When the two iceboats swung about, the one Bobbins manned got away at once and swiftly passed down the lake. The sheet fouled in Tom's boat. Busy Izzy had to drop the sail and the boat was brought to a halt.
"There are Mr. Tingley and Preston going over to talk to the constable and his crowd," remarked Isadore. "See yonder?"
"I hope he sends those men off the island. I don't see what right they have here, anyway," Helen exclaimed.
"If only Jerry knows enough to keep under cover while they are here," said Tom, looking meaningly at Ruth. They both wondered if the fugitive had ventured out of his cave to find the mattock and box of food they had left for him the evening before.
The craft was under way again in a minute or two, and they swept down the course in the wake of the other boat. Suddenly the sharp crack of a rifle echoed across the island. Helen screamed. Ruth risked the boom and sat up to look behind.
"There's a fight!" yelled Busy Izzy. "I believe they're after Jerry."
They saw Mr. Tingley and Preston hastening their steps toward the brook. As the iceboat swept out farther from the shore, the four friends aboard her could see several men running in the same direction. One bore a smoking gun in his hand.
"Right towards that rock, Ruthie!" gasped Tom, venturing a glance behind him.
"What rock do you mean?" demanded his sister.
"The rock where you folks found me the other day. It's near the opening to Jerry's cave. I see them!"