"I shan't play any game on you. Just say what you want done and I'll help you all I can—providing that launch takes us down the river as quick as it can."
"Ha! Maybe you want to get away, too, eh?"
"I want to get down the river, yes. Perhaps I'll tell you more,—after I am certain I can trust you," added Baxter, significantly.
"Good enough, I'll go you. If that other launch comes up, tell 'em anything but that you have strangers on board, or that you have seen us."
"I will."
"If you play us foul—"
"I shan't play you foul, so don't worry."
By this time the second launch was coming up through the mist and the two men from Kentucky retired to the cabin of the houseboat. In the meantime the first launch had tied fast to the Dora and was beginning to tow the houseboat down the stream.
"Boat, ahoy, there!" was the call.
"Ahoy!" answered the man on the first launch.