"What is that?" questioned Slugger, very faintly.
"It is a case that Captain Larkins of the steam tug, Mary D., has lodged against you. He says he has absolute proof that both of you went out in a motor boat one day and tampered with the towing line and the chains of a large lumber raft, so that when a sudden squall came up on the lake, the towing line parted and the lumber raft went to pieces."
"Oh, say! that must have been the squall we were out in!" exclaimed Randy. "And we got caught among that floating lumber, too!"
"Yes, that was the time," answered Colonel Colby.
"Oh, Colonel! can't we go to our cousins and tell them that they can have their freedom?" questioned Andy, with a sudden thought of those left in the guardroom.
"Yes, Rover. Both of you and also Lowe can go," was the colonel's reply. "I will settle this affair with Brown and Martell."
"And will you settle it with Mr. Lacy, too?" queried Randy, quickly.
"Yes. I will fix the whole matter up. You may tell Jack and Fred that they need not worry any further on this score." And thereupon Andy, Randy and Ned hurried away to bear the glad tidings to the prisoners.
Of course Jack and Fred were greatly pleased to be released. They listened eagerly to all the twins and Ned had to relate.
"So Nappy and Slugger are guilty!" cried Jack. "What a mean way to act!"