With a rapidly beating heart Ned watched the man until he had disappeared into the cabin. Then without making any noise, for he wore rubber soled shoes, he hurried up the dock to the pavilion where the minstrel performance was going on. He wanted to tell his chums and decide on a plan of action.
“They’re plotting to wreck a vessel,” thought Ned. “They’re going to do something to the lighthouse light. We must stop them.”
There was such a big crowd at the show that the boy had some difficulty in locating his companions. When he did find them it was in the middle of a chorus, and Ned did not wish to disturb the audience in going to them, as the two lads were seated well up front. When he did reach them he whispered:
“Come out! I’ve got something important to tell you!”
“Leave us alone,” spoke Bob. “Go back and dream about Jessica if you want to. This is fine, and we haven’t eaten yet.”
“Oh, hang you and your eating!” exclaimed Ned in such a loud whisper that he attracted the attention of several around him.
His manner showed his chums there was something up, and without waiting for the show to be over they went with Ned. When he was outside he quickly told them what he had heard.
“Are you sure you weren’t dreaming?” asked Jerry, half inclined to doubt what Ned had related.
“Come on, and I’ll show you the sloop.”
The boys went down on the end of the dock where their own, as well as the sailing vessel had been fastened. Ned was leading the way. As he reached the place where the Dartaway had been he stopped and rubbed his eyes.