passenger had suddenly gone crazy. But if so, -there was a method in his madness, and Jack had guessed it. - -The stern of the _Wireless_ was not an over-hang, but the customary -square one of a speed boat. Still, any one in the water could hang on to -the rudder, keeping clear of the propeller; and while the boat was -stationary, be concealed from the view of those aboard, unless indeed, -some inquisitive person thrust his head far out over the edge. - -Undoubtedly the cunning Glenwood had conceived this to be a good plan, -to rest, and wait for the cloud to cover the face of the moon, when he -could dip again, and pass away under the water beyond reach of their -limited vision. - -Jack almost ceased to breathe, so intensely interested was he in -watching the advance of the revenue man. It was a case of diamond cut -diamond, apparently, and victory would go to the keener mind. - -Now the agent was crawling over the stern, and evidently getting in -readiness to suddenly swoop his arm down, with fingers extended, to -clutch anything he might come in contact with there. - -He made the movement with a celerity that reminded Jack of the swoop of -a hawk on a pigeon. And apparently he must have gauged his action -nicely; for immediately there arose a yell, and a threshing of the water -followed; while the agent held on desperately, calling to the others for -assistance. - -Two hands were seen to clutch the brass rail; and then a head came into -view. - -"No need to yank my hair out; I'm coming aboard all right, Carson!" -gasped the exhausted swimmer; but the government agent evidently looked -upon him as a slippery customer, for he declined to release his clutch -until the man had been pulled wholly into the boat, and stretched on his -back in the bottom. - -Jack felt a queer chill when he heard something "click," and realized -that for the first time in all his life he saw a prisoner hand-cuffed. -But Glenwood did not appear to be very much cast down. He had faced this -situation a long time, and evidently discounted all its terrors. He even -laughed as soon as he got his breath. - -"It was some fun while it lasted, Carson," he said. - -"And you came near playing it on me for good," replied the other, -laughing in his turn. "I only fell to your smart trick by accident. -Seemed to me I felt something bump against the side of the boat, when -none of us chanced to be moving. And then I figured what I would do -myself in a similar case. That was how I came to hit on your game, -Glenwood." - -"How about my friends; did they get away?" asked the other. - -"George," the agent went on, "turn around, and we'll head back; if -you're in doubt I can tell you just where we'll find the other boat, -first of all, and then the island where your comrades are waiting." - -Then he turned to his prisoner, saying: - -"Neither of them took the dare you set, Glenwood; and we got the upper -hand of both in short order. Besides, there are three chaps with their -legs tied up, on the island." - -"A clean sweep, you've made of it, then," remarked the smuggler, -disconsolately; "bagged the whole lot, and the stuff in the bargain. -Well, I knew how it would be when I heard they were sending you up here, -Carson. Sooner or later I guessed we'd be up against it, and meet with -our finish. But it came quicker than I expected." - -He said nothing more, nor did the government agent seem disposed to -enter into further conversation just then. Keeping at the elbow of the -pilot, he watched him head the boat along toward where George thought -the _Flash_ would be found. And that his judgment was good they -presently saw, when in the moonlight the other motor boat was discovered -quite motionless on the river. - -George gave a signal, which was immediately answered. When they drew -alongside it was to find that both Clarence and Bully Joe were awaiting -their coming with more or less eagerness. - -"Thank goodness!" said the owner of the _Flash_; "now we'll get rid of -these ugly fellows. They just pounced down on us several days ago, and -we've had to do what they wanted ever since. I hope, sir, you won't -bother taking us along with you, because we've had nothing to do with -their games. We were prisoners, that's right. I was threatened with all -sorts of terrible things if I refused to run the boat as that man -wanted." - -"Oh! I understand that, young fellow," said Mr. Carson, pleasantly. "All -I want you to do is to accompany us back to the island, carrying those -you have aboard. I'll relieve you of them there, and you can go about -your business. I have no call out for you. But next time I advise you to -be a little more careful whose company you accept. It got you into -trouble once, and may again." - -"I declare I have no idea where our blooming old haunted island lies," -admitted George, frankly; "and I'll have to ask you to stand by sir, to -tell me how to steer." - -"That's easily done, George;" laughed the other. "And you've been a big -help to me, something I'll not soon forget