“We’re not off just yet, Pickles,” said Jack.
“No? I t’ought yo’ wuz gwine soon as de sun shone up?”
“Our iceboat has been stolen. We just found it out,” said Boxy. “Do you know anything about it?”
“Wot? De Isticle gone?” ejaculated the colored youth, with his big eyes rolling in wonder. “Yo’ don’t say! Who dun tuk her?”
“That’s what we want to know,” said Andy.
Pickles began to blink his eyes, as if in deep thought. Then suddenly he slapped his thigh with his broad hand.
“By de boots! I fink I know who dun tuk de Isticle!” he roared.
“You do?” came in concert from the members of the Zero Club.
“Yes, sah!”
“Who?”