“Suppose I do that?” I suggested. “You can take the Mary and run over to Bayport, and return as quickly as possible.”

“But if they leave in the meanwhile?”

“Then I will follow them, and leave directions on a slip of paper pinned to this tree, so that you can follow.”

“That’s a good idea. But aren’t you afraid to stay alone?”

“No.”

“Don’t let them discover you. Remember, a boy can’t stand much show against three men.”

“I’ll be careful, Dan. Of course you know enough to come back as soon as possible.”

“Trust me for that, even if I have to come alone. I won’t be gone more than an hour and a half.”

“All right. Now you had better start without delay.”