either. Clarence, keep as -close by us as is safe; and we'll have no more racing as we return, -remember." - -Clarence had something on his mind, nor could he keep from saying what -it was. - -"Think you climbed up on me hand over fist, don't you, George," he -remarked, as the two speed boats got under way once more. "Well, you've -got another think coming, that's what. He ordered me to hit up my -hottest pace, and I told him I was doing it; but all the same I kept a -bit in reserve. The _Flash_ can do better; and some fine day you'll all -get your eyes opened, perhaps. I played my little game to get rid of -unwelcome passengers, leaving the question about which was the faster -boat to be settled some other time. See?" - -"That's a likely story," sneered George, who would not think of letting -any one dim the glory that the dashing _Wireless_ had so gallantly won; -and least of all Clarence Macklin. "Tell that to the marines, will you? -But if the chance ever comes I'll try it all over with you for fair. -Meanwhile don't bother yourself boasting how you're going to cut figure -eight's around me, with that pirate boat of yours. She looks dangerous; -but in a race something besides looks counts. I've got it right here. -That'll be enough for you, Clarence," and George declined to exchange -any further words with the skipper of the defeated motor boat. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII--BUSTER'S HOUR OF TRIUMPH - - -It proved that Mr. Carson knew his St. Lawrence in the neighborhood of -the Thousand Islands by heart, so that even in the misty moonlight he -was able to guide the two speed boats back to the haunted island. - -Their arrival was the signal for an outburst of cheers from those of the -motor boat boys who had been left behind. - -Great was the excitement that took possession of the four when they -discovered that it was Clarence and Bully Joe who were now in charge of -the mysterious dark speed boat; and after finding out that three -smugglers lay in the bottom, with their ankles tied, and steel bracelets -on their wrists, Nick and Josh were so overwhelmed with amazement that -they could hardly speak for a brief time. And as the others realized, -when the tall lad lost his voice it must be something wonderful indeed -that had happened. - -Mr. Carson meant to lose no time. He sent his Indian assistant across -the island to take the little canvas collapsible canoe, and cross over -to a neighboring piece of land, where their noisy motor boat had been -concealed earlier in the evening. - -Of course the boys now understood that it had been this river craft -whose loud, rattling pulsations they had caught at the time George first -mentioned hearing the sounds. - -When, a little later, the pilot returned, bringing the snub-nosed boat -with him, the three prisoners were transferred without much trouble. -After that the revenue man and his helper went ashore to complete the -job. One by one they brought off the trio of prisoners who had been left -there helpless. - -Finally they carried aboard the large packs that Jack had seen hidden in -the cavity under the old straw in the cabin's earthen floor. - -"I think that finishes the job," remarked the energetic agent, as he -wiped his wet forehead. "And I must admit that, taken as a whole, it's -about the most satisfactory piece of business I've handled for a long -time." - -"Did you get them all, sir?" Josh asked, filled with admiration for the -man who could engineer a big scheme like this and bring it to a -successful close. - -"The entire working force is now in custody, I believe," replied Mr. -Carson. "To be sure there are probably some persons connected with the -band whom we will never lay hands on; such as those who supplied the -funds, and shipped the goods across the border. But it may be possible -to catch some of the guilty receivers over on our side of the river. -When rogues find themselves fast in the toils, they frequently offer to -confess all they know in order to curry favor with the authorities. And -secretly, between us, I imagine Glenwood may yet be induced to turn -state's evidence." - -"Are you going to leave us now, sir?" asked Jack, seeing that the other -was evidently preparing to cross over to his own well laden motor boat. - -"Yes," came the reply. "The sooner I get this cargo behind the bars, the -better. But I want to shake hands with each one of you, and thank you -again most heartily for the assistance you have given me in this matter. -I don't mean to let it drop there; and you may expect to hear from me -again, since Jack Stormways has given me his address. Good night boys, -and may the balance of your vacation be as peaceful as the beginning has -been stormy." - -"Oh! well, we've sure enjoyed it, Mr. Carson," said George, "and it was -worth a heap to me to have that chance to try conclusions with the -_Flash_." - -"I've no doubt of it, George," laughed the agent, as he clambered over -the side of his stubby little launch. "And since I miss that same evil -looking