As the boys were getting out of their boat they saw a man coming down toward where the oil lamps were usually filled. At first they thought it was Bill Berry, but a second look showed them it was not.
“Got a new helper?” asked Jerry, trying to speak calmly.
“Yes, my other one skipped off yesterday. This chap came along and I hired him. Had to have some one in a hurry.”
[CHAPTER XXVI]
HELD PRISONERS
The boys glanced at each other. This was something they had not counted on. Evidently Bill’s companions had told him what had happened, the night the motor boat was stolen, and he had fled, for some reason. It looked as if the scheme of the plotters had fallen through.
“Did Bill—er—did your other helper say where he was going?” asked Ned.
“Not a word. He was filling the lamps—let’s see—it was yesterday morning—come to think of it. A boat pulled up at my dock, and a man got out and spoke to Bill. I had to go up in the tower, then. When I came down Bill was gone and so was the man in the boat.”
“Rather strange,” commented Jerry.