“I calculate that we can reach Hammerstone by twelve o’clock,” said Jack. “And that will be half the journey up the river.”
“And we can reach Rudd’s Landing by nightfall,” put in Boxy. “And start across country for the lake the first thing to-morrow. Did you send word to Barton Coils about taking care of the iceboat for us?”
“Yes, and he said we could stay at his place all night if we wished. I reckon it will be better than trying to put up a hut just for one night.”
Boxy demurred a little at this. He wished to go to camping just as quickly as possible. But the others overruled him.
“We’ll get camping enough, never fear,” remarked Andy. “Remember, we’ll have to put in one night on this side of the lake shore before we strike a suitable place to camp.”
As soon as they reached the vicinity of the river, Harry ran ahead to unfasten the iceboat, and get the craft in readiness for the start.
A few seconds later the others heard him give a cry of wild alarm. He soon reappeared among them.
“The Icicle is gone!” was the startling intelligence he brought.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE STOLEN ICEBOAT.
The other members of the Zero Club came to a dead halt.