Ben knew better than to reply as he hastened to the shipping door where Mr. Martin waited with his wagon for the sacks of flour. The miller went to the platform on the riverside, Ruth and her friends following him.
"I see it!" cried Tom. "Can't be anybody in it for it's sailing broadside."
Uncle Jabez put the oars in the punt and began to untie the painter.
"All the more reason we should get it," he said drily. "Salvage, ye know."
"You mustn't go alone, Uncle Jabez," Ruth said mildly.
"Huh! why not?" snarled the old miller.
"Something might happen. If Ben can't go, I will take an oar."
He knew she was quite capable of handling the punt, even in the rapids, so he merely growled his acquiescence. At that moment Ruth discovered something.
"Why! the boat isn't empty!" she cried.
"You're right, Ruth! I see something in it," said Tom.