"It wasn't that, Uncle Dick," answered the youth. "Somebody has stolen the sloop."
"Stolen the sloop!" ejaculated all of the gentlemen on the yacht.
"Yes. We tied her up and went to the hill, and somebody took her as soon as we had our backs turned."
Paul told his story and the others corroborated him. The gentlemen were very much interested.
"And you think it was Dan Marcy did this?" questioned Mr. Shale.
"Yes—but we are not certain," answered Joe.
"It would be just like Marcy," put in Mr. Westmore. "Remember what he has done in the past."
"Which way did he go?" asked Mr. Felding.
The boys pointed out the direction, and all decided to follow in the course of the Sprite.
"We can't spend too much time in the search," observed Mr. Westmore. "Remember, the folks at home are very anxious concerning all of the boys."