[THE NEXT INSTANT THERE WAS A RESOUNDING CRASH.]
[CHAPTER V.]
A THIEF IN THE NIGHT.
The shock was so hard that every one on the ferryboat was knocked down, and the auto, breaking from the restraining ropes, ran forward and brought up against the shelving prow of the scow.
“Here, where you fellers goin’?” demanded a voice from amid the scene of wreckage and confusion. “What do ye mean by tryin’ t’ smash me all to splinters?”
At the same time this remonstrance was accompanied by several revolver shots. Then came a volley of language in choice Spanish, and the noise of several men chopping away at planks and boards.
The wind continued to blow and the rain to fall, while the lightning and thunder were worse than before. But the ferryboat no longer tossed and pitched on the storm-lashed river. It remained stationary.
“Now we’re in for it,” shouted the ferryman, as soon as he had scrambled to his feet. “A nice kettle of fish I’m in for takin’ this automobile over on my boat!”