boat, I surmise that our friend Clarence did not care to stay -here in your company any longer than he could help." - -"He scooted off as soon as you had gone ashore for the prisoners, sir," -observed Nick, who wanted to have a last word with the man he admired so -much. - -And in another minute the Indian pilot had set his chatterbox of an -engine to beating a lively tattoo, upon which the stub-nosed launch -began to draw away. As long as it remained in sight in the moonlight the -boys cheered, and called goodbyes, so that if there chanced to be any -more ghosts lingering about that haunted island they must have taken -this for a clear defiance of their power, and concluded to remain in -hiding during the balance of the stay of the motor boat boys. - -"Think we can pick up a few winks of sleep, fellows?" asked George, when -the clatter of the loud-voiced engine had been mellowed by distance. - -"We ought to try, anyhow," said Jack, "Seems to me we've had our rest -pretty badly broken up lately. For one I'm going to forget it all for a -while." - -But the chances were that none of them got any satisfactory sleep during -the balance of that eventful night. - -On the following morning they prepared to vacate the cove that had been -their anchorage for so long. All of them first went ashore; for Nick and -Herb were very anxious to see the cabin, and the hole in the floor were -the smugglers kept their goods concealed after secretly bringing the -stuff over from the Canada mainland, waiting until a good chance opened -to scatter it through the state, free of duty. - -"Well," declared Nick, as they prepared to get underway later in the -morning; "this has been a great experience all around, sure enough. And -it ended fine--that is for us boys, though I guess poor old Glenwood and -his fellow conspirators don't feel so very gay over it." - -"And don't forget our friends, Clarence and Bully Joe, while about it," -spoke up George. "Just stop and think what Macklin went through--held a -prisoner by those reckless men, and threatened with all sorts of trouble -if he so much as squeaked on 'em. Then forced to do whatever they -wanted. And last, but far from least, beaten in a fair race by this -dandy little meteor boat that he once sneered at. That's glory enough -for me, I'm telling you, shipmates." - -"I guess we all enjoyed it," remarked Josh. - -"Yes, so far as I'm concerned I'd be quite contented and happy right -now, if I only knew one thing," remarked Nick, looking doleful again. - -"Here, don't you go to starting up your tune about that break," said -George, "we all agreed long ago that if you _did_ leak to Clarence, you -never would have done it on purpose. So forget it." - -"But I tell you I can't," flashed back the fat boy. "I feel sore about -it; and I want to find out the truth so that every one of you'll get -down on your marrow-bones and ask my pardon. And something tells me the -time ain't so far away when that very thing is going to happen." - -"Then speed the hour," grinned Herb; "after you've seen us in a row -asking forgiveness, perhaps we'll have peace, and you'll forget the -incident." - -"Don't count too heavily on that," George said. "You don't know Buster -as well as I do. Just as like as not he'll turn out to be made up the -same way as that thirsty young woman in the sleeping car, you know." - -"But perhaps we don't know, so suppose you tell us," Nick himself burst -out with curiosity consuming him. - -"Oh! I thought it was a chestnut; but if you will have it, listen. A -traveling man, trying to go to sleep, heard some woman keep on saying -out loud in the berth next to him 'Oh! I am so thirsty! Oh! I am so -thirsty!' When he couldn't stand for it any longer he got up, went and -fetched a glass of water, and begged her to accept it. Then he went back -to his berth, thinking he would have peace. But soon he heard the same -woman saying over and over again: 'Oh! I was so thirsty! I was so -thirsty!' So look out Buster don't play that game on you, Herb." - -There was a shout at this, in which Nick joined; for being a -good-natured chap in the main, he could take a joke that was leveled at -himself. - -About nine o'clock the signal was given, and the three motor boats -forming the cruising fleet pulled out of the friendly cove. Those on -board looked back with more or less rejoicing and regret at the scene of -their recent adventures. They would not soon forget all that had -happened since first they dropped in there for a night's stay. And -Jack's entries in the official log would doubtless prove very -entertaining reading for the folks at home. - -Upon examining the bow of his speed boat George had found where that -bullet had struck, that was fired last of all by the desperate smuggler, -in hopes of frightening the boy at the wheel of the pursuing craft. - -It had made quite a hole, though fortunately doing no real damage. Later -on he could of course, have the aperture plugged; but for the present it -would stand as a mute witness to the truth