[CHAPTER XV]
THE MOTOR BOAT MISSING
There was no sound save the ripple of water past the side of the craft, and the distant gurgle where the stream flowed over a stony place that formed miniature rapids.
“Who’s there?” asked Jerry again.
This time he heard a splash in the water as if a big fish was moving about.
Jerry knew the river did not boast of sufficiently large finny specimens to careen a boat the size of the Dartaway. Nevertheless something had shifted her.
Jerry was wide awake now. He stepped out into the enclosed space between the bunks that formed a sort of cabin. As he did so he felt the boat rock again; this time so violently as to almost cause him to lose his balance.
To avoid falling Jerry thrust out his hand, and it hit Bob, who was sleeping on the other side of the boat.
“All right! All right! I’m goin’ to get right up!” exclaimed Bob, turning over but evincing no other desire to do as he said he would. He evidently imagined himself in his bed at home, and with his father calling him to get up, for Bob was no light slumberer.