While the Sybil paused to pick up Dick, the other launch forged ahead, and now had disappeared from view around a bend in the creek.
Shirley turned to the owner of the boat.
“Can we catch them?” she asked anxiously.
“Just leave it to me,” returned the man grimly. “If they stay in the water we’ll come up with them before long.”
Rounding the bend they again came in sight of the other launch, and as they did so Shirley uttered a cry of dismay.
Close into the shore the pursued launch rode gently upon the water. Her engines had been stopped, and she had been deserted. There was not a soul aboard.
“Where do you suppose they have gone?” demanded Mabel.
“They have taken to the woods,” replied Shirley, “and the chances are we have lost them altogether.”
Jenkins, for as such the owner of the Sybil introduced himself, ran his launch close beside the other, and all stepped quickly ashore. In the soft mud, footsteps leading toward the woods nearby were plainly visible, showing that the fugitives had gone in that direction.
“We’ll follow them, if you give the word, Miss Willing,” said Dick.