The Sylvan Dell, a companion boat to the Morning Star, was on time, and Dick soon found himself on board and bound for Ithaca. He was too excited to keep quiet, and began to pace the boat from stem to stern.
"What's up, my lad?" asked the captain, as he looked at the youth curiously.
"I am in a hurry to get home, sir."
"Well, I'm afraid tramping around won't hurry matters any," and
Captain Miller smiled broadly.
"Do you object to my walking around?" asked Dick, somewhat sharply.
"Oh, no; go ahead. I hope you haven't heard any bad news," went on the captain kindly.
"But I have heard bad news. My father and my uncle were attacked by some man who tried to ransack the house. My uncle was seriously hurt."
"That's bad. I trust they collared the villain."
"No; I guess he got away, for the telegram I received said he was unknown."
"It's too bad. Do your folks live in the city?"