As soon as the shore was reached all sprang out of the boat, which was tied to a bush growing nearby. Then Caleb Belcher led the way along a trail that was rather rough. Presently they came to a road and on it an old farmhouse.
“There is Tony Carew now,” said Belcher, and pointed to an old man who sat on a bench, smoking.
“I didn’t have nuthin’ to do with it—you can’t mix me up in it!” cried Tony Carew, as soon as Dick stated the object of his visit. “I didn’t tech the lady!” And he bobbed his head vigorously. Evidently he was a man easily scared.
“I want to learn if you know anything about it,” returned Dick, sternly. “If you do, tell me.”
“I didn’t tech the lady! I wouldn’t tech nobuddy!” howled Tony Carew.
“Did you see her and the men?”
“Yes—but I didn’t tech nobuddy, I tell you. I stayed in the barn.”
“But you saw her!” cried Dick. “Where did she go? Or where did those men take her?”
“The hull crowd got in a carriage wot was waitin’ down the road.”
“Whose carriage?”