“No. He either got away, or else the wolves have made way with him.”
This reply brought forth more questions, and Avery had to tell his story.
It appeared to disconcert the trio not a little.
“Well, if the boy is gone and the boat too, I don’t see what we are going to do about it,” said Mr. Norton.
“The neighborhood is getting too hot for us,” added Avery. “I move we build a raft rather than stay here to be captured.”
“Easier said than done,” said Yates. “Building a raft is all well enough in a story-book, but that is as far as it goes. That boy must have a boat somewhere. I move we separate and hunt her up.”
This was finally agreed to, and the party of three broke up. Mr. Norton started around the west shore, and I followed him.
Upon the water it was quite bright, and I had no doubt but that sooner or later one of the party would see the Catch Me and notify the others. My one hope was that Ford might return before the discovery occurred. If he did not, how was the band of robbers to be traced afterwards?
Suddenly an idea struck me, and I upbraided myself for not having thought of it before. It was to wade out to my craft, board her, and sail out and stand guard around the island until the arrival of the police.
I resolved to act upon the inspiration at once. Pulling off my shoes and stockings, I fastened them securely around my neck, and made for the shallow offing where the Catch Me lay.