"Yes, but I don't know when."
A time-table was consulted, and it was found that no train could be had from Pleasant Hills to Penwick for two hours and three-quarters.
"That is too late for us," said Dick. "If they saw Tom they'll skip the moment the steamboat touches the landing."
"If you want to catch them why don't you follow them up in the tug?" suggested Songbird.
"Dot's the talk!" came from Hans. "I would like to see you cotch dot
Flapp and Paxter mineselluf."
"I'll use the tug," said Dick.
He summoned the captain and explained the situation. It was found that steam on the tug was low, but Captain Carson said he would get ready to move down the stream with all possible speed.
"I would like you to stay on the houseboat," said Dick, to Songbird, Fred, and Hans. "I don't want to leave Captain Starr in charge all alone."
So it was agreed; and fifteen minutes later the tug was on the way after the Beaver, with Dick, Tom, and Sam on board.
"Can we catch the steamboat, captain?" questioned Tom, anxiously.