“That’s what’s puzzling me,” replied Jerry. “I’m inclined to think that the gang Chief Dalton is after will be found to have some connection with this vessel, and while I have only a mere suspicion of it, I believe the robbery of Mr. Slade’s store is—”
“Look out there! You’re going to hit me! Keep to the left!” exclaimed an excited voice.
Jerry rapidly spun the wheel around and the Dartaway veered to one side with a swish of water, just grazing a rowboat with a man in it, that loomed up dead ahead.
“Almost had me that time,” said the rower pleasantly as the Dartaway slowed up. “It was my fault though, I ought to have had a light.”
His frank admission of his error, and his failure to abuse the boys for nearly colliding with him, as most rowers would have done under the circumstances, made the boys feel at ease.
“Sorry we caused you such a fright,” said Jerry. “Can we give you a tow?”
He swung the search light about to illuminate the rowboat. As he did so he gave an exclamation of astonishment. The rower was none other than the ragged tramp who had been rescued from the hay barge, and who had been given a ride in the Terror following the unsuccessful chase after the motor boat thieves. He recognized the boys at once.
“Oh it’s you, my young preservers!” the tramp said. “Well, we seem fated to meet at odd moments. First you save my life, and then you nearly take it from me. Well, it evens matters up.”
“Can we tow you anywhere?” asked Jerry again.