“It may lead to their capture—and that will be something,” was Jack’s comment.
“They sure was crazy—to steal the looking-glass and the inkwell,” said Mr. Chetwood. “I am glad they didn’t harm Nat. Being a cripple, he can’t defend himself very well.”
“I shall do all I can to capture them,” said Mr. Strong.
“You’ll have to capture them,” said Mrs. Chetwood. “Why everybody will be afraid to stir out—with two crazy men roaming the woods.”
The secret could not be kept longer, and by Sunday persons living for miles around knew that the crazy men who had once before been in that vicinity were again at large. A large number of men and boys went out to hunt for the pair, but without avail. George Strong offered a reward of one hundred dollars for their capture, but even this did not bring them to light.
As soon as the young major got his sloop back from the boat builders he tried the craft and found her in prime condition. The new mainsail and the improved tiller worked wonders, to his mind, and he took a keen delight in running the Alice up and down the lake in front of Putnam Hall.
“She’s a good deal better than she was,” said he to Pepper. “I am not afraid to match her against anything on this lake.”
“Well, that is saying a good deal, Jack,” returned his chum.
“I know what I am talking about,” was the young major’s confident answer.
During the week Jack met Fred Century, and from the latter learned that the owner of a sloop up the lake was also anxious for a race.