of the adventurous story the -boys had to tell. If any one of their mates at home ventured to scoff at -the idea of their having been actually under a hot fire, he stood ready -to pry that bit of lead out of its lodgings, and thus confound the -skeptic. - -They were now on the second week of their vacation, and of course had -lots of territory to cover still, before they could say they had -exhausted the pleasures of this wonderful cruising ground. But already -the motor boat boys were looking forward to another daring venture, and -all of them had written home to gain the consent of those who must be -consulted ere determining positively on their plans. - -This included a long trip through lakes Ontario and Erie, up past -Detroit into Lake Huron, along the shore of this great body of water -until the wonderful Soo was reached at the head of the St. Mary's river; -and then possibly into Superior; winding up with a run down Lake -Michigan to Milwaukee, where the boats could be sent home the same way -they had left, via railroad. - -Of course, being real boys, once a great undertaking like this had -formed itself in their minds they could talk of little else. And Jack -knew very well that if any determined opposition developed at home, that -would put a damper on the grand scheme, there would be a feeling of -gloom settle down over the whole expedition. - -After leaving the haunted island the first object of the boys was to get -back to Clayton, and not only replenish their depleted supplies, but -gather up any mail that would, according to orders, be held for them at -the post office there. - -Josh went ashore to get the mail, while Jack looked after the supplies. -Nick seemed unusually uneasy all the time they were gone; and upon their -showing up he demanded shrilly that the letters be distributed without -delay. - -"Only one for you, Pudding," jeered the letter carrier, as he held it -up; "and seems to me I smell violet perfume on that. Must be a dainty -billet doux from Rosie Sinclair; but here, take it and go off by -yourself. It would make us all die of envy to see you reading such sweet -stuff, when we are forgotten by our best girls." - -Nick eagerly snatched the missive from his hand, and with trembling -fingers tore it open. A minute later the others were astonished to hear -him give a loud whoop. - -"What did I tell you, fellows?" he exclaimed, trying to dance around -like a wild Indian, and waving the open letter. "Mebbe I ain't something -of a detective myself? Come around here, every one of you now, and get -ready to do that marrow-bone act you promised." - -"What's all this mean? Has he gone out of his mind?" asked George. - -"Tell us, Buster," said Jack, who could suspect something of the nature -of the communication Nick had received. - -"His dad has said he can take the northern cruise, that's what!" -remarked Josh, a bit enviously. - -"Oh! you're away off there," cried the fat boy, derisively. "Why, you -couldn't guess the truth in a month of Sundays, Josh. It takes real -brains to figure out a solution to a mystery like that. And I did it, -all by my little self." - -"Great governor!" ejaculated George, "listen to him, would you, fellows? -Honest now, if it don't sound as if he'd found out where that leak lay. -Here, Buster, it isn't fair to keep us on the ragged edge so long. Open -up now, and explain. Did anybody talk in their sleep? Who told Clarence -our plans?" - -"You did, George; yes, and so did Jack and Herb and Josh--I guess Jimmie -and myself had a hand in it too!" laughed the fat boy, to their great -mystification! - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII--HAPPY DAYS--CONCLUSION - - -"Poor old Buster! He's sure getting weak in the upper story," said -George. - -"It's going to be a strait-jacket for him before long!" sighed Josh. - -But Jack spoke not a word; for he could somehow see further than the -rest of the boys, and understood that Nick held a strong hand. - -"Oh! is that the way you're thinking?" said the fat boy, still trembling -with the violence of his excitement. "Just wait till I read this little -letter, and then if you're honest you'll do the right thing by poor old -Buster." - -"He's going to read Rosie's little note to us, fellows!" cried Josh, -pretending to be horror-stricken at such a base betrayal of confidence. - -"Who said it was from Rosie, or any girl at all?" demanded Nick, -indignantly. "Look at the name signed at the bottom, and you can read -Aleck. Yes, it's from my old friend, Aleck Sands. I wrote him a week -ago, when that bright thought first dazzled me. And you remember, when -Josh here gave me that start by talking through that old rusted tin -water pipe? Well, that made me believe harder than before that I'd got -on the track." - -"Read the letter, plague take you, Nick!" roared impatient George; -"don't you see you're giving some of us heart disease right now, with -your everlasting slow way of getting at things." - -So Nick, assuming a posture that, according to his mind signified