But when they saw the boys they began to row toward them with all swiftness.
"We must recapture them," cried Arnold Baxter. "If they get away, our cake will be dough."
"Then row as hard as you can," replied Captain Langless. He was at one pair of oars while Arnold Baxter was at another. Dan sat in the bow.
Slowly, but surely, the craft drew closer to the Rover boys, until it was less than a hundred feet off. Then it was seen that the lads had separated and were moving in three directions. Dick had ordered this.
"If we separate, they won't catch all of us," were his words. "And whoever escapes can inform the authorities."
On pushed the boys, striving as never before to gain the shore before the rowboat should come up to them.
The small craft headed first for Tom, and presently it glided close to him. He promptly dove, but when he came up Captain Langless caught him by the hair.
"It's no use, lad," said the captain firmly, and despite his struggles hauled him on board.
"Let me go!" roared Tom and kicked out lively. But the captain continued to hold him down, while Arnold Baxter now headed the boat toward Sam.
Sam was almost exhausted, for the weight of his wet garments was beginning to tell upon him. As the rowboat came closer he also thought to dive, but the effort almost cost him his life. He came up half unconscious, and only realized in a dim, uncertain way what was happening.