Dora got down and looked through the keyhole. It was clear and she quickly inserted the key taken from the hook. It fitted perfectly, and in a second more the door was unlocked.
"Wait,—until I make sure that nobody is around!" whispered Dora.
She was so agitated she could scarcely speak.
She opened the door cautiously and looked out. Not a soul was in sight. From the galley came a steady hum of voices and a rattle of pots and dishes.
"They are too busy to watch us just now—the way is clear," she whispered. "Come on."
"Let us lock the door behind us, and stuff the keyhole," answered
Nellie. "Then they will think we are inside and won't answer."
This was done, and with their hearts beating wildly the two girls stole to the end of the houseboat, where lay the small rowboat Dora had mentioned.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE SEARCH ON THE RIVER
As may be surmised, the news which Dick and Tom had to tell to the others at the stock farm produced great excitement.
"Dora and Nellie gone!" gasped Mrs. Stanhope. "Oh, Dick, what has become of them?"