the -attitude of a victor awaiting the laurel wreath, began in his slow way. - - "Dear Buster: - - "As soon as I got your interesting letter I hit it up for the - school house. Found old Crusty Bill Edwards hard at work, and - had to bribe him to let me get in. Went up to the little room - where we hold our club meetings. Yes, you were right, Buster; - the register from the furnace in that room does back into the - cloak room. Found both of 'em shut, but got old Bill to stand in - the club room while I opened the registers, and then listened in - the cloak closet while he talked to himself. And Buster, why, - say, I could near hear the old man _think_, every sound came - through that hole so plain. If you fellows talked about your - plans that day you were there, and Clarence was hiding in the - cloak room, make up your mind, old chap, he heard every word you - said; In a hurry so I'll ring off. - - - "Yours, Aleck." - - -As Nick read the last word he paused and looked expectant. His -motor-mates stared at one another as though for the moment rendered -incapable of speech. The cleverness of the fat boy's deduction was -stunning; had it sprung from Jack, now, they might not have considered -it so very wonderful; but to think that Buster, always so slow to grasp -anything, could have done it, fairly staggered them. - -Jack was the first to recover. Laughingly he dropped on one knee beside -Nick, and seizing the fat hand of the victor he pretended to kiss it -with due humility. - -The others entered into the spirit of the occasion; and right there on -the dock, regardless of the stares of passersby, the five clung around -the grinning Buster, begging him to forgive their thick-headedness, and -restore them to favor. - -Nick of course, enjoyed the game most heartily, and laughed himself into -a fit of choking, as he raised his chums, one by one, and tapped them on -the head in token of his pardon. - -"However did you come to think of it?" asked George, a little later, as -they were once more aboard their boats, and ready to start forth in -search of new adventures. - -"I dreamed about it, and that's the truth," declared Nick, solemnly; nor -could they ever get him to change his assertion. "Woke me right up in -the middle of the night too. Thought I saw Clarence peekin' through a -hole, and laughing to beat the band; and then I saw the silly crowd in -the next room. That gave me an idea, and started me to thinking. I -believed I remembered that register, and had an idea there was another -one just back of it opening into that cloak room. Now you don't blame me -for wanting to get that letter, do you?" - -"I should say not," declared George frankly. "Why you've just covered -yourself with glory, Buster. After this, when anything mysterious -happens, we'll turn to you to guess the answer. You ought to be a -lawyer, sure." - -"Or a revenue man," suggested Herb. - -"Guess Buster'd like to be the head steward on a big Atlantic liner best -of all," was the wicked remark of the envious Josh. - -But the fat boy was in a jolly frame of mind, and could not be provoked -by any sort of fling just then. He turned to his tormentor, and smiling -sweetly, remarked: - -"Josh knows my weak point; but then you fellows understand that it's -only green envy that makes him say such things. Right now he'd give -almost anything if only he had my honest appetite. I never make faces at -my meals. Why, I'm ready for one right at this present minute, fellows." - -"Well," said Jack, "let's get off a few miles from Clayton before we -think to start the stoves going. Perhaps we'll find a nice quiet place -where we can go ashore, and do the cooking stunt. This place is too -thickly populated to make a show of ourselves to the gaping natives." - -"Now, I know you mean me when you say that, Jack," observed Nick, -reproachfully. "But while I confess that I've got a bully good appetite, -I hope I don't disgrace the bunch when I join in the eating game. Herb, -are we ready to start? While we are moving along I'll try and hatch up a -new dish out of my new book here, that will make your mouths water." - -"If Herb was wise he'd have drowned that cook book long before this," -muttered Josh, as George gave his engine a fling and immediately started -away in the lead. - -The three motor boats kept close company. George had apparently -experienced all the running on ahead he wished, during that previous -memorable cruise down the Mississippi; and was content after rushing -half a mile in the lead to slow down and let the others catch up with -him. - -He was in great spirits this morning. That wonderful little race in the -moonlight on the preceding night, with its successful termination, had -made him fall in love with his cranky speed boat more than ever. He -could hardly talk intelligently about anything else; and finally the -others declared that he was even a worse sinner in that respect than -Nick had ever been. - -The day was sunshiny, and everything around them seemed joyous, so it -was not to