“I see the stars,” whispered Ned. “This must lead to the deck.”
It did, and two minutes more and they stood at the side of the barge, ready to leap overboard. They could see the shore not far away.
“Come on!” said Bart in a low tone.
At that instant a voice called:
“Hi there! Come back! Captain, the boys are escaping!”
The sound of feet running across the deck toward them could be heard. Then, in the light of a lantern, a man was seen approaching where the chums stood.
“Overboard!” yelled Bart.
There were four splashes in the water, and the four boys were striking out for shore.
“Stop the barge!” This was Captain Needham’s voice calling. “Lower a boat! We mustn’t let ’em get away! After ’em men!”
There was a ringing of bells. The water churned under the stern of the Comet as the engine was reversed. Then came the sound of a boat being lowered. A few seconds later it struck the water.