The night was spent at a hotel in one of the small towns, and at daylight the search for the missing houseboat was renewed. It had been decided to drop down the Ohio further than ever, and look into every smaller stream they came to by the way.
Thus several hours passed, when they found themselves on the south side of the river, not far from the entrance to a good-sized creek.
Down the stream came a worn and battered rowboat in which was seated an old man dressed in rags. As he approached the steam tug he stopped rowing.
"Say," he drawled. "Kin you-uns tell me whar to find a party called the Rovers?"
"That's our party right here," replied Dick, and he added, excitedly:
"What do you want to know for?"
"So you-uns are really the Rovers?"
"Yes."
"Searching fer somebody?"
"Yes,—two young ladies."
"Good 'nough. Got a message for ye."