A detective telegraphed he had captured two tramps who confessed to a hotel robbery on Lake Otasco.
“That settles it,” said Harry. “We were all wrong, and I am glad we said nothing.”
On the following day they rowed over to Rockpoint for the Whistler. They heard no more about the hotel robbery, and the matter almost slipped their minds. But they were destined ere long to remember the occurrence full well.
Jerry and Harry talked matters over with their parents and made plans to sail down the Poplar River to Long Lake, and go to the yacht races at once.
Jack Broxton was to accompany them. Unfortunately for Blumpo, his father was taken sick and the youth had to remain behind to attend him.
Bright and early the next day the trip was commenced.
It lasted two days and three nights, and then they found themselves out on Long Lake, a large and beautiful sheet of water.
Harry and Jerry had studied up all the newspaper reports concerning the race between the Defender, a splendid yacht from the Poplar River, and the Spray, a craft from up the lake, and they knew exactly where to go in order to see the race to the best advantage.
“I know the captain of the Defender well,” said Harry. “He and father are old friends.”
“Maybe he’ll let you on his yacht then,” said Jerry. “My, but wouldn’t that be jolly!”