“Better be careful,” advised Ned, as he pulled on some garments. “They may be river thieves.”
“Thieves! Thieves!” cried Uriah Snodgrass, sitting up suddenly. “Are they after my specimens! Don’t let them get anything, boys! Those specimens are more valuable than gold! Oh, where are my glasses? I can’t see a thing.”
“Switch off all the lights!” whispered Ned to Jerry. “They can see us in here, and we can’t get a glimpse of them. Turn ’em off!”
Jerry did so, and at once there came another sound as if someone was out on the small after-deck.
“Who’s there?” challenged Ned.
There was no answer. Once more came the noise of a boat rubbing against the side of the Dartaway, and a cautious voice could be heard whispering:
“Come on! Can’t do anything now!”
“Who are you? What do you want?” demanded Jerry, but he received no answer.
With a quick spring Ned was at the cabin door that opened out into a sort of cockpit, and thence, by a short companionway to the deck. Throwing the portal open, Ned flashed on a small searchlight. As he played it about the river he picked up a small boat, containing two persons, who were rowing quickly away.