The wind was not strong and the drift of the broken ice was slow. Therefore there was really no danger to be apprehended. The punt was worked along its course with considerable ease.
The boys had to take their turns at the sweeps; but Tom found time to slip back to Ruth before they were half-way across to the island.
"Too bad the old fellow doesn't fall overboard," he growled in Ruth's ear. "Isn't he a snarly old customer?"
"But I suppose the constable has the warrant," Ruth returned, smiling. "So Mr. Blent's elimination from the scene would not help Jerry much."
"I tell you what—you've got to fight fire with fire," observed Tom, after a moment of deep reflection.
"Well? What meanest thou, Sir Oracle?"
"Why, they haven't any business to arrest Jerry."
"Agreed."
"Then let's tip him off so that he can run."
"Where will he run to?" demanded Ruth, eagerly.