CHAPTER V.
The Flight On The River.
The boat, by Nick's direction was hastily rowed away from the most conspicuous locality and then brought near the yacht by a roundabout way, in which the supposed river thieves ran less chance of being seen.
It was yet early in the evening, perhaps ten o'clock, but that part of the bay was deserted.
They approached the yacht from the side farthest from the statue, and finally ran up under her stern, where the painter was made fast to the rudder chains.
Then, for many moments, they kept perfectly quiet.
Not a sound disturbed them, and when seemingly satisfied that their approach had been unobserved, Nick leaned over and whispered in Red Rob's ear.
“We're here, pardy,” he said. “I wish I was sure of you, but I ain't, see? Three could do this work better than two; but as it is, you'll have ter stay in the boat, jest as ye are, see? Ef ye croak, er make a sound, I'll knife ye, as sure as my name is Sneaker. Ef ye keep mum, I'll talk to ye later, see?”
Nick turned at once to Chick.
“Rattler,” he whispered.