But Bart’s voice had startled the intruder. Ned saw the figure move quickly out of the glare of the flames, and then dart down toward the river.
“They’re after our boats!” yelled Bart, who at that moment saw the figure. “Come on, fellows!”
He ran from the tent followed by his three chums. As he passed the fire Bart threw on some light pieces of wood that blazed up quickly.
In the glow the figure of a man could be seen, headed on the run for the little beach, where the boats were tied. As he ran his coat appeared to flap out behind him, the long tails bobbing about from his motion.
“It’s that tramp!” exclaimed Ned.
“Hi there!” yelled Bart.
They saw the man make a flying leap into a canoe that was drawn up partly on shore. The violence of the motion sent the frail craft well out into the stream and it was caught by the current.
By this time the boys had reached the shore. At first they supposed it was their canoe which the tramp had stolen, but a second glance showed them the green craft still in place beside the rowboat.
“It’s his own canoe,” remarked Frank as the boys watched it floating down stream. There was no sign of the occupant.