It did not take us long to cover the distance from Rock Island to the shore. Here I knew of a pretty little cove, well hidden by bushes, that was rarely visited. I ran into it, and there secured the Catch Me, intending to let her remain there until matters were more settled all around.
“Now if you are done with me I’ll leave you right here,” said Darrow as I was about to go back to my small boat. “I want to go up the main road a bit, and see Gus Hallett.”
A moment later I was left alone. I hoisted sail, and was soon standing down to the mill landing. As I approached, another boat rounded the bend. I saw that it contained two strangers, and Ben Pointer the Bend Center constable.
“There is Stone now,” I heard Pointer say.
“Is it? Then arrest him on the spot,” returned one of the strangers. “I am sure he is the thief.”
CHAPTER X.
A SURPRISE.
I was never so astonished in my life as when I heard one of the new-comers in the boat order the constable to arrest me at once. I had done no wrong, and I could not make the matter out.
“Hullo, Stone!” sang out Constable Pointer. “Hold up; we want to see you.”
“I’m going to tie up at the landing,” I replied; and as I spoke I lowered the sail.