"Is that—that you, Mueller?" asked the captain, in a trembling voice.
"Sure it vos me. Vot you did here, tole me dot?"
"I—the rascals tied me fast. They said they'd come and give me a hundred dollars in the morning, but I don't think they'll do it."
"Py chimanatics! Vait a minute." Hans ran outside and waved his lantern. "Come here!" he bawled. "Come here, kvick, eferybody!"
His cry summoned the others, and they quickly gathered at the stable and released the captain. While they were doing this, they made the simple-minded fellow tell his story.
"Describe those two fellows," said Dick, and Captain Starr did so.
The description was perfect.
"Dan Baxter and Lew Flapp!" cried Tom.
"Of course, you didn't send that message?" asked the captain, of Dick.
"I did not, captain. It was a trick to get you away from the Dora and steal the houseboat."
"Is the craft stolen?"