“I’m not sure, but I don’t believe he is,” replied Mr. Layton. “I think he is with the gang instead of being kidnapped, but I believe he is more a tool in the hands of designing men than an actual criminal himself. However, we’ll soon see.
“The time the thieves took your motor boat I was after them, but they gave us the slip as you saw. However, I managed to locate a cave where I am sure they have their headquarters.”
“All ready, then!” exclaimed the chief. “We’ll speed the boats up after the scoundrels!”
“Going to make it a night affair?” asked one of the Cresville detectives. “It’ll soon be so dark we can’t see.”
“That’s all right,” said Mr. Layton. “We’ll make a start, and tie up long enough for supper. Then we can go on all night. It will not do to lose any time. Have we any provisions?”
“We can stop at our camp and get some,” said Jerry.
This plan was carried out, and, in a short time, both boats having been well stocked, the craft puffed away toward where the river flowed into the lake.
While the preparations of the police for capturing the thieves were going on, the fellows themselves had not been idle. Once Ned and Bob were aboard the motor boat, and the towing of the schooner was resumed, the robbers followed a well-laid-out plan.
The schooner was taken to the little cove where she was hidden behind the trees. Then, those who had been aboard her, getting into the motor boat, the flight began.