"But our folks will be worried over us," came from Link.
"Yes, I promised to be back by nine o'clock sure," added another of the party.
"What can't be cured must be endured," said another.
"I'm sure I tied that boat good and tight," said Joe. "I was very particular about it, Paul."
"I know you were, Joe, for I looked at the rope myself, before coming away," answered Paul Shale. "If the boat is gone——" He did not finish.
"If she couldn't drift away somebody must have taken her," said Bart.
"Don't you remember what Joel Runnell said?" shouted Harry. "I mean about Dan Marcy hanging out up here?"
"I was thinking of him," said Paul. "Do you really think he would dare to take the sloop?"
"That chap would dare to do anything—if he thought he wouldn't be caught," answered Joe. "He is a thoroughly bad egg."
By this time the whole party was well on the way down the hill. As they reached the bottom they noted that the sky to the westward was much overcast.