He called Dick and Mr. Livingstone to him and repeated what Captain
Starr had said.
"Such a thing is possible," said Dick. "But we have no proofs."
"If we can catch those thieves as well as Baxter and Flapp it will be a good job done," said the owner of the stock farm. And from that moment he took a greater interest in the pursuit than ever.
Night came on and still they saw nothing of the houseboat. They had gone down the river a distance of twenty miles and were now on their way back.
"We've missed them," said Dick, soberly.
"It certainly looks like it," returned Tom. Every bit of fun had gone out of him. "It's rough, isn't it?"
"I'm thinking of what to telegraph to Mrs. Stanhope and Mrs. Laning," went on the eldest Rover. "I hate to send bad news."
"Tell them you are still following the houseboat and that you know Dora and Nellie are on board. It's the best we can do." And when they landed a message was sent to that effect. Soon a message came back, which read as follows:
"Bring them back safe and sound, no matter what the cost."
"We will, if it can be done," muttered Dick, and clenched his fists with a determination that meant a great deal.