“I don’t believe I can,” admitted the chief. “I guess we’ll all go back. I’ve done my part in this. Let the local constables finish where I left off. I’ve run their men to cover now let ’em get ’em out.”
“Anyhow you got back our boat for us,” said Jerry, “and we’re much obliged for that.”
Rather tired from the chase and the excitement, the boys and the policemen retraced their steps to the river. They found the two boats awaiting them.
“Did they do any damage to your craft?” asked the chief of Jerry.
“None that I could notice, but I didn’t make a close examination,” replied the boy. “Come aboard, you’ve never been on her.”
“Thanks,” replied the chief, and, as his men got into the Terror, he stepped into the Dartaway. As he did so he uttered an exclamation.
“What’s the matter? Is she leaking?” asked Jerry in alarm.
“No, but see what I found!” the chief said, holding up a small object he picked from the cockpit of the Dartaway.
“What is it?” asked Ned.