be thought strange that the motor boat boys were every little -while bursting out in snatches of song, or exchanging joking remarks as -the boats chanced to close up. - -"Wonder if we'll ever hear from the gentleman again?" Herb was saying, -as they later on headed for a bit of lonely shore, where it seemed -inviting to campers. - -"If you mean Mr. Carson," Jack replied, "I'm sure we will, for he gave -his promise; and a man like him never goes back on his word. I've an -idea he means to send us some little thing to put in our clubroom, to -remember the adventure by." - -"As if we'd be likely to ever forget it?" laughed George, patting his -throbbing motor affectionately. - -"I've thought up that new mess, fellows!" called out Nick, just then. - -Everybody groaned in unison. - -"You know we've always had Boston baked beans and coffee for lunch -whenever we got a chance to go ashore at noon. All right. I'm for -progress. I like to vary our meals some. Let's turn things upside down, -and right around. If you agree, then today let the bill of fare be -coffee and Boston baked beans." - -"Bully for Buster! He's the one bright mind in the bunch!" laughed -George. - -"We can have a new dish every day at that rate, fellows!" sang out Herb. - -And so, joking and laughing in this way, they ran close in, found a deep -place to anchor the three motor boats, and began to get ashore with such -things as they needed for the meal. - -The future looked very bright to those six jolly fellows just then, with -never a cloud in sight. Presently they hoped to be hearing the returns -from home, when they would know whether their plan for an extended -cruise was looked upon favorably by the powers that controlled their -destinies. - -But no matter what the outcome of that proposition might be, they did -not mean to worry over anything. The great St. Lawrence was an ideal -cruising place, and doubtless if they were forced to stay there during -the balance of the summer they could find plenty of amusement in the way -of fishing, racing, and exploring. - -Only Josh solemnly expressed the hope that in their "nosing around," as -he called it, they might not happen upon another haunted island. Once -spelled enough for him; and there was no telling but that on another -occasion the ghost might prove to be more real than the one manufactured -by Glenwood and his fellow smugglers, to frighten the owners of the -three motor boats away from their pet cove. - -There was always the chance that sooner or later they would again run -across Clarence Macklin and his crony, Bully Joe Brinker. George would -be only too glad of another opportunity to test his beloved _Wireless_ -against the very best that the _Flash_ could put forth. - -"Make up your mind, George," said Jack, when his chum was mentioning -this thing one day. "You never would get that tricky Clarence to -acknowledge your boat to be better than his. If you beat him six times -he'd have six good excuses ready, and each one different from all the -rest. Whoever caught him with the goods on, and made him confess? A -fellow he didn't know stopped him and stuck the things in his pocket. He -was right then on the way to hand them over to the police. Don't you -remember when he said that? Well, you may have your race, and win out -handsomely, but don't expect Clarence to hand you an honest admission -that his boat ran second." - -"I don't," grinned George; "but I'd like to race him all the same; and I -only hope the chance comes along, sooner or later." - -Perhaps it would, for stranger things were likely to happen to the motor -boat boys than that they would run across Clarence again during their -outing days. - -"I saw him in Clayton when ashore," remarked Jack. "He was talking with -a man who, from his soiled clothes, I'd take to be an engineer, or -something like that." - -"Sure," laughed George, evidently pleased. "Knowing that in her present -condition the _Flash_ is no match for my bully boat, he's going to see -if she can't be improved somehow, so as to squeeze just a little more -speed out of her. Huh! perhaps I might do something of that kind myself. -But just wait and see, fellows. If there is another race between us it's -going to be for keeps." - -When some time later their mail began to arrive from home it might be -judged from the excitement and congratulations to be heard that -favorable replies were coming in from headquarters. And that this was -really the fact, the reader who has been interested in the fortunes of -Jack and his chums thus far, will take for granted, when he learns that -the title of the next volume in this series, already published, and -ready for his enjoyment, is: "The Motor Boat Boys on the Great Lakes; -or, Young Pilots to the Rescue." - - - THE END. - - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTOR BOAT BOYS ON THE ST. -LAWRENCE *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35728 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. 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