As they were trailing through the woods toward the camp, Harry suddenly put up his hand.
“Listen! Don’t you hear some persons talking?” he asked.
“Where can it be?” asked Jerry.
“Down by the camp,” said Blumpo.
“Si Peters’ crowd, I’ll bet a new hat!” cried Jerry. “Come on, all of you!”
The young oarsman broke into a run, and Harry and Blumpo came after, with the hermit lagging on behind. A turn in the brush brought them in sight of the camp.
There were Si Peters, Wash Crosby, and four others in the act of shoving Harry’s craft into the water.
“They intended to run off with our boat!” yelled Jerry. “Stop, there, you thieves!”
“Stop, or we’ll fire on you!” added Harry.
The Peters crowd were surprised and alarmed. They hesitated for a moment.